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BMW's all-new electric SUV costs more than its predecessor, but it has received an uplift in technology, luxury, power, charging and range, now up to a claimed 805km.
Electric Cars
The 2026 BMW iX3 electric SUV will be priced from $109,900 plus on-road costs when it arrives in Australian showrooms from the middle of this year, with more equipment and a much longer range.
The latest iX3 is an all-new model debuting BMW's latest 'Neue Klasse' family, with fresh styling, a new dedicated electric-car platform, and a radical interior with a full-width dashboard projection for key information.
It comes at a cost, the new iX3 50 xDrive $5000 dearer than the old, top-of-the-range M Sport Pro model.
It is also $18,900 more expensive than the previous cheapest model, the stripped-back base M Sport – which qualified for Fringe Benefits Tax exemptions on electric cars – though a new entry-level iX3 is due in 12 months' time.
It is still cheaper, however, than a comparable Audi Q6 e-tron quattro ($122,500) and Genesis Electrified GV70 ($132,800), as well as $3000 dearer than a plug-in hybrid BMW X3 ($106,900).
Offsetting the increase is a big boost in technology and equipment, as well as a much more capable electric motor and battery combination in the launch variant, the 50 xDrive.
It is powered by dual electric motors producing 345kW and 645Nm combined, connected to a 108.7kWh battery pack capable of "up to" 805km of claimed driving range in European WLTP testing.
It is enough to become Australia's longest-range electric car – until the Volvo EX60 arrives in 2027 – though the figure is derived from European calculations of base models without the M Sport package.
On the standard 20-inch 'Style 1048 M' wheels, BMW's overseas configurators show a 793km WLTP range with the M Sport pack, while fitting the no-cost-option 'Style 1047 M' wheels bumps range to 802km – and the largest 22-inch '1054 M' wheels trim it to 737km.
BMW claims a zero to 100km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds, towards a 210km/h top speed.
In comparison, the outgoing iX3 was only rear-wheel drive with a 210kW/400Nm electric motor, quoted a 460km WLTP range from an 80kWh battery, and needed 32 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent at up to 150kW.
Standard in Australian models is 400kW DC fast charging for a claimed 10 to 80 per cent boost-up in 21 minutes, while 22kW AC home charging is also standard, for a five-hour 30-minute empty to full charge.
Standard features in the 50 xDrive include 20-inch alloy wheels, the 43.3-inch Panoramic Vision projection, a 17.9-inch touchscreen, head-up display, Harman Kardon premium audio, leather-look trim, power-adjustable heated front seats, and a power tailgate.
Compared to the outgoing iX3 M Sport Pro ($104,900), the new iX3 50 xDrive adds a substantially longer range and larger interior screens – among other items – but genuine leather upholstery is now a $4000 option.
2026 BMW iX3 price in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive standard features:
The $3500 M Sport Package Pro adds:
Electric Cars Guide
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
