The way forward for BMW is right here, and it appears a bit of like this – the brand new iX3.
Regardless of sporting a well-known identify, the 2026 iX3 couldn’t be extra totally different to its predecessor. Positive, it’s nonetheless a mid-sized electrical SUV with 5 seats and a giant boot, nevertheless it’s additionally the primary of BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ or ‘new class’ sequence, a recent era of automobiles that embody vital modifications in expertise, design, and manufacturing processes.
The shift in design language is most seen, nevertheless it’s one thing of a footnote in comparison with the technological developments buried beneath the iX3’s edgy bodywork.
As a result of at its coronary heart is BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive expertise, which mixes environment friendly motors, new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, and 800V underpinnings. The payoff is a driving vary of as much as a minimum of 805km and peak DC fast-charging of 400kW for the iX3 50 xDrive launch variant – figures that render even essentially the most worthy rivals a bit of insufficient.
Efficiency isn’t missing, both. The twin-motor 50 xDrive packs 345kW of energy and 645Nm of torque, regardless of not sporting any ‘M’ badges.
Inside, the brand new iX3 is screen-heavy, button-light and loaded with sustainable supplies that problem conventional definitions of luxurious. It additionally debuts BMW’s revolutionary ‘Panoramic Imaginative and prescient’, a stretched instrument show that screams showroom enchantment.
Behind the scenes, a complete of 4 computer systems dubbed ‘superbrains’ care for driving dynamics and automatic driving, in addition to the infotainment system and inside features.
Proper-hand drive variations of the iX3 Neue Klasse received’t be out there to buy in Australia till the halfway level of subsequent yr, however that didn’t cease us from heading to Sotogrande, Spain for the worldwide launch of BMW’s most vital mannequin in years.
So, is the second-generation iX3 actually a game-changing EV? Or does the metallic fail to match the advertising and marketing? Dig deeper to seek out out.
How a lot does the BMW iX3 price?
We’re undecided but, though hints might be discovered within the pricing of each opponents and BMW’s different electrical SUVs.
The iX3 50 xDrive represents the launch providing and would be the first iX3 variant provided in Australia, with additional variants to observe from 2027 onwards.
Making an allowance for the dual-motor drivetrain and sure specification of the 50 xDrive, direct rivals embody the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro, Porsche Macan 4, Polestar 3 Lengthy Vary Twin Motor, Cadillac Lyriq, and Genesis Electrified GV70, all of that are priced between $120,000-140,000 earlier than on-road prices. In fact, we will’t overlook Mercedes-Benz and its upcoming GLC with EQ Expertise, though we don’t know the way a lot that can price both.
So, the place will the iX3 fall amongst its friends? Effectively, we’re inclined to suppose that it could be the most cost effective of the bunch.
The earlier iX3 topped out at $104,900 plus on-roads, though that was a single-motor mannequin in-built China on a longtime platform. In the meantime, the bigger iX is at the moment out there from $142,900 excluding on-road prices, so it could make sense if the brand new, dual-motor iX3 fell between these two markers. As such, a beginning worth of round $120,000 is on the playing cards.
To see how the BMW iX3 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
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What’s the BMW iX3 like on the within?
Funnily sufficient, the brand new iX3 is in contrast to any BMW that has come earlier than it.
The infotainment interface and trim supplies will likely be considerably acquainted to model loyalists, however the cabin format is a radical departure from what we’ve come to count on.
Gone are the bodily buttons and switches of yesteryear, most of which have been axed to unlock area and improve aesthetics.
As a substitute, widespread automobile features together with the local weather controls at the moment are embedded inside a big centre show that’s pressured to do lots of heavy lifting, and it exhibits.
As a result of, whereas the quirky parallelogram display options recent BMW Working System X software program, we discovered it to be laggy and gradual to reply at occasions. It’s not like we have been asking for a lot with our inputs, both.
Nonetheless, there’s no knocking the decision of the graphics, nor the vibrancy of the colors. And, extra importantly, the display is housed good and near the motive force, so it’s straightforward to succeed in on the transfer.
Ease of entry doesn’t essentially translate to ease of use, although. We didn’t spend sufficient time with the iX3 to provide you with concrete conclusions concerning the performance of the infotainment display, nevertheless it’s clear there’s a steep studying curve hooked up.
