BMW unveiled the all-new iX3 for the UAE market during the final week of July 2026. The German luxury carmaker hosted an intimate media brunch at its newly revamped Abu Dhabi showroom, where The Cornea Impression was invited to experience the electric SUV.
We also had the opportunity to briefly drive the new BMW iX3 on the roads of Abu Dhabi. Here are our first impressions of BMW’s first production model based on the new Neue Klasse platform.
What is new in the BMW iX3?
Almost everything.
The new BMW iX3 is the first model in a reimagined generation of BMW vehicles built on the Neue Klasse architecture. It introduces an entirely new exterior and interior design language that is expected to influence several upcoming BMW models.
The electric SUV also debuts BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, which promises improved efficiency, a longer driving range and significantly faster charging speeds. Another major addition is BMW’s latest software and electronics architecture, including its new “Heart of Joy” control unit. The system manages the drivetrain, braking, energy recuperation and several steering functions to deliver what BMW describes as a more seamless and intuitive connection between the driver and the vehicle.
We drove the BMW iX3 through a mix of Abu Dhabi highways and city roads to understand how these technologies perform in real-world conditions.
How does the BMW iX3 drive?
Several features stood out during our one-hour drive, which included highway stretches and one-to-two-lane city roads. The first was the BMW iX3’s driver-assistance technology, which now includes what BMW calls “Symbiotic Drive” capability.
Many modern driver-assistance systems immediately deactivate whenever the driver presses the brake pedal. In the BMW iX3, however, the assisted-driving systems are temporarily paused rather than completely switched off. This allows the driver to intervene while the vehicle’s assistance systems take a momentary back seat. Once the car detects that the driver is unlikely to make further inputs, the system automatically resumes operation. The result is a more relaxed driving experience, as the driver does not need to reactivate the assistance systems after every application of the brakes.
What Is BMW Symbiotic Drive?
The most impressive aspect of BMW’s Symbiotic Drive capability was how quickly the system appeared to learn and respond to the driver’s behaviour. When moving away from a standstill with the driver-assistance systems active, the BMW iX3 recognised whether I wanted to accelerate aggressively or gradually.
After a stronger accelerator input, the system maintained a similarly brisk pace until the vehicle reached the selected speed. With gentler inputs, it accelerated in a smoother and more progressive manner.
In other words, the driver-assistance system does not simply follow a fixed acceleration pattern. It attempts to adapt its responses to the driver’s preferred style, creating the “symbiotic” interaction BMW is aiming for.
What Is the BMW iX3 Soft Stop Feature?
Another feature that made the BMW iX3 feel noticeably sophisticated was “Soft Stop”.
Heavy braking in electric vehicles can cause substantial forward body movement due to weight transfer. This often results in passengers leaning forward as the vehicle comes to a halt, reducing the sense of refinement. BMW’s Soft Stop function manages braking pressure and vehicle movement to keep the iX3’s body as flat and stable as possible.
During our drive, both my co-passenger and I remained relatively upright even under firm braking. The vehicle came to a halt smoothly, without the exaggerated forward movement often experienced in heavier electric SUVs. BMW describes the feature as delivering “the smoothest stopping process ever achieved by a BMW”, and based on our brief experience, that claim does not feel exaggerated.
Ride Comfort, Steering and Acceleration
Beyond its new driver-assistance features, the BMW iX3 delivered a comfortable and refined ride.
The steering felt light and easy to use at lower speeds, making the SUV manageable in urban environments. At higher speeds, it became noticeably quicker and more responsive when changing direction.
Acceleration was also strong, even at higher speeds. Some electric vehicles feel less responsive once they have already built momentum, but the BMW iX3 continued to deliver immediate power when the accelerator was pressed firmly and the EV was already travelling at high speeds.
What Is Different About the BMW iX3 Interior?
The new BMW iX3 signals a major shift in BMW interior design.
Its cabin features an entirely new dashboard layout and a redesigned infotainment screen running BMW’s latest iDrive software. The system felt quick and responsive during our limited time with the vehicle, with sharp graphics and extensive customisation options. BMW has also used several sustainable materials throughout the cabin.
