BMW has demonstrated the efficiency potential of its upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicle architecture after a prototype BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase completed more than 800 kilometres on a single charge under challenging real-world driving conditions.
The endurance challenge was conducted around Qinghai Lake in China, where a BMW iX3 50L xDrive prototype equipped with 21-inch aerodynamic wheels successfully completed an 800-kilometre loop starting and ending in Xining. The vehicle finished the route with 2% battery charge remaining and recorded an average energy consumption of just 12.6 kWh/100 km, indicating a potential driving range of between 835 and 840 kilometres under similar conditions.
BMW said the test was carried out entirely on public roads to better reflect real-world customer usage. The route included significant elevation changes, with the vehicle climbing from around 2,200 metres above sea level to nearly 4,000 metres before returning to its starting point. The journey involved repeated ascents and descents across an altitude difference of almost 2,000 metres, placing continuous demands on the vehicle’s drivetrain, thermal management and energy systems.
The challenge was further complicated by rapidly changing weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, rain and strong sunshine, with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 21°C. The entire route was completed in Efficient driving mode, designed to balance comfort and energy consumption during long-distance travel.
According to BMW, the achievement highlights the integrated efficiency-focused design of the Neue Klasse platform. Key technologies include an optimized aerodynamic package, the company’s in-house Energy Master energy management system, sixth-generation high-voltage battery technology with 108.7 kWh of usable capacity, and a newly developed dual-motor drivetrain combining electrically excited synchronous and asynchronous motors.
BMW claims the new drivetrain reduces energy losses by up to 40% while improving overall efficiency by up to 20%. The vehicle also benefits from the Heart of Joy control system and advanced regenerative braking technology capable of recovering energy in up to 98% of everyday braking situations.
The company emphasized that thermal management played a critical role throughout the test, helping maintain battery performance and cabin comfort despite rapid weather changes and varying driving conditions.
BMW says the results demonstrate its philosophy that EV efficiency should be measured not only in laboratory testing but also in real-world conditions where customers face changing terrain, temperatures and traffic situations. As the first model based on the Neue Klasse platform, the upcoming BMW iX3 is expected to showcase the next generation of the brand’s electric mobility technologies.
The vehicle tested is currently intended for the Chinese market and has not yet received official type approval or certified consumption and range figures.