You want solely navigate to the automobile settings menu to understand that the system is endlessly layered, and key options aren’t essentially housed the place you count on them to be. Take the path of the air vents, for instance, which might solely be adjusted by the local weather management menu. Drive mode changes are additionally reliant on use of the display.
Nonetheless, on the opposite aspect of the equation, a handful of useful shortcut icons can completely be discovered on the base of the display, and many of the infotainment apps are clearly labelled. And, fortunately, the aspect mirror controls are nonetheless bodily buttons positioned close to the window switches, as is custom.
Along with trendy necessities reminiscent of native satellite tv for pc navigation, wi-fi smartphone mirroring and related companies, the iX3 affords apps together with Spotify, Disney+, YouTube, Zoom and Amazon by its retailer, in addition to video games and gaming controller compatibility.
The brand new software program structure in Neue Klasse fashions permits extra frequent over-the-air updates, so the iX3 received’t miss out on new options that BMW decides to roll out sooner or later.
That very same software program and the combination of AI additionally contributes to the sense that the iX3 is a acutely aware, intelligent automobile – the inside lights robotically swap on when the motive force reaches for an object on the passenger seat, and the charging flap opens if you arrive at a charging station, as if by magic.
Progressive tech is a clearly key cornerstone of the Neue Klasse revolution, and that’s much more evident within the inclusion of a brand new Panoramic Imaginative and prescient show on the base of the windscreen. The pillar-to-pillar projection is basically a stretched instrument show that exhibits key driving info together with pace, journey knowledge, and navigation instructions.
There’s loads of scope for customisation – the lazy amongst us can decide from three default layouts, whereas every of the six particular person show widgets might be configured to create one thing extra private. Talking of widgets, there’s a complete of 16 to select from together with aforementioned fundamentals in addition to climate, date, connectivity, charging, and geographic info.
Now don’t get me flawed, the high-resolution screen-like show is spectacular to behold. Nonetheless, I didn’t discover that it notably enhanced the driving expertise other than preserving my eyes angled up in direction of the street… however isn’t that what the head-up show was invented for? And what’s extra, a 3D head-up show is among the many listing of price choices.
Our check automobiles have been additionally outfitted with a banging (however sadly not normal) Harman Kardon sound system, whereas cell gadget charging is taken care of by a vertical wi-fi pad and two USB-C retailers positioned on the base of the infotainment display.
In entrance of the motive force sits a squircle formed steering wheel with glassy haptic buttons. Patrons can select between three totally different wheel designs that vary from distinctive to downright bizarre, ie. vertical spokes as pictured all through this assessment.
We’ve beforehand been essential of BMW for producing steering wheels which are too thick to carry comfortably, and this grievance persists, however now you possibly can add jarring design and finicky controls to our listing of misgivings. It’s simply the worth of ‘progress’, I assume.
No less than the haptic buttons present suggestions you can really feel by your thumbs, and the M Sport wheel is way much less outlandish to have a look at. Relying on specification, the wheel is trimmed in both Veganza faux-leather or real Merino leather-based, each of which go the contact check.
The seats likewise go this check, and in addition meet consolation expectations. As normal, the xDrive 50 comes with vegan leather-based seats that function electrical adjustment, three-stage heating, and a therapeutic massage operate with seven totally different modes for the motive force.
There’s ample cushioning and lateral help, too, with much more on provide for those who improve to the beefed up M Sport seats, which additionally achieve thigh extensions. Neither provide air flow although, and there’s nowhere tender to relaxation your left knee throughout lengthy stints behind the wheel.
Additional, not all of the supplies discovered all through the iX3 again up its positioning as an opulent mid-sized SUV.
On the plus aspect, BMW has ridded the cabin of the shiny black plastic that Audi and Mercedes-Benz nonetheless worship – an enormous win for house owners might prefer to hold their automobile clear for greater than a day or two. Nonetheless, the highest sections of the sprint and door playing cards aren’t as tender as you may count on, whereas the headlining feels a bit of low-cost.
Equally, the woven material trim discovered on the entrance of the sprint has seemingly been plucked straight of a Mini, though BMW assured me that’s not the case.
So, whereas it’s commendable that BMW has positioned an enormous quantity of emphasis on sustainability for its Neue Klasse period, that shouldn’t come at the price of premium really feel.
Choosing one of many two M Sport packages treatments this considerably by introducing suede to the supplies combine, in addition to considerate touches like tri-colour M stitching on the seatbelts. And, supplies apart, construct high quality feels rock strong.
