BMW iX3 arrives in Singapore

It's the start of a new era at BMW. The firm has launched the iX3 - the first of its Neue Klasse (German for New Class) models here in Singapore.

As the name suggests, this new iX3 is described as a leap forward in development over its predecessor. You've probably already noticed that it looks little like the BMWs we've gotten used to seeing.

The BMW iX3 now features an all-new light signature and a reinterpreted set of 'L' shaped taillights at the rear

And you're right. This new iX3 is the first model to use a new design language from the firm, described by the firm as a modern interpretation of BMW's "original and enduring blueprint". Design highlights on this new iX3 include the sculpted BMW kidneys highlighted by a new light signature - a clear nod to the Neue Klasse of the 1960s.

You'll also note that the car now features the use of more clean, large surfaces delivering a more monolithic look. The wheel arches here also get subtly rectangular contours not unlike those found on the larger BMW iX. And at the rear, a new taillight design now features - a reinterpretation of the 'L' shape taillights that have featured on so many recent BMW models.

And it's not just the sheet metal that has been changed on this car. Underneath it all is an all-new platform that makes use of a new pack to open body design that integrates the high-voltage battery into the vehicle architecture as a structural component to minimise weight.

The cabin of the car now features essential driving information on a unit that stretches the full width of the windscreen alongside a free-cut-design central display

This battery also makes use of a new cell to pack design that sees its cylindrical cells integrated directly into the battery pack, a move which BMW states has allowed for a 20% increase in energy density compared to its own fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. In the BMW iX3 50 xDrive that is offered at launch here in Singapore, this battery has a usable energy content of 108.7kWh, enabling the car to post a WLTP range of 805km.

This battery can be charged at a maximum power of 400kW, enabling a 10% to 80% state-of-charge top up to be done in just 21 minutes.

Speaking of which, this new iX3 now makes use of a new generation BMW eDrive technology developed for the Neue Klasse vehicles. The BMW iX3 50 xDrive makes use of an electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear axle and an asynchronous motor at its front axle. This new drive technology is said to reduce energy losses by 40% compared against, once again, BMW's own fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

This variant of the BMW iX3 makes use of a 108.7kWh battery that enables it to post a WLTP range of 805km

These motors generate a system total of 345kW of power alongside a peak torque of 645Nm and allow the car to sprint from zero to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Not impressed? There's also an all-new cabin in this BMW iX3.

The new BMW Panoramic iDrive here firstly consists of a new BMW Panoramic Vision unit that displays information across the full width of the windscreen. Singapore-bound cars will also come with the BMW 3D Head-Up Display that can show integrated navigation and automated driving information, so you minimise the time spent with your eyes off the road.

A new free-cut-design Central Display also now features in this iX3, from which you'll be able to access a host of apps including Spotify and the in-car gaming AirConsole app on top of YouTube. Singapore-bound examples of the BMW iX3 50 xDrive will also feature a Harman Kardon 13-speaker premium audio system as well as a large panoramic sunroof.

The BMW iX3 is offered here in Singapore and can be had starting from $387,888 (COE included).