The 2027 BMW iX3 has lastly arrived, debuting as the primary automobile to make use of BMW’s highly-anticipated Neue Klasse electrical structure. This can be a big deal, because it brings it some stellar options like an 800-volt structure, 400-kW charging speeds, big effectivity positive factors, BMW’s Coronary heart of Pleasure ECU, and the power to cease with out utilizing mechanical brakes. At launch, BMW is specializing in a single trim known as the iX3 50 xDrive, which is powered by two electrical motors producing 469 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque.
DrivingOnRoad visited Munich, Germany to see the brand new iX3 in individual and communicate to product specialists in regards to the automobile. There, we realized the 50 xDrive could be considered one of 4 iX3 fashions which can debut within the coming months and years. Whereas we do not know the precise particulars for each, it appears possible they are going to all have the identical 108.7 kWh (usable capability battery) with sixth-generation BMW eDrive expertise lithium-ion cylindrical cells. Here is what you’ll be able to anticipate from future iX3 variants:
Already Inexpensive, And Getting Cheaper
BMW has not revealed precise pricing for the 2026 iX3, however says it’s going to begin at “round $60,000” for the 50 xDrive variant. That is unimaginable. The gas-powered X3 30 xDrive with a four-cylinder engine is $50,900 and the six-cylinder M50 xDrive mannequin is definitely costlier, beginning at $65,900. The iX3 may be the electrical cut price of the 12 months because the least costly 400-mile EV in America. It is price noting the combustion X3 M50 is faster than its EV counterpart, hitting 60 mph in 4.4 seconds in comparison with 4.7 seconds, regardless of solely having 393 hp in comparison with 469 hp.
| BMW X3 Variants | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashions | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 |
| X3 30 xDrive | 255 hp | 295 lb-ft | 6.0 seconds |
| X3 M50 xDrive | 393 hp | 428 lb-ft | 4.4 seconds |
| iX3 M50 xDrive | 469 hp | 475 lb-ft | 4.7 seconds |
Undercutting one of many fuel variants is already spectacular, but it surely would not cease there. There’ll ultimately be two cheaper variations: the iX3 40 and the iX3 40 xDrive. The previous can have only one electrical motor on the rear axle, whereas the latter can have two motors, producing much less energy than the 50 xDrive. BMW is concentrating on a 400-mile EPA vary for the 50 xDrive model, so it stands to cause the rear-drive model might go even additional on a cost, assuming it retains the identical battery dimension. The iX3 40 might additionally include a smaller battery, decreasing the price.
Get Prepared For An M Mannequin, Probably Two
If the 50 xDrive mannequin is not fast sufficient, in fact, BMW’s M Division is engaged on one thing spicier. Truly, it may be engaged on two fashions. BMW’s German group talked about the iX3 would get an M model, however did they imply an actual M or an M Efficiency? Up to now, there has not been a “true” electrical M mannequin, solely M Efficiency autos just like the i4 M50/M60, i5 M50, i7 M70, and iX M60/M70. It is unclear if BMW was referring to the upcoming iX3 M60 xDrive, which is rumored to provide over 600 hp, or a unique mannequin.
We all know BMW is engaged on the next-generation M3, which can spawn a gasoline and all-electric model, and will additionally spin off a separate electrical X3 M that isn’t labeled as an iX3. It’s kind of complicated, but it surely means there might technically be 5 electrical X3 variants in the marketplace, considered one of which does not have the “i” nomenclature. If that mannequin shares its powertrain with the M3, it might produce nicely over 800 hp.
The iX3 is already a giant deal, however the 50 xDrive is simply the beginning.