New BMW iX sibling and possible iX3 replacement previewed with 'close-to-production' Vision Neue Klasse X electric SUV that will take on Porsche Macan EV and Tesla Model Y

This is the future of BMW.

You are looking at the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X. Vision basically means concept in BMW speak, so this is a preview of one of the most important models in the Bavarian brand's long history.

Following on from the striking Neue Klasse sedan concept from last year's Munich motor show, the X concept previews a new-generation SUV that will go into production at BMW's Hungarian plant in 2025.

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It's unclear when it will land in Australia, but it's likely to be either later in 2025 or around 2026.

A number of executives told CarsGuide at the global reveal of the concept in Portugal last month that the Vision X is very close to what the production model will look like.

One thing that's not clear is the name. There's been speculation that it will replace the iX3 in BMW's line-up, and while the dimensions are in X3 territory, it may not adopt this name.

A nomenclature has been decided upon, but BMW is remaining quiet, for now. But expect it, and any other Neue Klasse models, to live alongside existing models like the 3 Series and X3.

The Vision Neue Klasse X is similar in theme but carries a different design to the sedan concept from last year.

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It’s unclear when it will land in Australia, but it’s likely to be either later in 2025 or around 2026.

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The flush front end gains a new vertical headlight signature and BMW has done away with chrome.

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The low-set window line highlights how much glass there is.

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Neue Klasse - or 'New Class' in English - refers to a philosophy of sorts representing the next phase of the brand as it navigates future mobility. Neue Klasse is an all-electric architecture where the batteries are integrated into a vehicle's structure and the three defining characteristics are "electric, digital and circular".

In terms of design, the Vision Neue Klasse X has classic SUV proportions but wrapped in a clean exterior design that does away with unnecessary fussy lines and angles. It's not quite as simple and minimalist as the design of the sedan as there are some lines, a bit of SUV chunkiness, big wheel arches and a neat aerodynamic indent in the bonnet that shows up in the centre of the tailgate for good measure.

The flush front end gains a new vertical headlight signature and BMW has done away with chrome - the new take on the kidney grille is revealed thanks to LED lighting. This grille is very different to the horizontal look of the sedan concept and will be reserved for SUV models.

The low-set window line highlights how much glass there is, and the tail-lights are clearly related to the sedan but also have an Alfa Romeo Tonale vibe.

Inside, the all-new interior design is minimal but also ultra modern. BMW says the technology elements compliment and interact with each other.

Inside, the all-new interior design is minimal but also ultra modern.

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BMW says the technology elements compliment and interact with each other.

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Don’t expect the production model to have the same retro-futuristic seats as the concept, but it will have the integrated rear seatbacks that are already found in the iX SUV.

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Some of the new tech includes a new customisable 'Panoramic Vision' instrument display that projects key information across the full width of the windscreen, and is integrated neatly just below the glass line. If you don't like the order of apps or info you can easily change that - although the speedo remains in the centre.

The concept features a new angled central touchscreen that the company says makes it easier for the driver to have a hand on the wheel while touching the screen at the same time.

There's an advanced version of BMW's 'Intelligent Personal Assistant' voice control system, as well as what appears to be a four-spoke steering wheel with haptic controls.

Don't expect the production model to have the same retro-futuristic seats as the concept, but it will have the integrated rear seatbacks that are already found in the iX SUV.

Underpinning the concept and the future production model will be BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology - a fully electric powertrain that boasts big improvements over BMW's current set up.

Vision basically means concept in BMW speak, so this is a preview of one of the most important models in the Bavarian brand’s long history.

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BMW has not gone into huge detail on the powertrain.

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It has an 800-volt system that improves charging speed by up to 30 per cent, which should allow vehicles to add 300 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes.

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It features a new drive and chassis control that BMW says "delivers a superior driving experience that is tailored to individual needs". It is based on a new software stack that BMW Group developed in-house, and two of the four ECUs will control the drive experience.

BMW has not gone into huge detail on the powertrain, but it comes with new and now round lithium-ion battery cells with 20 per cent higher energy density than before.

It has an 800-volt system that improves charging speed by up to 30 per cent, which should allow vehicles to add 300 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes, according to BMW.

The powertrain boasts 30 per cent more driving range than the current setup, and overall efficiency has improved by 25 per cent.