The Neue Klasse represents the BMW Group’s most significant technological leap in over half a century. Developed entirely from the ground up, it addresses the challenges of electric mobility with a strong focus on digitalization and sustainability.

The platform sets new standards in vehicle architecture, energy efficiency, digital experience, and connectivity - forming the foundation for future BMW models across multiple segments. It also introduces a truly integrated digital ecosystem, powered by four onboard "supercomputers," with a substantial portion of this technology developed in Portugal.

Portugal writes part of the code for the mobility of the future

At the heart of this innovation is Critical TechWorks (CTW), a joint venture between the BMW Group and the Portuguese company Critical Software. With more than 3,300 employees across Lisbon, Porto, and Braga, CTW is now the BMW Group’s largest software development hub in Europe - responsible for much of the technology behind the next generation of BMW and MINI vehicles.

Among the Portuguese contributions featured in the new BMW iX3 are the BMW Panoramic iDrive, designed with an "Eyes on the road" philosophy that blends an immersive digital experience with:

• Augmented reality;
• Advanced driver assistance systems like the Digital Road Model and Lane Change Prediction;
• Real-time learning functions;
• Secure operating system infrastructures such as POSIX, Safe POSIX and Node 0;
• The latest MyBMW App;
• Remote Software Update capabilities that keep vehicles current throughout their lifecycle.

Beyond what happens inside the car, CTW is also developing solutions to enhance production efficiency, optimize logistics through digitalization, and support other internal BMW Group operations.

Portuguese technology powering BMW’s transformation

According to João Trincheiras, Corporate Communications Director at BMW Portugal, the launch of the new iX3 marks the beginning of a bold new era for the brand.

"The Neue Klasse is more than a model line - it’s a philosophy and a platform that defines the next chapter of BMW,” he said. "Even during uncertain times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we chose to move forward confidently with this project. The new BMW iX3 is the tangible expression of that vision - and we are proud that a significant part of its technology was developed here in Portugal by Critical TechWorks."

Trincheiras emphasized that CTW plays an integral role in BMW’s innovation ecosystem.

"Critical TechWorks is not just a software supplier - it’s part of the technological brain of the BMW Group," he added. "Thanks to Portuguese talent, we’ve built an ecosystem that directly influences how drivers experience their cars, how factories operate, and how the brand envisions its future."

For Christine Marconcin, Chief Operations Officer of Critical TechWorks, the partnership illustrates how Portugal has become a strategic hub in the global automotive industry.

"Critical TechWorks and the BMW Group have grown side by side, building a strong path of collaboration and innovation,” she noted. "Today, no BMW Group vehicle leaves the factory without our direct contribution. We develop around 150 automotive software products that shape how millions of drivers interact with their vehicles worldwide."

Christine added that this journey reflects the strength of Portuguese talent and its ability to turn challenges such as digitalization, artificial intelligence, and sustainability into technological solutions.

"This partnership continues to strengthen," she said, "consolidating Portugal’s position as a strategic center of innovation in the automotive sector."

The new BMW iX3: a symbol of transformation

The new BMW iX3, the first production model built on the Neue Klasse platform, embodies BMW’s new direction: electric, digital, emotional, and centered on the driver experience.

Key specifications include:

Power: 469 hp, torque of 645 Nm;
WLTP range: up to 805 km;
800V electrical architecture with charging up to 400 kW;
Central “Heart of Joy” system for integrated management of traction, regeneration, steering, and braking;
Panoramic iDrive with an intuitive interface developed in Portugal.

More than a model launch, the event showcased BMW’s vision for the future - one that unites technological innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge design. It also highlighted the growing impact of Portuguese expertise on the global stage, as BMW continues to build the next generation of intelligent, connected, and electric vehicles.