<p>One of the things I like most about my job is talking to experts who know a lot more than I ever will about some slice of the EV world.</p><div><div id="ads_6122441_EV_ev_us_Rectangle_rectangle_first_1765033552"></div></div><p>Last month, when I was in Spain to drive the 2027 BMW iX3 (OK, that's a pretty nice perk too) I caught up with two of the company's engineers to ask one simple question: How did you make this SUV such a home run? </p><section>        <span class="svg-search">                                                </span>                            <img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://cdn.motor1.com/images/static/16x9-tr.png?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" alt="BMW iX3" width="16" height="9" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://cdn.motor1.com/images/static/16x9-tr.png"/>        <div><p>The 2027 MW iX3 has an estimated 400 miles of EPA range and super-fast charging. </p></div>    <div>Photo by: Tim Levin/InsideEVs</div></section><p>The iX3 represents a major upgrade from electric BMWs of the past, and it's the first BMW to use the automaker's much-hyped Neue Klasse platform. In practice, that means 400 miles of estimated EPA range (the most of any BMW EV so far) and 400-kilowatt DC fast-charging power (about double what most EVs in the U.S. can do).</p><div>                                                                                                    </div><p>All of that for a starting price of $60,000, not much more than a gas-powered X3. Check out the video above to learn all about the iX3's batteries, drivetrain and charging. I hope you learn something, because I definitely did. (You'll notice there were a few times when these guys—very kindly—corrected me when I got something wrong.)</p><section> <p>More EV Reviews</p> <div> <div>                    2025 Kia EV6: America's Most Underrated EV Just Got A Whole Lot Better </div> <div>                    2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ: I Hate How Much I Love This Thing </div> </div> </section><p>First, I picked the brain of Philip Guerrero, the battery lead for the Neue Klasse, about the iX3's new cells, battery pack and motors. We talked about the advent of cell-to-pack systems and why BMW chose the iX3 to debut a structural battery pack—like Tesla has been doing for years. He broke down for me all the improvements BMW made to its battery systems and how that makes a car that's lighter and more cleverly packaged. </p><div><div id="ads_6122441_EV_ev_us_Rectangle_rectangle_1_1765033552"></div></div><section>        <span class="svg-search">                                                </span>                            <img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://cdn.motor1.com/images/static/16x9-tr.png?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" alt="BMW iX3" width="16" height="9" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://cdn.motor1.com/images/static/16x9-tr.png"/>        <div><p>The iX3 uses new battery cells that are more energy dense and have a different shape. </p></div>    <div>Photo by: Tim Levin/InsideEVs</div></section><p>Then I spoke with Lennart Lentge, who's responsible for charging on the Neue Klasse cars. He explained how you make a system that charges at such high power—a lot of it has to do with the new 800-volt architecture—plus BMW's new bidirectional charging options, a first. We also discussed an awesome new feature: Now, BMW's navigation system will call out chargers that don't meet their advertised power rating. </p><div><div id="ads_6122441_EV_ev_us_Native_native_3_1765033552"></div></div><div><div id="ads_6122441_EV_ev_us_Native_native_2_1765033552"></div></div><p>If you want to learn more about the iX3, potentially BMW's best and most important EV ever, read my deep-dive review and check out our first drive video. And let me know: What sorts of videos would you like to see more of when we drive new cars?</p><p><em>Contact the author:Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com</em></p><div><div id="ads_6122441_EV_ev_us_Rectangle_rectangle_2_1765033552"></div></div><section> <p>More Reviews!</p> <div> <div>                    The 2026 Polestar 4 Is Flawed But Charming—And Probably Polestar's Best Yet </div> <div>                    2025 Jeep Wagoneer S: A Glitchy $74,000 Mess That Proves Stellantis Should Stick To Gas </div> <div>                    I've Driven My 2024 Chevy Blazer EV For A Year. Here's How It Held Up In Real Life </div> <div>                    The Hyundai Ioniq 5's Snow Mode Makes It A Champion In Bad Weather </div> </div> </section>                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <section><p><span>We want your opinion!</span></p><div><p>What would you like to see on Insideevs.com?</p>Take our 3 minute survey.</div><p>- The InsideEVs team</p></section>                                                                                                    <div>                                <div>                                    Share this Story                                </div>                                <div>                                    <ul>                            <li>                                                                                                                        Facebook                                                    </li>                                    <li>                                                                                                                        X                                                    </li>                            <li>                                                                                                                        LinkedIn                                                    </li>                            <li>                                                                                                                        Flipboard                                                    </li>                                                    <li>                                                                                                                        Reddit                                                    </li>                            <li>                                                                                                                        WhatsApp                                                    </li>                            <li>                                                                                                                        E-Mail                                                    </li>                                                            </ul>                                </div>                                                                                                            <div>                                            <div>                                                                                                                                                                                                    <span class="top-counter-comments-label">GO TO COMMENTS</span>                                                                                                     <div>                                                        <span>(</span>                                                        <div></div>                                                        <span>)</span>                                                    </div>                                                                                            </div>                                        </div>                                                                                                </div>                                                            <div>                                    <div>                                        <span>Got a tip for us? 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<p>BMW's 2027 iX3, built on the Neue Klasse platform, boasts an estimated 400 miles of EPA range and 400-kilowatt DC fast-charging power. This marks a significant upgrade from previous BMW EVs. The iX3 features new energy-dense battery cells and an 800-volt architecture, enabling high-power charging and bidirectional options. Priced at $60,000, it offers advanced features at a competitive price. BMW's navigation system now highlights chargers not meeting advertised power ratings, enhancing user experience.</p>

Engineers Explain How BMW Made The iX3 A Charging And Range Powerhouse