The all-new BMW iX3 50 xDrive will launch Down Under mid-next year, but Aussies will be forced to wait until 2027 for additional versions of the popular electric SUV.
Arguably BMW’s most important model in years, the iX3 is the first of the German automaker’s ‘Neue Klasse’ range – a fresh generation of vehicles that embody significant changes in technology, design, and production processes.
It’ll arrive here in a single 50 xDrive trim grade, featuring a dual-motor electric powertrain good for 345kW and 645Nm paired with a 108kWh battery, while buyers can also opt for one of two M Sport option packs.
However, alternative battery and motor combinations won’t become available in Australia until the early stages of 2027. The variants in question include an entry-level, rear-wheel drive iX3 40, and likely a sportier model branded the iX3 M60. A full-fat iX3 M is also reportedly in the works, although its launch timing is unclear.
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“I think your market introduction will be in the middle of next year. Because of the shipping time, you will be one of the latest,” BMW head of product communications Alexandra Landers told Australian media including CarExpert at the international launch of the iX3.
“The entry version, or let’s say the rear-wheel drive version will be end of next year for Europe. And then, I think you are early 2027.”
The single-motor iX3 will feature a smaller battery, while performance versions will utilise the same 108kWh battery found in the 50 xDrive – a detail confirmed by BMW at the international launch event in Sotogrande, Spain.
“This is the biggest battery we have… but there might be different versions of it,” said Ms Landers.
Based on a recent announcement in the US, iX3s with the smaller battery are expected to offer around 600km of driving range on the WLTP cycle – roughly 25 per cent less than the 50 xDrive (805km).
At the other end of the spectrum, the upcoming iX3 M is expected to share a quad-motor powertrain with the first-ever electric M3. The latter is rumoured to generate around 746kW in total, although BMW will likely dial this back for the SUV equivalent.
A heavily camouflaged iX3 with more aggressive bodywork was recently spotted testing at the Nürburgring, teasing performance models to come.
The prototype vehicle featured a vented bonnet, revised front and rear bumpers, new side skirts, additional cooling channels, fender flares, a redesigned rear diffuser, and five-spoke alloy wheels with larger brakes. It also sits lower than the standard iX3.
However, a true M model isn’t likely to arrive until the back end of 2027, at the very earliest.
Beyond alternative drivetrains, future iX3 variants will also introduce the option of adaptive suspension.
“We will offer adaptive suspension because the demand is there… but you don’t really need it for ride comfort,” confirmed Ms Landers.
Run-flat tyres will also be made available as an option from launch in Australia, reducing the need for a proper spare tyre solution.
All versions of the iX3 ‘Neue Klasse’ feature BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, bringing more power, greater efficiency and range, and a superior charging rate. An 800V electrical system supports DC fast-charging at up to 400kW.
The Heart of Joy, as BMW calls it, is one of the iX3’s four high-performance computers known as ‘superbrains’, and handles drivetrain and driving dynamics management. BMW says it processes information up to 10 times faster than conventional control units.
The interior is a dramatic departure from existing BMWs, debuting BMW Panoramic iDrive and a minimalist design language.
A huge 43.3-inch BMW Panoramic Vision display sweeps across the base of the windscreen, with driving information projected in the driver’s line of sight. The content on the centre and opposite side of the display can be configured using the touchscreen.
An additional head-up display projects information above the new pillar-to-pillar display.
The control centre of the iX3 is a large 17.9-inch infotainment touchscreen running BMW Operating System X. Key features include a configurable home screen, programmable shortcut widgets, wireless smartphone mirroring, satellite navigation with “intelligent charge-optimised route guidance”, and the ability to download additional apps including streaming apps.
Rivals to BMW’s debut ‘Neue Klasse’ model include the Audi Q6 e-tron,Porsche Macan,Polestar 3,Cadillac Lyriq,Genesis Electrified GV70, and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology.