Pioneering technology meets pure driving pleasure: testing BMW iX3 prototypes. – AutoMart Canada

Munich/Miramas. The development of the first Neue
Klasse series production model is on the finishing straight:
prototypes of the next-generation BMW iX3 are currently undergoing
extensive testing in Miramas, southern France. The Sports Activity
Vehicle (SAV) will celebrate its world premiere at the IAA Mobility
2025 in Munich in September and roll off the production line at the
new BMW Group plant in Debrecen (Hungary) starting at the end of the
year. “Longer range, faster charging, an all-new display and operating
concept, and the intelligence of four superbrains are the
distinguishing features of the Neue Klasse. With the upcoming BMW iX3
– the first model of the new car generation – we are introducing
fundamental technology upgrades with the clear aim of raising the
typical BMW driving pleasure to a whole new level,” says Mike
Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse BMW. “With the all-new BMW iX3, we bring
our revolutionary technologies into series production for the first
time, and we can hardly wait to see it in action on the road. All
future BMW models, regardless of powertrain type, will benefit from
the innovations and technology clusters of the Neue Klasse.”

The new technologies at a glance:

• The revolutionary display and operating concept BMW
  Panoramic iDrive provides perfect driver orientation and
  sets yet another new benchmark.
• Charge faster, drive further: the all-electric 6th
  generation powertrain (Gen6) sets standards in
  performance and efficiency. The new BMW iX3 50 xDrive has an
  estimated electric range of up to 643 km / 400 miles (EPA)
  and can be charged to provide a range of more than
  350 km maximum (WLTP) in just 10 minutes*.
• The Heart of Joy control computer and the
  BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack
  raise the dynamic potential of electric powertrains to a new level.

BMW Panoramic iDrive: “Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road”.

The BMW Panoramic iDrive shows all relevant driving
information in the driver’s ideal line of sight and maximizes
ergonomic efficiency and safety. Four elements come together to make a
unique user experience:

• BMW Panoramic Vision: information is projected onto
  a black printed surface in the windscreen from A-pillar to A-pillar.
• 3D Head-Up Display: the optional BMW 3D Head-Up
  Display projects information for navigation and automated driving
  into the driver’s direct field of vision above the BMW Panoramic
  Vision Display.
• Central Display with matrix backlight technology:
  the free-cut-design display is in an ergonomically ideal position
  near the steering wheel.
• Shy-tech multifunction steering wheel: buttons are
  illuminated when functions are available; relief-like structure and
  active haptic feedback enable intuitive operation without the driver
  having to take his or her eyes off the road.

The BMW Panoramic iDrive runs under the BMW Operating
System X, also a new development. It
offers extensive customizability, intelligent support for the driver
and extensive software updates. BMW’s motto “Hands on the
Wheel, Eyes on the Road” is redefined with a well-balanced
mix of physical controls and digital functions. BMW Panoramic iDrive
will ensure user-friendly and intuitive operation in every vehicle
segment and with every powertrain concept.

Next generation of electric powertrains. The
high-voltage battery concept for the 6th generation of BMW eDrive
technology (Gen6) is fundamentally new, and together with the revised
electric drive system portfolio, offers an optimum solution for all
vehicle segments. The Gen6 system will be making its debut in the BMW
iX3 and will then be rolled out across all vehicle segments.
The
centerpiece of the high-voltage battery – the BMW cylindrical battery
cell – has an energy density of 20 per cent greater that the prismatic
cells previously used. The cells are integrated directly into the
high-voltage battery, which plays an important role in the body
structure of Neue Klasse models.

Charge faster, drive further.
The Gen6
introduces a major leap forward for our customers and the BMW iX3 is
the first to benefit. With 400kW maximum charging, our customers can
add over 350 km* maximum (WLTP) to their vehicle’s range in just 10
minutes. Gen6 technology allows users to monitor the charging
performance and curve live via the My BMW App. 800V technology is
paving the way for rapid charging. Charging at 400V DC charging
stations will, of course, still be possible.
The high energy
content of the high-voltage battery, together with the efficient
design of the powertrain and the overall vehicle, enables an estimated
range of up to 643 km (EPA). 

Further charging-related innovations.
Making the
charging process even more user friendly is the intelligent charging
flap, which detects when the driver is intending to stop to charge the
car and opens (and then closes) automatically. One of the triggers for
opening the flap is AI-assisted: if the customer approaches a familiar
or learned charging point, the progress towards it reveals an
intention to charge and the flap opens.

The SoP of the new BMW iX3 will also introduce extensive
bidirectional charging functions – to-Load, to-Home and
to-Grid:
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) turns the vehicle into a powerful
mobile powerbank (up to 3.7 kW in Europe) and supplies energy for one
or several consumers, wherever customers need it. Bidirectional
charging capability turns the BMW iX3 into an at-home energy storage
unit. Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) helps customers to reduce costs.
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) sets new standards for the integration of the
vehicle into the energy market. Both functions contribute to lowering
emissions and increasing the use of regenerative energy sources. In
this way, the BMW Group demonstrates that it is part of the solution
as we work towards energy transformation.

