BMW iX3 new style and design

The National Times - BMW iX3 new style and design

BMW’s iX3 heralds the Neue Klasse era. Revealed at CES 2026, the pre‑production SUV features a dual‑motor powertrain delivering 345 kW/469 hp and 645 Nm of torque, launching from 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds with a 210 km/h top speed. Sixth‑generation BMW eDrive technology introduces cylindrical cells and an 800‑volt battery with 108.7 kWh usable capacity, enabling up to 805 km of WLTP range.

Ultra‑fast charging adds 372 km in 10 minutes at 400 kW DC stations. Charging from 10 to 80 % takes just 21 minutes, and the NACS port provides access to the Tesla Supercharger network with an optional 22 kW AC charger. Bidirectional charging (V2L, V2H and V2G) turns the iX3 into a mobile power bank or home energy store.

Inside, the Panoramic iDrive spans the windscreen with a 43‑inch projection display and a 17.9‑inch infotainment screen. The AI‑powered Intelligent Personal Assistant, enhanced with Amazon Alexa+, allows natural voice interaction and controls vehicle functions. Sustainable materials contribute to a greener footprint, with recycled plastics and aluminium used in components. A flat floor improves space; the iX3 offers a 510‑litre boot plus a 58‑litre front trunk.

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The iX3 50 xDrive goes on sale in summer 2026 with a projected starting price around $60,000. Additional variants with different ranges will follow. As the inaugural Neue Klasse model, the iX3 blends performance, efficiency and digitalisation, demonstrating BMW’s vision for more than 40 upcoming models based on this architecture.

Small, efficient and revolutionary: The IPOP electric car from Alsace

In early May 2026, the French start‑up IPOP Automobiles unveiled a prototype of its mini electric car at the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse. Nicknamed IPOP, the vehicle breaks with conventions: instead of a central motor, each wheel houses its own electric motor. The company promises that nearly all components are manufactured in France, with battery cells from China being the only exception.Visually, the IPOP resembles a hybrid of a beach buggy and a golf cart. It can be configured as a two‑ or four‑seat vehicle, with open or enclosed bodywork, and with either two‑ or four‑wheel drive. Inventor Christophe Winkelmuller believes that wheel‑hub motors are the next big leap in vehicle electrification, comparable to the battery revolution of the past decade. By eliminating bulky drivetrains, the wheel motors are intended to save space and increase efficiency.

Toyota bZ7: Luxury EVs in China

The Toyota bZ7 is shaking up China’s electric luxury car segment. Developed jointly by Toyota and GAC, the five‑meter sedan is built exclusively for the Chinese market and measures roughly 5,130 mm long and 1,965 mm wide, similar to a Tesla Model S. Pricing starts at about 147,800 yuan (approximately US$21,500) and runs up to 199,800 yuan across five trim levels.The bZ7 showcases cutting‑edge technology. Its cockpit features Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5.0 interface on a 15.6‑inch touchscreen, complemented by an 8.8‑inch digital cluster and a 27‑inch head‑up display. Voice control recognizes multiple zones and commands, yet physical buttons remain for key functions. Momenta provides the R6 ADAS suite, combining LiDAR and 26 other sensors to deliver highway and urban navigation on autopilot plus automated parking without subscription fees.Passengers enjoy ventilated, heated and massaging seats, while the front seats use a zero‑gravity design for comfort. Dual‑chamber air suspension and a road‑preview system give a refined ride.

The National Times - BMW iX3 new style and design