BMW iX3 Review 2026: Prices, specs and verdict

What is the BMW iX3?

The iX3 isn’t just another new electric SUV from BMW; it’s designed to be a game-changer, bringing an all-new design language and fresh technology to the brand.

That certainly wasn’t the case with the old iX3, which visually was barely altered from the petrol or diesel-powered X3 and didn’t set new standards in terms of range, either. It sold well enough but was quickly eclipsed by the great-driving BMW i4.

This time, though, BMW is on the front foot with the new iX3. It shares almost nothing under the skin with the BMW X3 on which it’s based and even looks completely different inside and out. That’s because it’s the first of BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ models – we’ll see the iX3’s new design rolled out across the whole range in the years to come.

The iX3 isn’t just a distinctive face, though. Its big battery pack and efficiency-optimising tech enables a range on a charge of up to 500 miles.

That’s all well and good, but does the new iX3 perform in the real world as well as on a spec sheet? Our in-depth review aims to find out.

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Verdict: is the BMW iX3 a good car?

The BMW iX3 isn’t just a good car, it’s one of the best electric cars to launch in the last year. It holds real appeal thanks to its impressive range figures and charging speeds, while also previewing some innovative design and tech features to roll out on future BMWs.

But more than that, the iX3 doesn’t just excel on paper. It’s great to drive, practical, easy to live with and even reasonably affordable by premium electric SUV standards. All in all, BMW is on to a winner.

Pricing, specs & rivals

Prices for the new BMW iX3 start at £53,250, at the time of writing, for the entry-level iX3 40 model in standard trim. While we wouldn’t call it a bargain, it’s cheaper than the first generation iX3 despite that having a much lower range and less performance.

The iX3’s starting price is also slightly lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric and Volvo EX60 – two of the latest premium electric SUVs that compete with the BMW. A Tesla Model Y Long Range All Wheel Drive does undercut it, though.

Entry-level iX3s come equipped with 20in alloy wheels, LED headlights with auto high beam, keyless entry and start, wireless phone charging, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, the new ‘Panoramic iDrive’ wraparound display and an electric tailgate.

Upgrading to the iX3 M Sport adds £2,500 to the price, with upgrades focused on styling and interior trim. These include an M Sport bodykit, unique 20in alloys, a sports steering wheel, faux leather and textured fabric upholstery and translucent dashboard lighting.

Topping the range is the iX3 M Sport Pro, from £57,250. This further adds upgraded M Sport seats, a black rear diffuser, upgraded brakes with red calipers, adaptive LED headlights and an illuminated grille.

Upgrading to the iX3 50 xDrive ups the base price to £60,655, with the same trim options available. Of course, there are a multitude of different option packs you can choose from, adding all sorts of tech and luxury features but also pushing the price up.

Rivals

The iX3 has two key models in its crosshairs when it comes to direct rivals: the Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric and Volvo EX60. All three cars have launched around the same time, represent the next generation and boast strong range and charging figures.

But BMW won’t just have to worry about those cars. Other options you’ll consider alongside the iX3 include the Audi Q6 e-tron, Polestar 3 and Polestar 4, Porsche Macan Electric, Lexus RZ and Genesis GV70 Electrified. And although the Tesla Model Y arguably can’t match the luxury and desirability at this level, it’s the UK’s best-selling electric car for a reason.

Interior comfort, quality & technology

The first thing you’ll notice when stepping inside the iX3 is the dazzling new displays (more on those in the next section) but beyond the tech it still nails the fundamentals.

The design is a lot less minimalist than a Tesla Model Y, with lots of styling flourishes and smart materials. Fit and finish is also very good, with plenty of soft-touch materials, although the plastic steering wheel button panels let the side down a little.

Speaking of the steering wheel, it is shaped and styled very differently to the standard X3 and takes getting used to. You’ll still find it comfortable to hold, though, and the driving position is excellent with plenty of adjustment and comfortable, supportive seats.

A combination of thin pillars and reasonably large windows give you a good view forwards and sideways, too, although the new instrument display (detailed below) gives you less of a clear view of the bonnet than in a Model Y. By modern car standards, the rear view is pretty good too.

Infotainment, sat-nav, stereo and connectivity

The iX3’s cabin features two screens, but they aren’t your typical square touchscreen and small instrument display. This is totally different to other BMWs and sets the tone for all future models.

The central touchscreen is a dramatic (and large) 17.9in six-sided display that leans towards the driver. It looks daunting to use at first glance, but the graphics are crisp, the menus are less complex than iDrive systems of old and it responds very quickly to both touch and voice command.

Having said that, it isn’t perfect. It’s a shame BMW did away with the old rotary iDrive control wheel which is less distracting to use while driving than the touchscreen. We’d have also liked to see physical controls for the climate functions rather than small screen icons. But most rivals have similar issues.

Instead of your classic instrument display in front of the driver, the iX3 has a long, thin ‘Panoramic Vision Display’ spanning the width of the dash just below the windscreen displaying more information easily within your eyeline. It’s far less distracting than a traditional head-up display, although BMW will let you option one too.

