First of the Neue Klasse models is indubitably a BMW, not just because of the badge on its bonnet, but in spirit as well
With the onslaught of new brands churning out mostly homogeneous EVs (electric vehicles), it really warms a petrolhead’s heart when legacy car brands like BMW focus on making an EV like the new BMW iX3, the first Neue Klasse model, fun to drive (as opposed to just fast) and, despite its tech, intuitive to operate (as opposed to complicated).
In an age of electronica, the new BMW iX3 is a fine return to BMW form, in that it has created an EV that looks, feels, operates and more importantly, drives as BMWs should.
As far as EVs go, this first Neue Klasse model is not more of the “same old, same old” because it boasts a distinct personality and character infused with BMW’s DNA that, to this writer, elevates it from mere appliance to proper automobile status.
Lesser EV brands use an empirical approach to benchmark features and equipment levels. However, the new BMW iX3’s magic is in its emotional, or rather its human, approach, which enables the driver to segue seamlessly into its groove.
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From dynamic driving to the daily grind, the new BMW iX3’s level of interface between car and driver is hard to rival. However, you need to experience it for yourself instead of checking equipment and specifications off a list in a tit-for-tat fashion. The latter attitude seems to be the norm in tech, and while this is fine for an appliance like a washing machine, it is less acceptable for an automobile, as far as this writer is concerned.
Why? Well, “0–100km/h fast” to us is one of those metrics that doesn’t mean anything for EVs, but seems to mean the world to casual enthusiasts.
In the heyday of ICE (internal combustion engine) sports cars, tuning a car for more power and speed was a technical challenge due to the intricate complexities of the many moving mechanical parts, which is why these were regarded as performance benchmarks. Today, turning up the power for an EV is practically a few keystrokes away, which is why the spotlight should rightfully be on driving fun: making an EV feel alive, organic and engaging requires an intimate appreciation of driving pleasure.
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From our experience with the iX3 50 xDrive on both road and track, we are happy to report that it drives like the ultimate driving machine that all BMWs should be.
This bodes very well indeed for the coming i3 sedan, as well as the subsequent M variants.
With the new BMW iX3, the brand does not play follow-the-leader, but marches to the beat of its own drum. Brand loyalists will have no trouble appreciating the fact that the first of the Neue Klasse models is indubitably a BMW, not just because of the badge on its bonnet, but in spirit as well.
