The new generation BMW iX3 is preparing for its debut: the crossover was driven on camera

The Bavarian brand's next all-electric SUV is expected to hit the European market in the second half of next year.

The BMW iX3 was presented as a concept back in April 2018, but the production version of this crossover debuted much later, in July 2020. Let us remind you that the model, which is a “green” version of the BMW X3 SUV (changed generation last month), underwent an update already in August next year. And now the Bavarian manufacturer is developing the next generation iX3.

In the photo: a prototype of the new generation BMW iX3

For now, the future new product is at the stage of summer testing. Colleagues from the Spanish publication Motor.es shared with us a portion of fresh pictures of the prototype, which spy photographers caught during tests on public roads in the southern part of Europe. For now, the exterior details of the new crossover are very carefully hidden with the help of camouflage film and additional overlays.

It is assumed that the new generation BMW iX3 will be based on the Vision Neue Klasse X concept, which was presented in March of this year. Judging by the spy shots, the new product will have a different body, a completely new head optics of a narrow shape, and between the headlights, in theory, a narrow plug could be placed in place of the traditional radiator grille, made in the form of elongated branded “nostrils”.

At the bottom of the front bumper there is a large air intake with a large mesh pattern. The prototype was equipped with roof rails, as well as traditional exterior mirrors and unusual door handles: special levers are probably located in the area of ​​​​the glazing line of the side doors. The stern is decorated with a small spoiler; it is not yet possible to see the lights.

There is no information about the interior of the future serial product yet. Let us remind you that in the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept the place of the instrument panel was taken by the BMW Panoramic Vision display, which runs across the entire width of the lower part of the windshield. At the same time, the driver can select the information that will be displayed on it using the hexagonal touchscreen of the new generation iDrive infotainment system. It is known that the concept also received an additional 3D projector and voice control function.

There is no official information about the next generation BMW iX3 technology yet. Let us remind you that during the presentation of the Vision Neue Klasse X show car, it became known only that all representatives of the brand’s new “green” family will receive sixth-generation eDrive electrical equipment with an 800-volt architecture. The company also emphasized that the energy efficiency of the new crossover will be 25% higher compared to the current BMW iX3, and the power reserve and battery charging speed will increase by 30%. It is known that the concept has a rated range of 600 km without recharging. According to preliminary data, the “second” iX3 will be equipped with a traction battery with a capacity of up to 100 kWh, and the maximum power reserve will be about 700 km (according to the WLTP cycle).

It is expected that the next BMW iX3 generation will hit the European market in the second half of next year. Prices for this new product will be announced later. The cost of the current crossover on the home market, in Germany, starts at 67,300 euros (equivalent to approximately 6.4 million rubles at the current exchange rate).