BMW Unveils New iX3 EV With 500-Mile Range, AI-Enabled Software (motortrend.com)
- Reference: 0179039934
- News link: https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/25/09/06/011224/bmw-unveils-new-ix3-ev-with-500-mile-range-ai-enabled-software
- Source link: https://www.motortrend.com/news/2027-bmw-ix3-first-look-review
> To maximize range, BMW gave it a clean, aerodynamic design with very few lines... The BMW iX3 offers an impressive WLTP range of up to nearly 500 miles (800 km). On the EPA scale, it's expected to deliver around 400 miles of range.
>
> Based on an 800V architecture, the BMW iX3 can deliver charging speeds of up to 400 kW. According to BMW, that means it can add over 230 miles (370 km) in just 10 minutes.
It's also BMW's first EV with bidirectional charging, according to the article.
But MotorTrend calls it " [2]BMW's Biggest Reinvention Since the '60s ."
> The decision to move forward in every aspect — design, architecture, technology, software, and manufacturing — was made five years ago... The new Neue Klasse architecture will start out with EVs only, but aspects of this new vision will be adopted by 40 vehicles — SUVs, sedans, coupes, maybe even a supercar — with an assortment of powertrains by the end of 2027. In other words, Neue Klasse will touch and influence everything BMW does going forward... The design philosophy for the Neue Klasse vehicles is that they should look like they skipped an entire generation.
From [3]BMW's announcement for the iX3 :
> Physical controls are on hand, including for the windscreen wipers, turn signal indicators, exterior mirrors, volume control, gear selector, parking brake, hazard warning lights, rear window heating and defrost function. Other functions have been optimised for use by touch and voice command or via the multifunction steering wheel...
MotorTrends notes "you must use the screen to adjust the air vents."]
>
> The BMW Panoramic Vision projects information across the full width of the windscreen, from A-pillar to A-pillar. The content in the centre and on the front passenger side can be adapted to personal tastes and requirements. Key driving information appears in the driver's field of vision. And above the BMW Panoramic Vision, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display (if specified) can now also show integrated navigation and automated driving displays on the road with spatial depth. The free-cut-design Central Display with matrix backlight technology is located in an ergonomically ideal position next to the steering wheel. On the driver's side, vertically arranged widgets enable fast and direct access to particularly frequently used functions using QuickSelect tech. The new multifunction steering wheel serves as the primary physical control point. Its button panels help the driver and vehicle to work together symbiotically using illuminations, a relief-like surface and haptic feedback.
Some [4]details from MotorTrends : There's an avatar for the intelligent personal assistant, activated by saying, "Hey, BMW." The BMW roundel morphs into a blue circle with big, expressive eyes and eyebrows. It looks like an amiable alien that turns to face the person addressing it, and it's programmed to wink, blush, and more, as well as to not stare too long at anyone. The assistant is quick to respond, using Alexa tech and a male or female voice to provide directions, answer questions, and perform functions.
MotorTrends adds that the iX3 "is BMW's first software-defined vehicle, meaning it can use over-the-air updates to fix problems and add features and functions, keeping it fresh over its lifetime with software that BMW developed itself."
BMW's announcement also notes "the latest [5]systems for automated driving optimise symbiotic human-vehicle interaction ..."
> Whenever the driver wants to accelerate, brake or steer, their inputs merge seamlessly and intuitively with AI-enabled software... The functionality offered by the City Assistant includes traffic light detection, where the car automatically stops and then moves off again.
[1] https://electrek.co/2025/09/05/bmw-ix3-debuts-with-500-miles-range-ultra-fast-charging/
[2] https://www.motortrend.com/news/2027-bmw-ix3-first-look-review
[3] https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0451998EN/the-start-of-a-new-era-the-new-bmw-ix3?language=en
[4] https://www.motortrend.com/news/2027-bmw-ix3-first-look-review
[5] https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0451998EN/the-start-of-a-new-era-the-new-bmw-ix3?language=en
I thought batteries could only charge, or discharg (Score:2)
What is this bidirectional charging that they are talking about?
Re: I thought batteries could only charge, or disc (Score:3)
You can use this car as a charger unit to power other things, such as im guessing : your house, other ev cars, anything else you can plug into it.
Re: (Score:2)
> What is this bidirectional charging that they are talking about?
A feature some EVs have that [1]allows you to power other things [cnet.com] (namely, your home) with the car's battery as an alternate power source.
