In a recent interview with BMWBlog, Frank Weber, BMW’s head of Research and Development, shed light on the decision to prioritize the release of the next-generation BMW iX3, the electric variant of the forthcoming X3, over the i3 sedan, despite the earlier preview of the Vision Neue Klasse sedan.
Weber clarified that the sequencing of launches is primarily a strategic business decision for the automaker. He emphasized that commencing with the crossover aligns with BMW’s global sales landscape, where ‘X’ vehicles constitute approximately half of total sales. In certain regions, these models account for up to two-thirds of BMW’s sales, establishing themselves as segment leaders.
The Dominance of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs)
Weber’s remarks regarding the popularity of BMW Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs) reflect the prevailing consumer preference for larger vehicles on a global scale. Notably, in the United States, SAVs surpassed passenger cars in sales figures for both 2022 and 2023. In 2023 alone, BMW SAVs recorded over 203,000 units sold, outpacing passenger car sales, which stood at more than 158,000 vehicles. The trend underscores the significance of models like the X5 and X3, which emerged as BMW’s top-selling vehicles in the US last year.
Anticipated Timeline for the iX3
The forthcoming BMW iX3 is slated for a 2025 debut, drawing inspiration from the Vision Neue Klasse X concept. Subsequently, the i3 sedan, influenced by the Vision Neue Klasse sedan concept, is expected to follow a year later. Manufacturing will take place at the new Debrecen plant in Hungary for the iX3, while the i3 will be produced at BMW’s Munich plant in Germany.
While specifics regarding the iX3’s availability in the US remain undisclosed, it’s worth noting that Neue Klasse-based vehicles are scheduled for production in China, Mexico, and Regensburg, Germany, by the end of the decade.
BMW’s strategic decision to prioritize the launch of the electric crossover underscores its commitment to aligning with market demand and leveraging the popularity of SAVs to drive forward its electric vehicle initiatives.
