BMW steps into next-gen innovation during CES 2026

New Delhi: The new BMW iX3 grabbed a lot of eyeballs during the CES 2026. For the first time, the enhanced AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Alexa+ technology is coming to the public eye. As the debut model for the Neue Klasse, the BMW iX3 comes with a lot of pathbreaking innovations that will showcase the groundbreaking innovations that will shape the model range of the brand in the future.

By 2027, the technologies of the Neue Klasse will be integrated into a total of 40 new models and model updates from BMW. 

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The 2026 iX3 marks a milestone in voice technology as the first vehicle to bring both Amazon Alexa+ into the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. It is driven by a Large Language Model or LLM, this generative AI makes for natural, complex conversations. It also lets occupants ask multi-part questions in a single sentence, which can be anything from vehicle-specific commands to general knowledge queries. The system is slated to have a phased rollout across Germany and the USA for all OS 9 and X-equipped models by the middle of 2026.

BMW has transformed the cabin into a mobile lounge for when the vehicle is parked, and features include video and streaming Integration of Disney+, YouTube Music, and the TiVo-powered Video App, alongside Zoom for video conferencing. It can even be used for gaming with exclusive access to Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive through the AirConsole platform, which lets passengers use their smartphones as controllers, or they can even connect traditional Bluetooth console gamepads.

Further, the iX3 50 xDrive brings the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, which utilises 800V architecture and new cylindrical battery cells. In performance, this means the dual-motor gives 469 bhp that goes from 0-100 kph in 4.9 seconds. In efficiency, the "cell-to-pack" design increases energy density by 20 per cent, returning an impressive WLTP range of up to 805 kilometres. Further, the vehicle supports speeds of 400 kW, allowing for 372 kilometres of range to be added in a mere 10 minutes.

The iX3 is no longer just a consumer of energy but a contributor. It gets Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) for powering external devices, Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) for solar energy storage, and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities, allowing owners to feed energy back into the market. In the North American market, the iX3 will be shipped with a native NACS port, which will ensure full compatibility with the Supercharger network.

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In the background, the iX3 is governed by four high-performance "superbrains." The Heart of Joy unit manages driving dynamics ten times quicker than previous systems, handling almost 98 per cent of braking through energy recovery.

Furthermore, the BMW Symbiotic Drive creates a more fluid relationship between the driver and the AI software. The updated Highway Assistant now lets hands-free driving at speeds up to 130 kph, with lane changes executed through simple eye-tracking confirmation. In urban settings, the system even manages stopping and restarting at traffic lights, with further city-based enhancements promised via future over-the-air updates.