BMW iX3

The first of BMW's nextgeneration electric models looks to make big gains in efficiency and driving pleasure

- DARREN MOSS

MATHEMATICIAN TERENCE TAO is said to be the cleverest person alive, with an IQ of around 230. And if Mr Tao is in the market for a new car, his intellectual match could be the upcoming BMW iX3.

Based on last year's Vision Neue Klasse X concept car, the new iX3 will be one of the smartest new cars on sale when it arrives in showrooms next summer. That's because it's the first BMW to feature the company's new 'brain', which will allow many of the car's individual driving processes to be controlled by one computer, rather than many. In short, this should lead to smoother, more efficient driving. Indeed, BMW says it will “redefine what is meant by sheer driving pleasure” – a bold claim by any stretch.