[1] https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-vehicles/bidirectional-charging-and-evs-how-does-it-work-and-which-cars-have-it/
Re: (Score:2)
ya, i guess. I tried to read the advertisement, it just seems like a clumsy way to say that it can be charged, and used as a power source for other things. Marketing people suck! Bidirectional charging? huh? what?
Re: (Score:2)
I guess the term encompasses a whole bunch of different functionality (in power flows), and somewhat poorly named I think as well.
Re: I thought batteries could only charge, or disc (Score:2)
It's the correct name. When the car is plugged into a charger unit that can put power into the car and take it out it's called bidirectional. You can plug the car in when you get home and the the grid/home/vpp can take power out for a period of time (eg peak times) and when the draw of power is over it can then charge the car battery back up. There is another option called Vehicle to Load, you plug an adapter into the AC socket that has a normal wall socket on the other end to allow you to power things when
Re: (Score:2)
This isn't marketing people. It's a standard industry term for a charging system that can be draw and deliver power via the plugged in charger. Unlike say cars which have a 110V or 240V outlet in them, or where you plug an adapter into the charging port (Vehicle to Load or V2L), bi-directional chargers mean when a car is connected to a compatible charger it supports V2H and depending on the charger possibly V2G (Home and Grid respectively).
Bi-directional charging is a more specific term than saying it can b
Re: I thought batteries could only charge, or disc (Score:2)
I hope it works better than the Apple implementation. If I plug my phone into a power bank to top off the battery the phone charges the power bank instead and I end up with less charge than I started with. You can't turn the "feature" off either.
Re: I thought batteries could only charge, or dis (Score:2)
Totally agree that this should be controllable by the user. Until Apple does so, try using a USB-A cable with that power bank - they don't support reverse charging.
Reading around, it seems to be an issue with some but not all power banks. Perhaps there is a chipset out there that has a quirk.
Please try to keep up (Score:3)
AI-enabled software??? * looks in awe... drooling... * Awesome!
Oy, marketing department of BMW, try to keep up. AI is already yesterday!
Re: (Score:1)
I wouldn't buy it. Constant software updates? I am a luddite when it comes to this, but give me a simple car with a gas pedal, a brake, and a steering wheel.
Bingo! (Re:Please try to keep up) (Score:1)
> AI-enabled software??? * looks in awe... drooling... * Awesome!
> Oy, marketing department of BMW, try to keep up. AI is already yesterday!
Did anyone get "bingo" on their bullshit bingo card?
Re: Bingo! (Re:Please try to keep up) (Score:1)
I'm one square away. Just need "ice is inferior in every way" in the comments.
Re: Please try to keep up (Score:2)
Stopped reading at AI.
Hey, BMW! (Score:3)
Just what I was waiting for - a car that winks and blushes at me.
Just a few questions:
*Do I get to keep the winks after 60 days, or do I have to start paying a subscription fee?
*If I tire of winks and blushes, can I change its personality? Tesla's offering integrated MechaHitler now.
But what is the monthly fee (Score:4, Insightful)
for enabling the heated seats? Inquiring minds want to know.
Re: (Score:2)
Cheaper than buying a new car if you want heated seats later. I find it funny that people bitch about this but don't about Tesla's FSD. I mean they started that trend in the car industry first and nerds collectively orgasmed over it.
Re: (Score:2)
I'm sure plenty of Tesla owners have complained about the FSB that isn't. Just because Tesla sucks ass doesn't mean other car companies need to follow. BMW drivers deserve to be fleeced anyway. I put them on the same platform as the assholes driving lifted trucks. Both drive lousy and fast and think they are so special. I see fewer poor drivers in a Tesla then I do either BMW or lifted truck.
I mostly considering BMW the poor man's poser car otherwise they would just buy the Mercedes instead. I almost never
Form over function (Score:3, Funny)
They lost me with this gem from the Motortrend article
"Even the cupholders have been rethought, using a triangular shape to hold beverages in place. "
Triangular cup holders? They have clearly rethought cupholders, but unless I missed the big triangular cups fad, they need to rethink their rethinking.
Re: Form over function (Score:1)
Clearly you are still using styrofoam cups! Envormentally insensitive folks are not the target market.
BMW sells expensive ugly gimmicks (Score:3, Insightful)
Meanwhile china sells vehicles at a reasonable price that people can afford.
Re: (Score:2)
> Meanwhile china sells vehicles at a reasonable price that people can afford.
