Patent filings have surfaced online, giving an unexpected preview of what appears to be the production-ready 2026 BMW iX3, nearly a year ahead of its official debut. First reported by Dutch publication Autoweek,

Leaked patent images appear to show a production-ready iX3, with the electric SUV not straying far from its concept.

Patent drawings reveal the design of the next-generation BMW iX3 electric SUV. Previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse X Concept, it’s set to go on sale in 2025. The BMW iX3 will share its Neue Klasse platform with the forthcoming i3 sedan.

Sitting on the next-generation Neue Klasse platform, the iX3 will kickstart a new range of “at least six” all-electric models between 2025 and 2027. The iX3-sized SUV will be joined by an all-electric 3 Series-sized saloon, previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse saloon concept that BMW brought to the Munich Motor Show back in September 2023.

Our photographers snapped the upcoming BMW i3 "Neue Klasse" for the first time, revealing a significantly toned-down design compared to the original concept

The redesigned eighth-generation 3-Series is expected to debut in late 2026 or early the following year, meaning we'll likely see it arrive as a 2027 model in the U.S. It will trail the arrival of an electric variant by several months, with the electric variant expected to be badged an i3. Prototypes for the i3 are also out testing in public view.

CAR magazine compares the new 2026 BMW i3 with the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept car from 2023: how much of the radical style will make it to production?

The new i3 sedan will be the second model to leverage BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture, debuting just after the iX3 SUV. An entry-level single-motor variant is rumored to deliver around 300 hp, while dual-motor configurations will up the ante for those craving more grunt.