Sixth-gen eDrive debuts in BMW iX3 with 800 km range

BMW has released further information on the first production model of its Neue Klasse vehicle platform, the upcoming BMW iX3. The vehicle will enter series production at the end of 2025 at BMW’s new Debrecen plant in Hungary, with a public debut planned for the IAA Mobility event in Munich earlier that year.

The new iX3 will introduce several technical systems and features designed to improve electric vehicle range, efficiency, charging speed, user interface, and automated driving capabilities. BMW confirms that these innovations will later be applied to additional models regardless of powertrain type.

According to BMW, the iX3 will offer an estimated electric range of up to 800 kilometers under the WLTP cycle, 900 kilometers under the CLTC, and about 400 miles using the EPA standard. A new sixth-generation eDrive powertrain enables peak charging rates of up to 400 kW, allowing the vehicle to gain approximately 350 km of range in ten minutes when conditions permit.

The Gen6 high-voltage battery incorporates cylindrical lithium-ion cells with 20 percent higher energy density compared to previous prismatic cells. These are directly integrated into the body structure to reduce vehicle weight and improve rigidity. BMW states that overall energy losses have been reduced by 40 percent compared to the previous generation xDrive system, with associated weight and cost savings of 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

The iX3 will use two types of electric motors: an electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) on the rear axle and an asynchronous motor (ASM) on the front axle for all-wheel drive models. The ASM design is more compact and cost-efficient. The power electronics are fully integrated into the electric motor housing.

The BMW Panoramic iDrive system is also introduced on the iX3. It includes four main elements: a full-width head-up display (Panoramic Vision), a 3D Head-Up Display above it, a central touchscreen with matrix backlighting, and a redesigned multifunction steering wheel with tactile feedback. These elements operate on the new BMW Operating System X, designed to support over-the-air updates and future digital features.

Dynamic performance and control systems are consolidated in a new unit BMW refers to as the “Heart of Joy.” This single high-performance computer integrates functions for the drivetrain, brakes, steering, and regenerative braking. According to BMW, it responds ten times faster than existing split systems and enables more precise handling and deceleration. The company claims most deceleration can occur through regenerative braking alone in nearly all normal driving scenarios.

Automated driving functions are managed by a separate control unit called the “Superbrain of Automated Driving,” which processes data 20 times faster than prior systems. The iX3 will include features such as automatic lane changing, traffic light response, roundabout assistance, and cooperative braking—where the system remains active even when the driver applies light brake pressure.

BMW also confirmed bidirectional charging capabilities in the iX3. The car will support vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-home (V2H), and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications. Charging functions are enhanced by a new intelligent flap mechanism that uses AI to open automatically at known charging locations.

The vehicle’s software and electrical architecture are designed for continuous upgrade compatibility. BMW says its cloud infrastructure will allow for over-the-air updates and additional features post-launch.

The iX3 is scheduled for a world premiere at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and will be the first of multiple Neue Klasse models using this new platform and technology suite.