BIMS 2026: Neue Klasse BMW iX3 makes ASEAN debut with 805 km of range
All-new BMW iX3 EV revealed in Bangkok
After making its global debut last year, the all-new BMW iX3 is inching closer to its Philippine launch. This comes after the BMW arrived at the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) with the latest iX3.
Just like the vehicle that was launched in Europe, the iX3 carries the brand’s “Neue Klasse” design philosophy, which is a mix of retro-inspired looks with modern aesthetics. Borrowing inspiration from the classic BMW 2002, the iX3 gets a pair of vertical kidney grilles, along with the eye-catching LED light signatures and headlights that immediately grab your attention.
Speaking of eye-catching, the iX3 also has a distinct side profile, prominent wheel arches, the signature Hoffmeister kink, and stylish alloy wheels that are available in 20, 21, and 22-inch sizes. Last but not least, the iX3 comes with horizontal LED taillights that feature a unique lighting pattern, along with a tailgate spoiler that delivers additional downforce.
Open the doors, and the BMW iX3 invites passengers into the cabin of the future. Much like the recently revealed i3, the all-new iX3 features the brand-new Panoramic iDrive, which spans the entire width of the cabin from pillar to pillar. Not only does it serve as the digital gauge cluster, but it can also display various vehicle information, as well as navigation & weather.
Sitting front & center is a new 17.9-inch touchscreen media display that is powered by the latest BMW Operating System X. It features a more intuitive interface, crisper graphics, and has new menu shortcuts for easier setting or changing of menus. The new touchscreen now also houses the climate control system, which frees up space on the center console.
Also new are the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel. This is surprising, given that some brands like Volkswagen and Honda move away from touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel after customer complaints. As far as luggage space is concerned, BMW says the iX3 can carry up to 861 liters of cargo with the rear seats up and up to 1,841 liters when the rear seats are folded.
For now, the iX3 is only available in the 50 xDrive variant, which comes with a pair of electric motors that deliver a combined 469 PS and 645 Nm of torque. It is then assisted by an 800V architecture and a massive 108.7 kWh battery pack, which gives it a range of up to 805 km based on the WLTP cycle. From a standstill, BMW says the all-new iX3 can catapult itself to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach an electronically-limited top speed of 210 km/h.
The iX3 supports up to 400 kW of fast DC charging, which means it can have up to 372 km of range after a quick 10-minute recharge. Heck, its battery can be replenished from 10% to 80% in as little as 21 minutes when connected to a DC charger. It also has a standard 11 kW AC charger and an optional 22 kW AC charging unit.
With BMW already launching the all-new iX3 in Thailand, it may only be a matter of time before SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. decides to debut the all-new electric crossover.