An absence of cabin storage additionally lets the brand new iX3 down, limiting its on a regular basis practicality. The door bins are oddly formed and received’t accommodate a big drink bottle, whereas the glovebox and centre console likewise lack acreage. There’s no cubby on your sun shades, both.
Given the premium positioning of the iX3, I used to be additionally disenchanted to seek out that neither the door bins nor centre console are lined with both felt or rubber, which serves to scale back the annoying rattling of free objects. That is particularly shocking contemplating the storage tray below the central bridge has a rubberised flooring.
House is much less of a difficulty within the second row. Effectively, with regards to seating passengers, anyway.
For starters, the doorways open extensive, so it’s straightforward to get out and in. And although my driving place is about fairly far again, I used to be nonetheless capable of slide in behind with out challenge. Headroom is much more plentiful, and our tester was outfitted with a tinted glass roof that lightens up the cabin with out turning the iX3 into an opulent oven.
A very flat flooring additionally encourages use of the center seat, regardless of its firmer base and backrest.
Other than plush seating, the second row is a bit of naked bones for the worth. Facilities embody two USB-C retailers, a pair of air vents, and a fold-down armrest with substantial cupholders, however there’s no seat heating. Map pockets are lacking, so that you’ll want to seek out elsewhere to retailer books, magazines and different small objects.
On the rear of the iX3 you’ll discover a comparatively standard boot space with 520 litres of area – barely greater than the outgoing iX3 however lower than an Audi Q6 e-tron or the associated Porsche Macan. An influence tailgate is normal, and a flat loading bay makes loading cumbersome objects a breeze. An extra 58L of cargo capability is on the market within the type of a ‘frunk’.
Don’t look forward to finding a spare wheel although, as there may be none. I discovered this out the arduous method after popping a tyre on the prime of a mountain go, which resulted in a prolonged look forward to help. The view was spectacular, although.
| Dimensions | BMW iX3 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4782mm |
| Width | 1895mm |
| Peak | 1635mm |
| Wheelbase | 2897mm |
| Cargo capability | 520L (behind rear seats) 1750L (behind entrance seats) |
To see how the BMW iX3 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s below the bonnet?
The sixth-generation BMW eDrive expertise developed for the Neue Klasse contains extremely environment friendly electrical motors, new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, and an 800-volt electrical structure.
| Specs | BMW iX3 50 xDrive |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Twin-motor electrical |
| Battery | 108kWh NMC lithium-ion |
| Energy | 345kW |
| Torque | 645Nm |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2360kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 4.9s |
| Vitality consumption (claimed) | 15.1-17.9kWh/100km |
| Vitality consumption (as examined) | 17.3kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary | 805km |
| Max AC cost price | 11kW |
| Max DC cost price | 400kW |
Energy and torque sit at 345kW and 645Nm respectively, giving the iX3 a critical efficiency benefit over lots of its rivals.
It additionally boasts the longest driving vary of any EV at the moment bought in Australia – 805km, to be precise. In different phrases, house owners are unlikely to ever expertise ‘vary anxiousness’.
BMW has additionally taken a few of the stress out of public charging by boosting the iX3’s most charging price to 400kW, which permits house owners so as to add greater than 350km of vary in simply 10 minutes. Nevertheless it’s value noting that you simply’re unlikely to ever see charging speeds on this ballpark when utilizing Australia’s public DC fast-charging community, at the least for now.
To see how the BMW iX3 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How does the BMW iX3 drive?
Electrical SUVs have seldom been this satisfying to steer.
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We skilled the 50 xDrive in quite a lot of situations from suburban driving to freeway cruising and even a short stint on a racetrack.
Put merely, it excelled in every surroundings, thanks in no small half to a next-level drivetrain and balanced chassis tuning.
At low speeds, the iX3 reveals all of the hallmarks of an achieved EV. It’s quiet, clean and predictable, with a progressive proper pedal that makes city driving a easy activity. The brake pedal is agency however not fairly as user-friendly, though BMW says 98 per cent of braking might be achieved utilizing recuperation solely, i.e. with out software of the friction brakes.
And it’s value utilising the regenerative braking capabilities of the iX3, because the system is well-judged and configurable. A low regen setting is on the market for individuals who need extra management over braking, whereas ‘B’ mode makes for correct single-pedal driving.
Rushing up is simply as simple as slowing down. The 50 xDrive sends 345kW and 645Nm to all 4 wheels – a recipe for enjoyable in nearly any driving state of affairs.
