BMW iX3 Neue Klasse Achieves 1,007 km on Single Charge in Efficiency Trial

The BMW iX3 electric vehicle, built upon the 'Neue Klasse' architecture, has registered a significant efficiency milestone in a controlled long-distance trial. On November 19, 2025, six BMW employees completed a non-assisted journey spanning 1,007.7 kilometers (626 miles) on a single battery charge. This achievement demonstrates that the real-world range of this new-generation platform can surpass existing laboratory estimates.

The demanding route commenced at the new BMW Group Plant in Debrecen, Hungary, and concluded at the iconic BMW Welt in Munich, Germany. The driving team deliberately selected a course incorporating city and rural roads while avoiding flat highways, which typically yield optimal efficiency. This selection aimed to test the technology's endurance and efficiency under more varied and demanding driving conditions. The vehicle utilized for the test was the iX3 50 xDrive variant, which produces 345 kW or 469 horsepower.

To attain this distance, the team implemented a strict efficiency protocol. After crossing the region near Vienna with the battery indicator at 53 percent, systems such as air conditioning, heating, and the radio were deactivated. These measures, combined with minimal sudden acceleration, represented a maximum effort to conserve energy. Upon arrival in Munich, the electric SUV retained a remaining range exceeding 20 kilometers (12 miles), an impressive margin.

The 'Neue Klasse' platform is central to this technological advancement, integrating BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology. This technology introduces round battery cells claimed to offer 20 percent higher energy density than the preceding generation. Furthermore, the implemented 800-volt architecture promises 30 percent faster charging speeds and a minimum 30 percent overall increase in range. This platform establishes the direction for BMW's electrification strategy, spearheaded by this future-focused project.

Series production for the 'Neue Klasse' platform commenced at the Debrecen Plant in late October 2025. The Debrecen facility is notable as the first BMW Group factory designed to operate entirely without fossil fuels during normal operations, relying on renewable energy sources. The official market launch for the iX3 in Europe is scheduled for March 2026, positioning it as a contender in the premium electric vehicle segment. This platform will also serve as the foundation for 40 new models planned by BMW through 2027, featuring electronics controlled by a high-performance central computing unit referred to as the 'Heart of Joy.'

While the extreme energy-saving measures were in effect, the final result validates BMW's claims regarding improved efficiency. The platform was also developed with the objective of reducing component weight by up to 10 percent and production costs by up to 20 percent compared to the fifth-generation eDrive technology. This test confirms BMW's commitment to establishing a strong presence in the premium electric vehicle sector.