Real Madrid players got early access to BMW’s new iX3 electric crossover, testing pre-production prototypes virtually identical to models hitting European showrooms in spring 2026.
Kylian Mbappé and the squad experienced the iX3 50 xDrive, the only variant available at launch, showcasing BMW’s $11.75 billion Neue Klasse investment.
BMW’s partnership as Real Madrid’s official car supplier means most players already drive electric vehicles, though a few opted for the XM SUV. The iX3 preview gave the Spanish football club its first look at Bavaria’s latest EV before series production begins at the end of this month.
Players admired the striking Digital White interior among other features, with BMW clearly hoping star athletes will adopt the electric SUV quickly. As the world’s biggest football clubs provide prime marketing opportunities, Real Madrid’s endorsement carries great weight for the Neue Klasse program.
The iX3 launches as the first of over 40 models under the Neue Klasse banner, arriving by late 2027. BMW leads with the crossover rather than the i3 sedan coming next year, recognizing SUVs dominate sales volume despite sedans remaining profitable. Some Real Madrid players already drive the i5 or i7, giving them sedan alternatives until the i3 arrives.
BMW’s new Debrecen factory in Hungary can build up to 150,000 iX3 units annually, with the company hoping demand keeps the plant at full capacity. Expected success prompted BMW to add a second production facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico starting 2027.
China receives its own long-wheelbase iX3 variant designed and built locally, debuting in 2026. The regional customization reflects BMW’s strategy of adapting Neue Klasse models for specific markets rather than offering identical specifications globally.
US buyers face longer waits than Europeans, with deliveries not starting until midyear 2026. The staged rollout lets BMW gauge initial reception and address any production issues before expanding to all markets.
Real Madrid’s embrace of electric mobility aligns with BMW’s push toward electrification, creating natural partnership synergy beyond typical sponsorship arrangements. Whether the football stars’ enthusiasm translates to broader consumer adoption remains to be seen, but BMW clearly values the celebrity endorsement as Neue Klasse launches enter the critical market introduction phase.
