9 interesting features I noticed in the BMW iX3 arriving this summer in the U.S.

BMW will launch the next-gen iX3 in the U.S. this summer at around USD 60,000, and the model brings a new exterior, interior, and technical direction for the brand.

Ahead of its U.S. launch, I traveled to the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show, where I got up close and personal with the vehicle in the Asian-spec version. Focusing on the details that stand out most in person, these are the nine features that I observed in BMW’s first Neue Klasse EV for the U.S. market.

1. Front-end heralds the Neue Klasse face

The nose is one of the talking points on the new iX3. BMW has moved to a taller, more vertical kidney grille treatment, and the front end looks much cleaner than the first-gen iX3 that was on sale until last year globally. The refined hood roundel is also pasted in a recessed valley above the grille, which is a new detail worth noting.

2. Lighting signature looks different up close

The headlight layout is another drastic change. The vertical daytime running light elements give the front end a new visual identity, and the horizontal light surfaces that extend toward the kidneys help link the lighting and grille areas. These details are more noticeable in person than in photos.

3. Side profile hides aero-focused details

The side view has features that look simple at first glance but become more interesting up close. The flush door handles help clean up the body side, and the slim side glass plus the slightly sloping roofline endow the iX3 with a more streamlined appearance than a traditional upright SUV.

4. Body surfacing gives it a wider stance

BMW has also employed unique surfacing along the sides, which is unlike any current electric Bimmer, including the new iX or i4. The body-color wheel arches with their rectangular contours are a clear departure from the cladding used on many electric SUVs.

Lower down, the character line in the doors adds visual depth and helps break up the otherwise smooth bodywork.

5. Rear has more depth than in images

The rear design includes several layered elements that are only noticeable when you look closely. The taillights use a multi-layer design with an L-shaped graphic, and the roof spoiler includes a central recess directly above the BMW logo. Both details add more nuance to the rear than the images suggest.

6. Cockpit built around BMW Panoramic iDrive

Inside, the iX3 debuts BMW’s Panoramic iDrive layout and is very different from even the new BMW iX. The Panoramic Vision display stretches across the base of the windshield, and the 17.9-inch central display handles most major functions.

7. Some physical controls retained

The cabin is display-heavy, but BMW has not removed every physical control. The multifunction steering wheel uses illuminated shy-tech buttons, and the center console still includes physical controls for features such as the parking brake, hazard lamp, and defrost.

8. Cabin has a few small nice details

If you look closely, you’ll find a few interesting features that reveal the material quality and attention to detail. The illuminated triangular trim piece between the cupholders is one such detail, and the textile instrument panel with backlighting on the dashboard is another.

9. Practical features at the front & rear

Thanks to the bespoke EV platform, practicality is also a big part of the package with a sizeable cargo hold. The new BMW iX3 offers 30.4 cu-ft of rear cargo space, and folding the rear seats increases that figure to 65.0 cu-ft.

Also See: BMW iX3 vs Mercedes GLC Electric: What I found in these next-gen EVs

BMW has also added a 2.0 cu-ft storage compartment under the front hood, giving the iX3 a small frunk for stuff you may want to keep separate from the main cargo area.