Despite the increased focus on digital technology, the iX3 retains a useful selection of physical controls for frequently accessed functions. These include the side-mirror controls, gear selector and volume adjustment. The highlight, however, is the new BMW Panoramic Vision display, which spans much of the dashboard’s width.
What Is BMW Panoramic Vision?
BMW Panoramic Vision is the company’s latest approach to displaying driving information.
Instead of placing a traditional instrument screen behind the steering wheel, BMW projects information across a darkened section at the bottom of the windscreen. The display sits close to the driver’s natural line of sight and works alongside the head-up display.
It can show essential information normally found in a digital instrument cluster, including speed, navigation and vehicle data. By positioning the information closer to the road ahead, BMW aims to reduce the amount of time drivers spend shifting their focus between the road and the instrument panel.
The display can be extensively customised through the iDrive infotainment system. Drivers can choose which information appears across the dashboard and can even select visual themes inspired by BMW Art Cars.
How Much Power Does the BMW iX3 50 xDrive Produce?
The model we drove was the BMW iX3 50 xDrive. It is powered by two electric motors, with one motor positioned on each axle to provide all-wheel drive. Together, they produce a combined output of 469hp and 645Nm of torque. The BMW iX3 50 xDrive can accelerate from 0-100kph in a claimed 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 210kph.
What Is BMW’s Heart of Joy Technology?
The new BMW iX3 introduces the company’s “Heart of Joy” electronics and control architecture.
BMW describes it as a centralised superbrain capable of managing the electric drivetrain, braking, energy recuperation and several steering-related functions. According to the company, it can process information up to ten times faster than conventional control units. Because several driver inputs are processed electronically, the system can analyse acceleration, braking and steering data together rather than treating them as separate functions. This integrated approach is designed to make the vehicle respond more smoothly and cohesively to the driver.
What Is the BMW iX3 Range?
BMW claims the new iX3 can deliver a WLTP driving range of up to 805km on a single charge. Real-world range will depend on factors such as driving style, traffic, road conditions, climate control usage and the UAE’s high temperatures. Under everyday conditions, a range of approximately 550-700km may be more realistic.
How Fast Can the BMW iX3 Charge?
The new BMW iX3 uses an 800-volt electrical architecture combined with BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology. This allows the electric SUV to support DC fast charging at speeds of up to 400kW.
According to BMW, a 10-minute charging session can add as much as 372km of driving range under ideal conditions. The high-voltage battery can also be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 21 minutes. For AC charging, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive supports: 11kW AC charging as standard and 22kW AC charging as an option. The iX3 also supports Vehicle-to-Load technology, commonly known as V2L. This allows the vehicle’s battery to power or charge compatible electrical appliances.
What Is New About the BMW iX3 Neue Klasse Exterior Design?
The phrase “Neue Klasse” is not new to BMW.
The company first used the name during the 1960s for a generation of vehicles led by models such as the BMW 1500. The design of the new iX3 incorporates several references to that era while introducing a cleaner and more modern appearance.
The most noticeable change is the redesigned BMW kidney grille. Its narrow, vertically arranged shape is inspired by the Neue Klasse models of the 1960s. The headlights have also been completely redesigned, while the rear receives new lighting elements that retain a modern interpretation of BMW’s signature L-shaped design. In person, the new BMW iX3 looks sleek and contemporary. Its front end is clean and sharply detailed, while the wide rear profile gives the electric SUV a strong road presence.
When Will the BMW iX3 Launch in the UAE?
The all-new BMW iX3 is expected to officially launch in the UAE during the second half of 2026. BMW retailers in the region are already accepting expressions of interest and bookings from potential customers.
What Is the BMW iX3 Price in the UAE?
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is expected to be priced at approximately AED 350,000 in the UAE.
However, BMW has not yet announced the final official UAE price. The confirmed price, specifications and available trim levels are expected to be revealed closer to the vehicle’s local launch.