With that mentioned, many trendy EVs battle to place their energy down, whether or not that’s on account of low-cost tyres, extreme weight, or digital limitations. However not this one.
Slightly, the iX3 takes off cleanly from a standstill. The Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres hook up instantly, and earlier than lengthy you’re travelling at freeway speeds.
Arduous acceleration is accompanied by synthesised spaceship sounds that can doubtless show divisive, though the soundtrack right here is extra palatable than most. And no matter the way it sounds, the iX3 is fast sufficient to place a smile in your face.
It’s additionally able to overlaying large distances between charging stops. BMW’s declare is 805km and that appears achievable in the actual world – our hilly, high-speed driving stint decreased the vary to 650km-ish, however that’s nearly a worst-case consequence.
To place that into context, the Polestar 3 Lengthy Vary can eke out a claimed 706km on a full battery, whereas the Q6 e-tron quattro can journey simply 542km. As such, the brand new iX3 actually is a game-changer.
However BMW patrons usually count on greater than straight-line tempo and effectivity. They count on ‘the final word driving machine’. So, how does the iX3 Neue Klasse fare in that division? Surprisingly effectively, for a 2.4-tonne SUV.
Contemplating its dimensions, the iX3 is fast to vary path and advantages from a variable-ratio steering system that hundreds up as you flip the wheel, offering glorious suggestions to the motive force.
The rear-biased nature of the all-wheel drive system additionally provides the 50 xDrive a playful character that’s quintessentially BMW. Purposeful driving sees the again finish rotate round corners in a managed method, and issues get a bit of squirrelly for those who mash the throttle when exiting a nook.
All of the whereas, a complicated traction management system prevents any nasty surprises. And when pushed sensibly, the iX3 demonstrates glorious physique management and stability when cornering regardless of its immense heft.
I doubt many Australian house owners will punt their iX3 by the mountains as we did throughout the launch occasion, nevertheless it’s all the time reassuring to know {that a} automobile has been developed with the act of driving in thoughts.
This give attention to driving pleasure provides the iX3 a bonus of rivals such because the Genesis Electrified GV70 and Cadillac Lyriq, each of which supply comparable efficiency however not one of the fizz.
The iX3 isn’t alone on this regard, because the Audi Q6 e-tron can be a good drive. Nonetheless, BMW has managed to have interaction the steerer with out compromising on consolation.
To caveat this, the Spanish roads we skilled have been largely unblemished, and definitely smoother than these in Australia. However, there’s sufficient proof to recommend that the primary Neue Klasse SUV will likely be nice to dwell with day-to-day.
Whereas not tender, we discovered the journey to be compliant and freed from the harshness that plagues alternate options such because the aforementioned Audi. The few nasty sections of tarmac we got here throughout induced bobbling however nothing harsher, and that’s on normal passive suspension. Adaptive dampers will additional increase consolation after they finally arrive with new iX3 variants.
That spectacular journey high quality carries over to high-speed freeway driving – an surroundings through which the iX3 thrives.
As a result of past smoothness, BMW’s first Neue Klasse mannequin boasts low ranges of vibration and street noise, in addition to a few of the finest calibrated driver help methods (ADAS) available on the market.
One of many iX3’s 4 ‘superbrain’ computer systems is solely devoted to ADAS, and that’s obvious in each the competence and agreeableness of the methods.
Many new automobiles endure from hyper-sensitive security assists that beep and flash at each alternative, however the iX3 is extra measured in its supply of warnings. Positive, the pace signal recognition system generally struggles to deal with roadworks indicators and the like, however different aids reminiscent of the eye monitor and lane-keep help aren’t intrusive.
And if for some motive you do turn out to be fed up with a selected function, BMW has made it a lot simpler to dumb down sure warnings. For instance, there’s now a ‘cut back warnings’ icon within the automobile settings which loosens a number of parameters in a single faucet, whereas divisive helpers such because the overspeed warning might be switched off fully utilizing touch-sensitive buttons subsequent to the infotainment display.
Extra spectacular than that’s BMW’s autonomous driving expertise.
As a part of the iX3 launch we have been launched to the model’s new ‘Assisted Driving Professional’ operate – a hands-off adaptive cruise management system out there to be used on European highways. Whereas not fairly on the degree of Tesla’s full self-driving (FSD) system, Assisted Driving Professional evokes sufficient confidence to be left to its personal units throughout long-distance touring, and BMW says that is only the start. It’s only a disgrace that this tech received’t be out there in Australia for the foreseeable future.
