BMW New Class: The Bavarian breakthrough is finally on the road

BMW is no longer just talking about the future; it is delivering tangible results in January 2026. The New Class marks the most radical transformation in the company's history and makes the promise a reality. 

The new iX3 takes on the role of pioneer and is already clearing out the market before its official launch. Anyone in Europe hoping to snag a 2026 model is almost too late. The plant in Hungary is running at full capacity, while in China, production lines for the pre-series are simultaneously rolling off the assembly line.

The technology under the hood certainly justifies the hype. BMW is using cylindrical cells and an 800-volt system for the first time. This catapults the range to a remarkable 800 kilometers according to WLTP. However, the charging speed is far more important for everyday use. In just ten minutes, the electric vehicle can recharge enough energy for 300 kilometers. The SUV thus proves that long distances are no longer an obstacle to electric mobility. BMW pairs this hardware with software that caused quite a stir at CES in Las Vegas.

Inside, the new Panoramic iDrive system dominates the entire width of the windshield. The Alexa-based voice assistant now finally understands commands smoothly and without constant confirmation. A central control unit manages the chassis and drivetrain so precisely that classic agility is maintained despite the car's considerable weight. For those seeking even more extreme performance, the electric M3 is on the horizon. Four motors and over 1,000 hp are set to demonstrate the full potential of electric lateral dynamics in 2027.

The roadmap for the rest of the year remains extremely ambitious. The i3 sedan will follow in the summer as the electric flagship, before the year concludes with the iX4 coupé variant. BMW is also heavily investing in recycling and designing its vehicles according to a secondary-first strategy. This means the cars can be more easily dismantled into valuable raw materials at the end of their life cycle. The Bavarian manufacturer is currently managing the difficult balancing act between a digital playground and genuine driving pleasure quite aptly.

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