"In Germany, it’s already listed on BMW’s website with prices starting at €68,900 ($81,000). ... In the US, the new BMW iX3 will be available in summer of 2026, starting at around $60,000 with an estimated range of around 400 miles."
I'm not sure why the US price is so much lower. Is the US version downgraded somehow? Also, is that $60k before or after tariffs? In any case, $60k for a BMW with those specs will be competitive.
Re: (Score:2)
$60k isn't even competitive with the $40k EVs they allow in the US, much less a $20k EV from China.
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People shopping 60K BMWs are an entirely different market from people shopping 20K Chinese EVs.
Re: (Score:2)
And yet, the person I was replying to said they were "competitive" with each other.
Re: (Score:2)
I assumed he meant it would be competitive with other similar vehicles, and yes that was not really responding to your point.
Re: (Score:2)
> $60k isn't even competitive with the $40k EVs they allow in the US
A luxury car isn't competitive with a cheap American car? Holy shit, what a revelation, we should go tell everyone.
Re: (Score:3)
What's shocking is how normal $60K is now.
A Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum will cost you about that much.
How far up the F150 lineup will $60K get you? A Lobo. So about half way.
Re: (Score:2)
Well, this will have a $60K base price. Almost no one will pay that, since it won't include the options they want.
Just like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a $44K base, or the F150 Lightning has a $55K base. Theoretically you can buy a version of the vehicle for that price, but almost no one wants that version. (same thing with ICE vehicles)
Re: (Score:2)
I can't say I've ever seen a base model anything on a dealer lot. They always seem to load them down with "extras" to drive the cost up. Even the base model gets packed with extras. Don't even get me started on aggressive sales pitch from the finance guy. I hate dealerships. The car should just have a set price. You know, like just about everything else.
Heck, even buying a condo was less tedious then dealing with a car dealership.
Re: (Score:2)
> I hate dealerships. The car should just have a set price. You know, like just about everything else.
Yeah, I'm totally with you. I've been wanting to buy an Ioniq 5 for the past couple months... but the basic unpleasantness of car shopping at a dealership has kept me from pulling the trigger to this point.
We bought our last (ICE) car from CarMax. They're not perfect, but it was definitely way better than the typical dealer experience. But I don't want a used car this time, so we're stuck going the dealer route.
Re: BMW sells expensive ugly gimmicks (Score:2)
> A Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum will cost you about that much.
Platinum sounds excessive. Do they make steel version?
Re: BMW sells expensive ugly gimmicks (Score:3)
The German price includes VAT and the American one doesnâ(TM)t? What about other delivery charges?
Re: (Score:2)
> I'm not sure why the US price is so much lower.
Well for one the Germany price is the Germany price. That includes all on road costs, whereas the USA website has the little extra bonus of " Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for vehicle as shown does not necessarily represent the dealer's actual sale price and does not include destination & handling fee, tax, title, license, registration and adjusted market value. "
Also tariffs aren't that high for European cars.
Re: (Score:3)
Give me BYD! Tariffs should possibly protect companies so they can develop and grow, but Tesla had their chance, and we are not getting what we paid for: it is still low quality and expensive. Let in BYD!
Re: (Score:2)
What makes you think he doesn't think that? More accurately most people don't give a shit.
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It is suppose to be a global economy after all.
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There have been Chinese cars sold in the US for quite a while, even EVs (Polestar) and because they are not idiots they price them for what the US market is willing to pay, not the Chinese market. So if BYD ever enters the US market under their own brand, expect them to charge US prices.
Re: (Score:2)
> Let in BYD!
BYD isn't not let in, their CEO has been clear on this, they simply have no intention of investing in the USA as the market there is too uncertain, and they said this in 2024, before tariffs. This is what you get when you play revenge politics where the first thing every party does is roll back the previous party's policies.
Expensive gimmicks with subscription (Score:2)
I don't know who wants obsolete-next-year expensive gimmicks. The car should better integrate with your smartphone, the car should not attempt to replace it.
AI in a car? (Score:2)
Just fuck off.
Re: (Score:2)
> Just fuck off.
Yeah, except every car has AI in it now because Slashdotters have universally said they won't buy a car without Android Auto or CarPlay. You realise this AI is nothing more than the same you get when you say Hey Google or Hey Siri (if the latter ever actually worked) right? It's just a voice assistant.
Re: (Score:2)
Universally said? Bullshit. There has never been a 100% consensus on anything on this website. I just connect my phone via Bluetooth to my car and use VLC to play mp3s. Zero Android Auto or CarPlay required.