Having mentioned that, native patrons could have entry to Assisted Driving Traditional, a nearly-as-capable different. Along with combining adaptive cruise management and lively lane centring, this allows you to lean on the brakes with out cancelling the cruise setting, an evolution I warmly embrace.
The ADAS laptop additionally homes automated parking features, together with distant parking by the My BMW app.
To see how the BMW iX3 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What do you get?
The iX3 will launch in a single trim grade – 50 xDrive, though patrons can even go for one in all two M Sport choice packs to spice issues up.
2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive tools highlights:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Energy tailgate
- Veganza leather-based upholstery
- 43.3-inch BMW Panoramic Imaginative and prescient show
- 17.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- BMW Clever Private Assistant
- BMW ConnectedDrive app retailer
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- 3D head-up show
- Multi-colour ambient lighting
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Wi-fi charging pad
- Energy-adjustable entrance seats
- Heated entrance seats
- Over-the-air updates
- Digital key
9 paintwork finishes will likely be out there from the beginning of manufacturing for Australia, together with the brand new Polarised Gray metallic and Ocean Wave Blue metallic.
Electrical folding aspect mirrors at the moment are normal throughout the iX3 vary. This addition will barely register with most patrons, nevertheless it’s an vital inclusion for individuals who usually park their automobile on the road.
To see how the BMW iX3 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
Is the BMW iX3 secure?
The brand new iX3 doesn’t but have a security score from ANCAP or Euro NCAP, nevertheless it packs loads of trendy security tools together with a ‘hands-off’ cruise management system that’s been permitted for European markets.
Normal security options embody:
- 9 airbags
- ‘Symbiotic driver help’
- Adaptive cruise management
- Collaborative steering
- Collaborative brakes
- Pace restrict warning
- Entrance collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Lane change warning
- Street precedence warning
- Protected exit warning
- Assisted view
- Automated parking
To see how the BMW iX3 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How a lot does the BMW iX3 price to run?
All BMW fashions are lined by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee in Australia. The battery can be lined for eight years or 160,000km – whichever comes first.
BMW hasn’t launched servicing info for the iX3 simply but, though the model has confirmed the brand new mannequin will stay topic to a condition-based servicing schedule. For context, a fundamental six-year service package deal for the previous-generation iX3 price $2325.
BMW has traditionally thrown in a complimentary Chargefox subscription with the acquisition of a brand new iX3, nevertheless it’s unclear what incentives will likely be provided this time round.
Homeowners can even extract extra worth out of their iX3 by benefiting from its bidirectional charging features together with vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-home (V2H), and vehicle-to-grid (V2G). The previous is deliberate for the Australian market, promising the power to attract energy from the automobile’s battery to make use of on a regular basis home equipment, energy instruments, and tenting tools.
To see how the BMW iX3 traces up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the BMW iX3
There’s quite a bit to love in regards to the new iX3 and the tone it units for future BMW fashions.
In 50 xDrive guise, the iX3 raises the bar for the mixture of effectivity and efficiency that may be extracted from an electrical powertrain.
Not solely can this household SUV persistently cowl 800km between charging periods, nevertheless it’ll accomplish that whereas offering straight-line efficiency to rival most sports activities automobiles.
And regardless of weighing in at almost 2.4 tonnes, the iX3 stays devoted to BMW’s promise of ‘the final word driving machine’, as we discovered on a few of Spain’s twistiest roads.
That mentioned, many new automobile patrons aren’t all that desirous about driving. BMW understands that, as evidenced by the spectacular functionality of the iX3’s upgraded help methods. European prospects will profit from this most, however Australian patrons can nonetheless count on glorious ranges of semi-autonomy.
Our first expertise of a Neue Klasse inside conjured up blended emotions. The tech is flashy and there’s room for a household to journey in consolation, however the infotainment system calls for a steep studying curve. Space for storing is a bit of missing, too.
Greatest to withhold judgement till we’ve spent some extra time with the iX3, then.
Talking of withholding judgement, different key unknowns stand in the way in which of a decisive conclusion. For one, we don’t but know what the 50 xDrive will price in Australia. Query marks additionally stay over normal specification.
However, on stability, we stay quietly assured that the iX3 will shoot to the highest of the premium electrical SUV hierarchy when it arrives Down Beneath in mid-2026.
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