Of course, every iX3 gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring along with a fast wireless charging pad. There are also four USB-C charging ports equally spread between the front and rear.

Audio-wise, the standard system boasts seven speakers, but we’ve only sampled the upgraded Harman Kardon system. This has a total of 13 speakers including a subwoofer in the boot, along with active noise cancellation, and sounds great.

How practical is the BMW iX3?

With dimensions of 4,782mm in length, 1,895mm in width and 1,635mm in height, the iX3 is larger than the previous model in every measure bar height. In fact, by our measure, it’s a large electric car, despite an even bulkier iX5 coming soon.  

There’s certainly enough space inside to make passengers think they’re in an electric X5. Front seat space is generous, with even the tallest or broadest drivers unlikely to struggle to get comfortable.

Rear space is even more impressive, with the iX3 feeling roomier than the already generous Tesla Model Y and Audi Q6 e-tron. Legroom is particularly palatial, allowing even six footers to stretch out, but there’s also plenty of headroom even with the panoramic sunroof fitted.

Those rear seats are comfortable and supportive, too, because the floor is lower than in many electric rivals. This avoids a feeling of ‘squatting’ where your thighs sit proud of the seat base.

The iX3’s rear bench is wide enough to fit three adults in relative comfort, while the flat floor gives plenty of space for feet. Even though the Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric is fractionally roomier, there’s very little in it.

Storage and boot space

There’s more storage space in the front of the iX3 than there is in the regular X3 because the centre console doesn’t need to house a bulky transmission. Instead, you’ll find it’s been hollowed out to give a big storage space between the front seats, with a further under-armrest cubby above it.

There are also a pair of cupholders and a large phone storage tray with a wireless charging pad, along with large door bins that can swallow two litre bottles and a reasonably sized glovebox.

In the rear you’ll find door bins that can still swallow big bottles, along with a pair of cupholders in the centre armrest. You won’t find any pockets on the front seatbacks, though, which is an odd omission in a family SUV.

The iX3’s boot capacity of 520 litres is only slightly up on the old car, but nearly identical to the Volvo EX60. An Audi Q6 e-tron or Tesla Model Y will carry a bit more stuff back there, but the BMW should deal with most family needs.

The boot area is a nice square shape, with useful underfloor storage and an electric tailgate on all versions. What’s more, the iX3 is the first electric BMW to have a front boot, or frunk. It’s a compact 58-litre space, but it’ll take your charging cable and some other small bits.

Another practicality bonus in the iX3 is its 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, letting you carry long items between two rear passengers. Those seats fold completely flat, too.

Performance & drive: What is the BMW iX3 like on the road?

If you don’t need that headline 500-mile range figure, we think the cheaper iX3 40 is the best model to go for because it offers easily enough performance for the road.

The 40 uses a single electric motor, powering the rear wheels only with 320hp. That’s a significant drop on the dual motor version, but remember its smaller battery pack also means less weight to deal with, As such, a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds means plenty of power in reserve for getting up to speed or overtaking.

We certainly see the appeal of the dual motor iX3 50 xDrive, however. It produces a punchy 469hp through all four wheels, delivering an official (and conservative in our view) 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds.

So, while this iX3 can’t match the stomach-churning acceleration of a Tesla Model Y Performance, it’s certainly very quick. There’s loads of traction away from the line so it feels rapid from a standing start, but the acceleration remains consistent right up to motorway speeds. In short, it never feels anything less than a quick car.

Once up to higher cruising speeds, the iX3 50’s front electric motor is decoupled for more efficient driving. But it’ll instantly kick back in if you demand full power.

As for braking, the iX3 has a smooth and predictable brake pedal response to really inspire confidence. Alongside that there are three levels of regenerative braking selected via a touchscreen menu, or more easily you can switch instantly to maximum regen via the ‘B’ mode on the gear selector.

There’s also an adaptive mode that uses navigation data, cameras and sensors to automatically adjust the level of regen effect depending on what’s coming up ahead (be it a junction, a roundabout or other traffic).

Power, 0-62mph times (H4)

• BMW iX3 40: 320hp / 5.9 seconds
• BMW iX3 50 xDrive: 469hp / 4.9 seconds

Ride and handling

Where the iX3 really delivers is on the road, because it’s been brilliantly set up to deliver the driver appeal expected of a BMW without impacting ride comfort too much.

It’s doubly impressive because, currently, the iX3 has no fancy adaptive dampers or air suspension (the former will be optional later). That means it can’t switch between a softer and firmer ride depending on the situation, like some rivals.

Regardless, the iX3 offers a firm but controlled ride that isolates all but the very worst potholes from the cabin while never feeling floaty. A Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric with optional air suspension fitted is softer and plusher, but the BMW is never uncomfortable even with the biggest 22in wheels.

Importantly, the iX3 manages this while also being really capable on a twisty road for a heavy electric SUV. There’s very little body movement, an agile feel and loads of grip, while the quick, accurate steering is light and easy around town but weights up nicely at speed.

