A New Entry Point for the BMW iX3

BMW has officially expanded its electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of the iX3 40. Unveiled on the company's German press site this Tuesday, the new model serves as a more accessible entry point to the iX3 range, offering a significant price reduction without sacrificing core usability.

Priced at €63,400 in Germany, the iX3 40 is €7,500 cheaper than the existing xDrive 50 variant. This price gap positions the new model as a potential "sweet spot" for buyers who want the benefits of an electric SUV without the premium cost of the top-tier version.

Performance and Range Specifications

The iX3 40 features an 82.6-kilowatt-hour battery paired with a single electric motor powering the rear wheels. This configuration delivers an impressive 395 miles of range under the WLTP testing cycle. While this is lower than the 500-mile range of the xDrive 50, it remains highly competitive.

In terms of performance, the iX3 40 produces 315 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is one second slower than its all-wheel-drive counterpart. Additionally, the vehicle features a top speed of 124 mph.

Charging and Practicality

While the charging capabilities have been adjusted, the iX3 40 remains efficient for daily use. The peak charging power is rated at 300 kW, allowing for a 10-80% charge in approximately 21 minutes. BMW notes that users can add 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging.

The removal of the front motor and the smaller battery pack are expected to result in a lighter vehicle compared to the 5,037-lb xDrive 50. While BMW has not confirmed plans for a single-motor, large-battery variant, the iX3 40 represents a shift toward more mature EV offerings where even base models provide extensive range. Availability for the U.S. market has not yet been announced.