Providing the key to bidirectional charging alongside the
technology involved, the new BMW Wallbox (DC) offers 19.2kW charging
and discharging depending on the market. The BMW charging equipment
has been redesigned and is now easier to use, and now also includes
selected adapters e.g. for vehicle-to-load (V2L) use cases.

The BMW driving experience with the Heart of Joy. The level in
sheer driving pleasure.
The “superbrain”
Heart of Joy in the Neue Klasse raises driving
dynamics to a new level. Together with the BMW Dynamic
Performance Control software stack, the Heart of Joy is
pivotal to powertrain, brakes, recuperation and sub-functions of the
steering system. It processes information ten times faster* than
previous systems and therefore responds more directly than ever to the
driver’s command.

Fewer control inputs are required, directional stability is more
precise and stable. As a result, the vehicle develops consistent and
reproducible cornering characteristics and can be steered intuitively.

Powertrain and braking functions also work together harmoniously
to decelerate the vehicle. Recuperation can be used across the whole
speed range down to a standstill. Indeed, in 98 percent of cases, the
vehicle can be brought to a standstill without applying the friction
brakes – without noise or jolts.

The Heart of Joy and BMW Dynamic Performance Control raise the
BMW driving experience to a new level – from standstill to dynamic limits.


Further development of driver assistance systems using the
intelligent high-performance computer “Superbrain of Automated
Driving”
BMW Group’s latest driver assistance systems
are among the world’s best. The new BMW iX3 ushers in the rollout of
the next technology generation. This is in keeping with BMW’s ADAS
(Advanced Driver Assistance System) philosophy: “Always smart,
symbiotic, and safe”.

The BMW Group merges the proven, rule-based assistance system
with a new system based on AI. In an optimum symbiosis, this
combination supports the driver even more precisely and reliably in
challenging situations on the road. The Superbrain of Automated
Driving pools all customer functions for automated driving and has a
20 times faster processing speed than the previous system. The new
automated driving and parking functions are based on cutting-edge
sensor, software, processor, and mobile communications technology.

The basic model of the BMW iX3 offers functions like lane change
warning, road priority warning, safe exit, and assisted view. Safe
exit uses side-mounted radars to monitor traffic next to the car while
stopping and warns the driver of approaching objects. The new Assisted
View shows the latest driving situation precisely and in detail
alternatively in the Central Display, the Panoramic Vision, or 3D
Head-Up Display. The motorway assistant with automatic lane change
will be available with extended features in the BMW iX3. Upon request,
it can assist drivers from when they join a motorway to when they
leave it and allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel
for long periods. This assistant remains active even during automated
motorway changes along an active navigation route. The new Motorway
& City Assistant helps the driver in complex driving situations in
urban areas, e.g. through tight corners or roundabouts. It brakes
automatically at red traffic lights and moves off again or sounds an
audible signal when lights turn green.

Symbiotic driver assistance, as it is known, enables perfect
interaction between tech and driver regarding both comfort and safety
functions, and creates a seamless transition between cooperative
steering and – a world first – cooperative braking.

When the function is active, the driver can influence the system
at any time without causing the assistant to be switched off by
turning the steering wheel or applying brakes just a little in order
to adjust the responses of the system.

The parking functions can be activated intuitively and offer an
AI-based selection of parking assistance services, parking space
recognition, maneuver planning, and an improved parking experience.
Extended monitoring functions help the driver to avoid damage to the
vehicle while parking the car.

Neue Klasse innovations are AI-based, smart and
update-compatible. Thanks to the all-new electronics and
software architecture with four superbrains (high-performance
computers), the new BMW iX3 is now noticeably more intelligent in
everyday situations – e.g. with the advanced driver assistance systems
and improved voice assistant BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Due
to the powerful BMW Cloud, the new electronics and software
architecture of the new vehicle generation is ready for numerous smart
features, which customers can benefit from via over-the-air updates
after the market launch.


A large number of the patent applications filed by BMW in
recent years have come about as part of the development of
technologies for the Neue Klasse – e.g. in the projection technology
for the BMW Panoramic Vision, in the innovative control functions of
the Heart of Joy, in the battery management and cell contacting system
of the high-voltage battery, in the new electric motor, and in the
new, zonal vehicle electrical system. 



* As this is a development-phase prototype, the figures given
are provisional. Energy consumption information according to WLTP is
not yet available.
If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Matthias Schepke,
Corporate Communications and
Governmental Affairs
Press Spokesperson Neue Klasse
Mobile:
+49-151-601-90450
Email: matthias.schepke@bmw.de

Matthias Bode,
Press Spokesperson BMW Compact Class and BMW
iX3
Mobile: +49-151-601-61742
Email: matthias.bode@bmwgroup.com

Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.com
Email:
presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW
Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of
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In 2024, the BMW Group sold 2.45 million passenger cars and more
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December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees.

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