In a revealing technical discussion over lunch, Head of Product and Launch Management Neue Klasse at BMW Group Jennifer Selig addressed some of our burning questions about the automaker’s latest electric vehicle platform, offering insights into everything from suspension options to the future of BMW’s technology strategy.
Suspension Clarity – Setting the Record Straight
We began by talking through the iX3 Neue Klasse’s suspension options. Initially, there was uncertainty about whether air suspension would be available, however, this was eventually cleared up.
“There is no plan” for air suspension on the iX3, confirmed Selig, though adaptive dampers will be available as an option. The press vehicles we drove at the launch featured standard steel suspension with passive dampers, but BMW confirmed that adaptive damping technology will be offered to customers seeking more adjustable ride characteristics.
Continuing on this theme, regarding run-flat tires, Selig confirmed they will be available for certain regions (including us downunder), and will be included as an accessory option for the US market.
Battery Technology – Maximum Capacity from the Start
When questioned about battery options, Selig was clear, the iX3 features BMW’s largest battery pack to date, and there are no immediate plans for additional variants. The Neue Klasse platform utilises a battery-as-structural-member design, meaning the pack is integrated into the vehicle’s architecture. While smaller battery options may be available in different versions, the physical pack structure remains constant, with modules fitted accordingly.
The Subscription Model – Learning from Past Mistakes
It’s fair to say that BMW faced criticism when it first introduced subscription-based features, particularly with the controversial seat heating paywall. Selig acknowledged this misstep candidly, noting that “this was probably not the best way to start with it”.
However, the company has refined its approach. For advanced driver assistance systems and technology features like the 360-degree camera, hardware is pre-installed but requires activation through BMW’s digital store. The rationale? Cloud-based services incur ongoing costs, and “if you use it we have to pay for it,” Selig explained.
Adding, that features such as assisted driving pro and the 360 parking package can be purchased through the store, with the added benefit of over-the-air updates delivering new functionality as it becomes available.
No Power Paywalls – Performance Delivered Upfront
Notably, BMW decided against offering power upgrades as paid options. “You buy a car with maximum power,” Selig stated, adding that BMW isn’t a tuner and saw no sense in artificially restricting the vehicle’s 345 kW output. The same philosophy applies to range, the iX3’s 800 km capability is available from day one, designed around the real-world use case of 2.5 to 3 hours of driving before a charging stop.
Efficiency and Ownership – The Sixth-Generation Advantage
The iX3’s sixth-generation electric powertrain brings a 30% improvement in efficiency compared to previous models. This translates to tangible ownership benefits, particularly for customers with home charging and solar systems who can operate more independently from the grid.
Selig noted that BMW’s engineering team developed innovative repair solutions for the vehicle’s outer components, making ownership costs “better than the predecessor and also like the combustion engine” in European markets.
The Neue Klasse Philosophy – Scaling Across the Range
Looking ahead, BMW plans to integrate Neue Klasse technology across more than 40 models over the next two years. While the panoramic vision display and new iDrive logic will appear throughout the lineup, each vehicle will maintain its segment-appropriate design identity.
The “heart of joy” driving dynamics feature, which Selig described as creating the perfect interplay between torque, power, and regenerative braking, remains unique to electric vehicles due to their lack of mechanical drivetrain connections. However, combustion engine models will receive their own driving dynamics enhancements appropriate to their powertrains.
The iDrive system, with its driver-oriented yet passenger-inclusive philosophy, represents the core of Neue Klasse that will permeate every future BMW, from the smallest 1 Series to the flagship 7 Series receiving updates next year.
Tarmac Takeaway
Although fairly concise, with this candid discussion, Selig demonstrated BMW’s commitment to transparency while showcasing how the Neue Klasse represents not just a new platform, but a fundamental reimagining of what a BMW can be in the electric age.