Noninterest (Score:1)
The more software a car has, the less interest I have.
I wouldn't buy a BMW anyway, but all the software does not help.
And having to use a screen to adjust air vents? Seriously?
Oh, someone. Just tow it to the junk yard already.
I'll keep driving my almost 19 year old car. Thanks.
Re: (Score:2)
Don't worry electric air vents are obviously a feature for premium cars. People get BMWs and such for the sensorization and electrification, they go and shop for the electric air vent. Europeans uninterested in such gimmicks buy a 13-14 k€ Dacia Sandero with crank handle windows, which won't have electric air vents anytime soon, or software-defined seat heating. Maybe there are comparable brands in your market.
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I'm not in the market. I will never again buy a car, for the rest of my life.
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I'm not sure there is. I haven't seen a handcrank window is over 20 years. It's really hard to find a stripped down car with just the basics. Maybe Slate will provide that affordable stripped down truck one day.
Nail/Coffin? (Score:2)
Tesla has already dropped a huge amount of sales in Germany. Will this be the last nail in the coffin?
BEV will be niche until we see some budget models (Score:1)
Whenever the topic of some new BEV comes up there's inevitably some mention of what could be called "range anxiety", which is then followed up by some statistics on how most Americans drive less than 50 miles in a day, comments on varied strategies to make recharge time less of a hassle, that recharging is not a hassle in the first place, which can also come with commentary on how hydrocarbon burning vehicles are poisoning the children and leading to sea level rise.
I'm convinced. At least on the part about
Re: (Score:2)
There's nothing niche about BEVs even at their current price points. Many economic texts disagree on what definition of a niche market is, many say 5% (even the USA already has a higher percentage of new cars that are BEVs than this), some say 10% (global figures for BEVs are higher than this) and in Europe it's just shy of 20%. There are plenty of BEV models that are priced *below* the average new vehicle cost.
> I heard recently that most BEV owners don't have a BEV as an only vehicle, or even a second vehicle.
You're surprised that people don't throw out all vehicles at the same time? For the record I'm in
Re: (Score:2)
I'll be keeping my hybrid for as long as I can keep it maintained. Given California electricity prices, gas will have to pass $7 a gallon before it's worth it for me to upgrade to an EV. I also can't charge at home.
Otherwise, I really do like the IDEA of an EV but the practicalities just aren't there yet. I'll just keep driving my 2019 Hybrid. It's going great.
Re: BEV will be niche until we see some budget mod (Score:1)
This is somewhat ironic to say. Elon Musk said that BEVs as budget cars failed. And he was right. BEVs only succeed when they are luxury with high margins. BEV vs ICE in the budget market is clearly in favor of ICE. Budget car consumers live largely in apartments and Folks in apartments cannot reliably charge an EV--you need a house with a carport or garage to daily charge a BEV. That means your target market is mostly folks with fairly nice homes and disposable income that could buy a luxury car of
Re: (Score:2)
Shssh. You are saying the quiet part out loud. They hate when you do that. Everyone MUST have an EV and they MUST have it by yesterday!
Yawn (Score:2)
Wake me when they build a 2010 style car with electric drivetrain, 60 miles of range and a generator you can flip on when you need it.
I'm not paying for all that crap mentioned in TFA.
Re: (Score:2)
Chevy built one. In 2010. It was called the Volt.
Chrysler builds one. The Pacifica PHEV.
Heck, even BMW built one - the i3.
Re: Yawn (Score:1)
The more of these nothing burger cars I see the more I want an EV restomod of a 70's mach1 or charger. Can be had for about 2/3 the price of one of these garbage cans and will at least look good when parked (which was the all-show but no-go feature most had anyways!)
Re: (Score:2)
I'd love to get an El Camino restomod. That'd be my dream car.
Subscriptions (Score:1)
At least you can let the AI subscription lapse to ditch that 'feature'. And if they limit range or power with a subscription, that'll lengthen battery lifespan. Although, that implies they won't just brick it after 5 years anyways...
Re: (Score:2)
This seems to be happening so much lately I'm starting to wonder if /. is being paid to write stealth advertisements
Re: (Score:3)
I hope they do get paid well because we're not enough to sustain the website with other forms of ads, and many have some ad blocker. So it's the occasional (or frequent) slashvertisement or nothing at all.
Re: What IS it?? (Score:2)
Try reading the first word.