BMW launches all-electric SAV ‘The New BMW iX3’... starting at 79.9 million won

BMW Korea (represented by Han Sang-yoon) has officially launched the all-electric SAV 'The New BMW iX3' in the domestic market, redefining the future of mobility.

The New BMW iX3 is the first production model of the 'Neue Klasse', which takes a leap to a new level across technology, driving experience, and design, achieving innovation based on iconic heritage. Reborn as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) embodying BMW's core strategy that reveals its vision and direction, The New BMW iX3 evolves in every area and defines the standard for all-electric vehicles.

A progressive design language harmonising heritage and futuristic sensibility

The exterior of The New BMW iX3 harmonises design with a futuristic feel, realising BMW's unique identity. In particular, BMW's characteristic body design achieves a drag coefficient of 0.24.

At the front, the BMW kidney grille modernises the design of the 1960s BMW Neue Klasse. Traditional chrome trim is replaced with sophisticated lighting, completing BMW's new face. The double headlights and the lighting lines arranged around the new vertical kidney grille create a sense of presence and luxury on the road. Additionally, the newly designed BMW logo, applied for the first time, visually signals the arrival of a new era.

The side and rear also exhibit restrained sculptural beauty. The side profile divides the smooth, broad surfaces of the body with sharp lines, completing a dynamic yet elegant SUV silhouette. The rear is designed to visually emphasise the vehicle's wide and stable proportions, harmonising with BMW's iconic L-shaped rear lights to create a strong presence.

The interior is designed as a space where digital technology connects organically through a modern design. The minimalist horizontal layout and the large panoramic sunroof spanning the entire roof transform the cabin into an open and comfortable lounge space. The newly designed steering wheel and the ergonomic free-cut central display amplify the futuristic digital cockpit atmosphere.

'BMW Panoramic iDrive' realising the 'driver-focused' philosophy

The New BMW iX3 innovates in the way the driver and vehicle interact through the 'BMW Panoramic iDrive', fitted for the first time in a BMW, realising BMW's driver-focused philosophy of 'hands on the wheel, eyes on the road'. The 'BMW Panoramic Vision', which projects information across the entire width of the windscreen from the left to the right A-pillar, allows key driving information to be easily perceived with minimal eye movement. Furthermore, the 'BMW 3D Head-Up Display', also a first for BMW, conveys driving information including navigation details.

In addition, the 'Central Display', angled 17.5 degrees towards the driver's seat considering the driver's reach, provides an intuitive user experience. The 'Multifunction Steering Wheel' incorporates shy-tech technology, where functions activate naturally depending on the situation, offering an optimal interaction between digital and physical elements.

'Heart of Joy' delivering driving pleasure with four 'Superbrains'

The newly developed vehicle control system of The New BMW iX3 consists of four 'Superbrains', boasting data processing capabilities up to 20 times more powerful than before. These supercomputers independently yet organically control the core areas of driving dynamics, driver assistance, infotainment, and basic vehicle functions, enhancing the vehicle's response speed and precision.

BMW continues to realise its core brand value of 'Sheer Driving Pleasure' even in the era of electrification. The New BMW iX3 expands the joy of driving an electric vehicle through the 'Heart of Joy' supercomputer, which controls driving dynamics. It integrates and controls key driving elements—from accelerator pedal operation to steering and braking force—in real-time as a single system, achieving fast and precise responsiveness. This effectively draws out the vehicle's performance, allowing the driver to experience dynamic driving sensations.

The Heart of Joy is based on 'BMW Dynamic Performance Control', a software stack independently developed by integrating BMW's engineering expertise. It provides a stable and relaxed driving feel from smooth starts to high-speed ranges, offering an outstanding driving experience, traction, efficient regenerative braking, and the smoothest braking performance in BMW's history in any road or driving condition.

6th generation BMW eDrive achieving range, efficiency, and charging speed

The New BMW iX3 also achieves a monumental leap in driving range, charging efficiency, and charging speed. The latest 6th generation BMW eDrive system fitted in the vehicle uses a new high-voltage battery with cylindrical cells. This improves energy density by 20% compared to before, increases charging speed by 30%, and extends the driving range by 30% (based on WLTP).

Structurally, it employs the 'Cell to Pack' method, placing battery cells directly into the housing, and 'Pack to Open Body', integrating the battery pack itself as part of the vehicle structure, enhancing space utilisation. Furthermore, weight reduction and increased torsional rigidity structurally upgrade BMW's characteristic agile handling performance.

Based on this, The New BMW iX3 achieves a maximum driving range of up to 611 km on a single charge (domestic certification standard, 805 km based on WLTP), the highest in its class, and records a high combined energy efficiency of 4.8–4.9 km/kWh. In actual test drives conducted in Europe, it demonstrated its efficiency by recording a driving range of 1,007.7 km on a single charge.

The charging speed also offers the highest level available in the domestic infrastructure environment. The 800V high-voltage architecture, introduced for the first time in a BMW, supports ultra-fast charging up to 350kW–400kW class. This allows for a driving range of approximately 250 km (domestic certification standard, 372 km based on WLTP) with just a 10-minute charge using an ultra-fast charger, and charging the battery from 10% to 80% takes only about 21 minutes.

Considering user convenience, an intelligent charging flap that opens and closes automatically when approaching the vehicle is fitted as standard. Additionally, bidirectional charging (V2L) capability, allowing the vehicle's battery power to be supplied to external electronic devices, is also standard, expanding its usability for leisure activities.

Electrified Powertrain

The New BMW iX3 will initially be launched in the domestic market with a single 50 xDrive powertrain. The New BMW iX3 50 xDrive delivers a maximum output of 469 hp and a maximum torque of 65.8 kg·m, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

Furthermore, it will be launched in three trims: The New BMW iX3 50 xDrive SE, The New BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport, and The New BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro. Depending on the trim, stylish 20 to 22-inch wheels are fitted. The top-tier trim, The New BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro, additionally features elements that enhance the sporty feel, such as M Sport brakes with red calipers, black high-gloss mirror caps and diffuser, M steering wheel, and M seat belts.

Domestic sales prices are: The New BMW iX3 50 xDrive SE at 79.9 million won, The New BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport at 86.9–87.1 million won, and The New BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro at 91.9 million won (including VAT, based on individual consumption tax rate of 3.5%).

'The New BMW iX3 First Edition' launched for pre-order customers

BMW Korea is introducing a special limited model, 'The New BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport First Edition', to express gratitude to pre-order customers who have been waiting for this launch. The New BMW iX3 First Edition will be sold exclusively to customers who completed their pre-orders from 19 March to 24 June. On 25 June, a dedicated purchase application link will be sent individually to pre-order customers. Applications will be accepted until 28 June, and winners selected by draw will be announced on 30 June.

Limited to just 30 units, The New BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport First Edition is equipped with 22-inch M alloy Y-spoke bicolour wheels, and the interior features a BMW Individual steering wheel, adding exclusivity to the limited model. The exterior colours will also offer differentiated value, featuring the subtle and captivating matte 'Frozen Space Silver Metallic' (7 units) and the sophisticated depth of 'Space Silver Metallic' (23 units), prepared exclusively for this edition.