X3/X4 [Spy Shots] BMW iX3 2025 (NA5)

[dalab]

First look at 360-mile BMW Neue Klasse SUV for 2026
Radical replacement for BMW iX3 is one of six new-era electric cars due between 2025 and 2027

BMW has previewed a radical new electric SUV due in 2026 as one of the firm's dramatically styled Neue Klasse EVs.

Shown briefly in a presentation at the unveiling of the dramatic BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept, the new SUV – one of several in BMW's new-era line-up – will be a BMW iX3-sized crossover to rival the upcoming Audi Q6 E-tron and Mercedes EQC SUV.

BMW Neue Klasse SUV concept confirmed for 21 March unveiling | Autocar

New Vision Neue Klasse X concept will preview the future of the German brand’s electric SUV line-up

www.autocar.co.uk

The fact of being the first mule confirms this vs the "i3":

BMW iX3 (NA5)

Our sources indicate that the iX3 electric crossover will take center stage as the first Neue Klasse model. The new iX3, with the chassis code NA5, will enter production in Debrecen in the summer of 2025. Within 24 months of launching the first Neue Klasse model, BMW will introduce an additional five electric vehicles. So which ones are those?

BMW Neue Klasse SUV Teased For The First Time

At the end of the Vision Neue Klasse debut event, BMW briefly showed a camouflaged prototype of an SUV sharing the platform with the sedan.

www.bmwblog.com

 

[leylandi]

 

[BMW3GT]

Front looks like this "Vizor-design-thing" from current Opel cars.

 

[Gor134]

odd side-profile proportions. I'm not convinced that BMW should be maximizing cargo space and sacrificing the rwd-proportions that came with ICE cars.

 

[klier]

Yes! This is going to be good. I like what I am seeing.

odd side-profile proportions.

It's very similar to the upcoming X3, maybe the camo is fooling you?
The front overhang seems to be minimal and definitely smaller than the new X3 (rear too for that matter) and the general proportions are near perfect.

 

[Titot]

G45 and NA5.

 

[Der Hofmeister]

It looks rather peculiar, right now, in this pre-production shape. It remains to be seen whether the NK treatment will work its wonders in reality. Right now, the car looks far from imposing, although the proportions are, in general, well resolved.

The front does not particularly scream BMW, except for the slightly visible shark nose allure. The new front-fascia kidneys may look nice once revealed, but I expect a better and more resolved solution compared to the Vision NK showcar. While it might get easy to imagine the 2 kidneys, visually they don't seem to be there - and that is quite a big issue regarding brand identity.

I see some fake panels which could hide (besides technology such as radars and sensors similar to iX, for example) a welcome design exercise in the form of a return of the classic-shaped and sized kidneys of the '70 - '90 eras vs. the significantly-sized grilles of the last 5 years. I see the car incorporating the new front end motif as a proper connection to past models and to also ensure brand recognition, but it remains to be seen if those smaller kidney are, in fact, real.

At this moment, the initial NK design philosophy lacks a bit of consistency and should somehow at least be revised to remind everybody that we are seeing a proper Bimmer. The new visual identity should not the core, hallmark styling details that make every BMW be a BMW.

In the end, there is hope for something positive and fresh.

 

[SKY]

I quite like it!

The issue for brands like BMW, MB, Audi or Lexus, which have created their brand image around their grilles, is that grilles are not needed for EVs. Ferrari or Porsche won’t suffer as much in the transition from ICE to EV, design wise.

I get what BMW is trying to make with its kidney grille. So far, it looked great in the NK concept.

 

[klier]

G45 and NA5.

The angle of the A pillar seems to be the biggest visual difference. I guess the iX3 needs all the aero it can get, whereas the X3 looks more traditional SUV.

 

[Titot]

The angle of the A pillar is the biggest visual difference.

The A pillars on the G45 are far more straight and upward (conservative). While on the NA5, the A pillars are leaning toward the aerodynamic design and aesthetic (progressive). This makes me think about the silhouettes of both G50 3er and NA0 i3 as well.

 

[klier]

At this moment, the initial NK design philosophy lacks a bit of consistency

We have only seen the NK concepts and all three are highly consistent, I honestly don't get this post as we've seen nothing of the iX3 other than these cladded spy shots.

 

[SCOTT27]

It’s a Mini-iX. Looks like we will get to see how a a iX coupe will work with the smaller footprint of The iX4.

 

[Titot]

It’s a Mini-iX. Looks like we will get to see how a a iX coupe will work with the smaller footprint of The iX4.

A spirit and aura of the iX is being presence here and there on this iX3 prototype.

 

[Centurion]

You can tell from the shape of the front end that Dee influences in the design will be strong.

 

[Der Hofmeister]

We have only seen the NK concepts and all three are highly consistent, I honestly don't get this post as we've seen nothing of the iX3 other than these cladded spy shots.

We have seen multiple iterations of the same basic design. However, I don't think that is enough to send them straight onto the roads. Very much simplistic or over-simplified, to say. I expect something more visually attractive and sophisticated in the production form. I partly get the simplicity and cleanliness hype when designing these days, but otherwise, it is just exaggerated. I really don't think it works forever and ever, on each and every model. Oversimplifying and reducing just for the sake of the hype/trends means future cars will pretty resemble one another and will thus lose their own individuality.

Furthermore, I am scared about the rumors that future BMW NK models will tend to visually overlap one another. At least today's lineup, be it hated or not, be it in the middle of an identity crisis, is more diverse than ever.

Hopefully, they'll not ruin my expectations on the NK iX3. At the moment, leaving off the fake panels mimicking the kidneys, this prototype looks anything but BMW judging by its front end.

 

[MrRapp]

Very much looking forward to this one, indeed has an aura of iX mixed with NK concept design. Overall the NA5 looks lower than the G45 while staying close to the concept. This could become my first electric BMW (and first electric car ever).

 

[klugscheisser87]

This Awkward Looking SUV Will Replace The BMW iX3 In 2025

Within two years of launching the replacement for the iX3, BMW will introduce no fewer than five electric vehicles.

www.motor1.com

They already call it akward, and they are right.

The profile looks more like a Nissan Qashqai than a hyperly announced NK.

The pronunced fat hip line and XM-like unsymetrical wheelarches on a Neue Klasse already hint on Van Hooydonks inconsistence, as it was to expect.

 

[SCOTT27]

It’s exactly like the iX which is more of a crossover RFK rather than a typical X vehicle.
The iX3 seems similar when compared to the standard X3.

 

[Uygar]

Opel Mokka is that you?

 

[Uygar]