BMW unveils electric iX3 in South Korea

By Amanda Griffin 22/06/2026 2 min read 29 views

The first production vehicle built on BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture has arrived in South Korea. The iX3, an all-electric SUV, debuted this week with a 800-volt system, a certified range of up to 611 kilometers, and charging speeds that can add 250 kilometers in ten minutes.

Under the hood, the iX3 uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology. The dual-motor setup delivers 469 horsepower and 65.8 kgm of torque, pushing the SUV from 0 to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds. The battery, built with cylindrical cells in a cell-to-pack design, boosts energy density by 20% over the previous generation while improving charging performance by 30%.

BMW says the new chemistry and packaging also extend the WLTP-rated range to 805 kilometers, though Korean certification caps it at 611 kilometers. A full charge from 10% to 80% takes about 21 minutes when plugged into a 350-400 kW charger.

The battery pack is structurally integrated into the vehicle’s body, a design BMW calls Pack to Open Body. The company claims this reduces weight, improves torsional rigidity, and makes the SUV more efficient. It’s the first time the automaker has used this approach in a production model.

Inside, the iX3 introduces BMW Panoramic iDrive, a cockpit concept that projects driving information across the windshield between the A-pillars. A 3D head-up display and a central touchscreen angled 17.5 degrees toward the driver complement the system. Four high-performance computers—dubbed Superbrains—manage vehicle trends, driver assistance, infotainment, and core functions, with processing power 20 times greater than previous BMW models.

The driving trends are controlled by a new Heart of Joy unit, which consolidates acceleration, steering, braking, and energy recuperation into a single system. BMW says this setup improves stability, traction, and regenerative braking.

Pricing in South Korea starts at 79.9 million won (about €45,600) for the SE trim. The M Sport Pro tops out at 91.9 million won (roughly €52,400). Deliveries begin July 6.

While the iX3 is the first Neue Klasse model to hit the market, BMW has already announced plans for a broader rollout. The architecture is expected to underpin a range of future electric vehicles, including sedans and compact models. For now, South Korea is the only place where customers can buy one.

The SUV’s launch comes as Korean automakers like Hyundai and Kia push their own 800-volt platforms, raising the stakes in the country’s fast-growing EV market. BMW’s timing aligns with a surge in charging infrastructure, though some analysts question whether the iX3’s premium pricing will limit its appeal in a segment where local brands dominate.

Still, the iX3’s range and charging speeds put it ahead of many competitors. Whether that’s enough to sway buyers remains to be seen.