What’s Special About BMW iX3’s AI-Powered In-Car System?
Automotive manufacturer BMW has unveiled the new in-car technology that will “shape the entire model range of the brand”.
The enhanced, AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Alexa+ technology was presented to the public at CES 2026.
It is built into the fully electric BMW iX3, the debut model for the Neue Klasse, and will be integrated into 40 new models and model updates from BMW.
It is a long-awaited development, with BMW becoming the first manufacturer to expand its voice assistant with the AI assistant Amazon Alexa+.
But what else potentially makes the Intelligent Personal Assistant and the BMW iX3 special?
Enhanced car-to-driver conversations
By expanding its voice assistant with the AI assistant Amazon Alexa+, BMW is enabling “intuitive and intelligent interaction” between passengers and the vehicle in a natural dialogue.
It includes the standard vehicle functions along with access to information and knowledge beyond the vehicle.
BMW says: “For the first time, passengers can ask multiple questions in a single sentence – covering both your vehicle’s features and general knowledge topics.”
The technology used in the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a Large Language Model (LLM), a generative AI that understands language and is capable of formulating its own responses.
Throughout the second half of 2026, it will be gradually rolled out in Germany and the US across all BMW models equipped with BMW Operating System 9 and X.
Disney+, video games and more
When the vehicle is stationary, users can stream a movie, play a video game or make a video call, using BMW Operating System X.
In addition to Disney+, customers in the BMW iX3 have access to the Video App (powered by TiVo), which enables streaming on the central display, with content such as news, live and on-demand streaming. The portfolio of the video streaming platform will continue to evolve.
The BMW ConnectedDrive Store will also soon include the YouTube Music app for the first time, while Zoom allows video calls on the iX3’s central display for the first time.
As soon as the vehicle starts moving, the video transmission stops and the conversation continues via audio.
BMW eDrive technology
The sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology developed for the Neue Klasse includes new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells and 800V technology.
The iX3 50 xDrive is powered by two electric motors, which generate output of 345 kW/469 hp and 645 Nm (475 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph).
The drive technology developed for the Neue Klasse reduces energy loss by 40% compared to fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, weight by 10% and manufacturing costs by 20%.
Advanced battery technology
The new high-voltage battery concept with cylindrical cells for the Neue Klasse also achieves significant advances.
The energy density on a cell level is 20% higher than with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and enables a 30% increase in charging speed.
The cylindrical cells are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery, which benefits energy density and cost efficiency.
The ‘pack to open body’ design means the high-voltage battery is integrated into the vehicle architecture as a structural component to minimise weight.
Its usable energy content of 108.7 kWh enables a range of up to 805km (500 miles) in the WLTP cycle.
Bidirectional charging breakthrough
The advances brought by sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology have a big impact on charging.
A maximum charging rate of 400 kW enables users to fill their new BMW iX3 with enough energy at an 800V direct current rapid charging station to add up to 372km (231 miles) of range in 10 minutes.
The high-voltage battery can charge from 10 to 80% capacity in 21 minutes, while the integrated switching matrix developed in-house by BMW Group means the BMW iX3 can also be charged from 400V DC stations.
For flexible charging during a journey, customers can use the new Multifunction Charger, which comes with several adapters for charging and discharging the high-voltage battery.
It will be fitted as standard with an NACS (North American Charging Standard) compatible charging port, giving vehicle owners access to the vast Supercharger network, while a standard CCS (Combined Charging System) adapter will preserve access to other providers from coast to coast.
