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Quiet, practical, and unexpectedly purposeful. BMW has broadened the iX3 lineup with a new entry-level member that aims to balance range and everyday usability without stealing the show from the flagship dual-motor model.
The iX3 40 is built around a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle. It produces about 315 hp (235 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, enough to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 124 mph (200 kph). Short, decisive bursts of pace. Then calm.
Battery capacity drops compared with the top-spec car, but not by much. The new model uses an 82.6 kWh pack that accepts up to 300 kW charging. On the WLTP cycle BMW quotes a range of 396 miles, which translates to roughly 637 km. The car keeps the 800V architecture that supports those high charging rates, so long-distance drives remain a straightforward proposition.
Where the new iX3 sits in the lineup
The quieter iX3 40 is the pragmatic choice. It trims complexity and weight, while keeping the things that matter: strong mid-range torque, fast DC charging, and a long enough WLTP number to satisfy most buyers who rarely need the extreme range headline.
If you want the headline-grabbing stats, look to the iX3 50 xDrive. That model carries a larger, 108.7 kWh net battery and a dual-motor setup rated at 462 hp (345 kW) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm). It covers up to 500 miles on the WLTP cycle, and on EPA figures the range sits between 383 and 434 miles. It cuts the 0 to 62 mph sprint to 4.9 seconds and raises top speed to 130 mph (210 kph). Charging pace remains impressive: BMW says the 50 xDrive can go from 10 to 80 percent in about 21 minutes.
Beyond powertrains, BMW has refreshed the iX3’s palette and options. New paints like Urban Green and Voodoo Blue join a list of pearl and metallic hues, while a 21-inch M Aerodynamic wheel in Jet Black and a bi-tone cabin trim called Contemporary Agave are now available. Tick the Innovation Package and you get heated rear seats and an expanded suite of AI-driven features for the car’s software. Those are useful touches rather than headline-makers, but small comforts add up on long trips.
Deliveries will start this fall in the United States. BMW lists the bi-motor iX3 with an MSRP that converts to roughly €57,200. The company has not yet revealed pricing for the single-motor iX3 40.
Choice, not extremes. BMW has added a sensible alternative to the iX3 range that should appeal to buyers who want long range without paying for maximum power. Which way will the market lean?
Source: autoevolution
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