BMW has opened the configurator for the rear-wheel-drive version of the first model in its Neue Klasse range. In Germany, customers can now order the iX3 from a starting price of €63,400, which is €7,500 less than the AWD top version iX3 50 xDrive. BMW plans to begin deliveries during the summer.
With the new iX3 40, BMW aims to demonstrate the performance of an efficient rear-wheel-drive system on the Neue Klasse platform. The vehicle features the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology. The electric drive unit, integrated into the rear axle, delivers 235 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The iX3 40 accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 200 kph.
The iX3 40’s battery has a usable energy capacity of 82.6 kWh. BMW states its range as up to 637 kilometers under the WLTP cycle. This makes the new entry-level model somewhat less range-efficient than the iX3 50 xDrive, which achieves up to 805 kilometers thanks to its 108-kWh battery.
At DC fast-charging stations, the 800-volt electric SUV supports charging capacities of up to 300 kW. BMW states that charging the battery from 10% to 80% takes 21 minutes. The vehicle comes with an 11-kW AC charger as standard, while customers can optionally order a 22-kW onboard charger.
V2L, V2H, and V2G
The vehicle-to-load (V2L) function is available only with the more powerful AC charger. However, BMW includes vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality as standard. The company also equips the vehicle with a heat pump as standard.
Beyond the drivetrain and charging technology, the standard equipment includes LED headlights and rear lights, the BMW Digital Key Plus for smartphones and smartwatches, electrically folding exterior mirrors, a 58-liter storage compartment under the front bonnet, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, and driver assistance systems such as a rear-view camera with panoramic view, parking assistant, park distance control, and a rear-crossing assistant.
In terms of design, the new variant is nearly indistinguishable from the existing iX3 50 xDrive. Both models follow the new, rather minimalist design language of the Neue Klasse. According to BMW, there are no differences in equipment levels either.
Successful start
All iX3 variants are produced at BMW’s new plant in Debrecen, Hungary. BMW announced that production had already shifted to a two-shift operation due to high demand. A significant portion of the planned 2026 production for the iX3 50 xDrive had already been reserved through pre-orders.
With the iX3 40, a more affordable variant is now available, which is expected to attract an even broader range of customers. The electric SUV is associated with high expectations in Munich, and the launch appears to have been successful.
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