The result is a car that is properly stable and confidence-inspiring on challenging British roads. It’s better than any rival at a similar price point in that respect, although the more expensive Porsche Macan Electric is even sharper to drive.

Noise and refinement

The iX3 is a mostly comfortable and refined companion on long motorway trips. It’s considerably quieter than a Tesla Model Y at 70mph, with wind, suspension and road noise isolated more effectively. The BMW can’t quite match the GLC Electric’s exceptional refinement at speed, however.

As with most electric BMWs there are synthetic soundtracks designed to replace the missing noise of an engine when you accelerate. While we reckon they add some much-needed theatre on a spirited drive, you may disagree, so they can be turned off.

Euro NCAP: is the BMW iX3 a safe car?

The iX3 achieved the maximum five-star safety rating when it was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2026. That said, it’s moved to a new scoring system this year which can’t be compared to previous years.

Under the new regime the iX3 received category scores of 73% for Safe Driving (including everything from driver monitoring tech to the provision of physical buttons), 83% for Crash Avoidance, 86% for Crash Protection and 95% for Post-Crash Safety. So far, no rival has been tested the same way.

There are plenty of standard safety aids in the iX3 including no fewer than nine airbags, front and rear collision warning and emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a safe exit alert system – all using AI-powered software to supposedly make them more reliable and consistent.

Options include a Motorway Assistant which allows fully hands-free driving and automated lane changes on the motorway, and some high-tech self-parking systems.

Charging, range and running costs

Even the entry-level, smaller battery iX3 moves the game on considerably from the outgoing model, which only promised up to 285 miles on a charge.

The new iX3 40 uses an 82.6kWh usable battery pack (which isn’t that much bigger than the old car) to deliver a range of up to 395 miles on a charge in official WLTP combined testing. That’s a longer range than any version of the Tesla Model Y, for example.

The version making all the headlines, though, is the iX3 50. That features a battery with a healthy 108.7kWh of usable capacity and promises up to 500 miles of range on a charge according to WLTP testing.

It’s worth noting that, in both versions, you’ll need to pay extra for a set of 20in ‘Aerodynamic’ alloy wheels to achieve the official range. With the standard wheels the iX3 40 boasts a 390-mile range, with the larger 21in wheels dropping that to 382 miles and the expensive 22in wheel upgrade knocking it down even further to 362 miles.

The same applies to the iX3 50, which promises 500 miles on the Aerodynamic wheels, 493 miles on the standard wheels and 467 miles with the largest 22in wheels.

Regardless, any iX3 still out-travels most of its competitors on a single charge – no version of the Audi Q6 e-tron, Polestar 3 or Tesla Model Y can officially travel over 400 miles without stopping to charge up, while even the GLC Electric lags behind. Of course, a heat pump is standard too, helping mitigate the effects of cold weather on range.

Range on a charge (WLTP figures)

• BMW iX3 40: Up to 395 miles (depending on spec)
• BMW iX3 50 xDrive: Up to 500 miles (depending on spec)

One of many firsts in the new iX3 is that it’s the first electric BMW to use an 800-volt electrical architecture. First used by the Porsche Taycan, it enables super-fast charging with a suitable 800-volt rapid charger.

In the iX3, it means the 40 model can charge at up to 300kW, and the 50 xDrive hits an outstanding peak of 400kW. That’s ahead of the 370kW peak of the EX60 and 330kW peak of the GLC Electric.

In layman’s terms, it means a 10-80% charge can be completed in as little as 21 minutes in both versions of the iX3. And in the 50, that means a whopping 350 miles of potential range is added in that time. The only downside is that some parts of the UK have more 800-volt chargers nearby than others.

Most iX3s will usually be charged at home, however. And because of the large battery in the 50 xDrive you’ll be looking at over 17 hours for a full charge using a typical home wallbox. That reduces to just over 13 hours in the 40 model.

All versions have 11kW charging as standard to reduce that time using a three-phase supply, but you can also option a 22kW charger to both versions. This allows you to make the most of AC destination charging at offices or car parks, for example. It also means that the 50 xDrive could be fully charged in as little as six hours.

Charging speeds

(Figures from EV Database)

• 7kW charging: 13hr 15 mins (40)/ 17hr 30 mins (50)
• 11kW charging: 9hrs / 11hr 45 mins
• 50kW rapid charger (10 to 80% charge): 73 mins/ 96 mins
• 300kW+ rapid charger (10 to 80% charge): 21 mins/ 21 mins

How much does the BMW iX3 cost to insure?

Insurance groups for the iX3 start from group 37 for the lowest spec eDrive40 model with the smallest battery. This rises to group 42 for the xDrive50 model.

M Sport and M Sport Pro models sit one or two groups higher across the board. Regardless, all variants are likely to be cheaper to insure than the Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric (which sits in the maximum group 50 in 400 guise) and sit on a par with the Tesla Model Y.