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A smaller battery, less range, and 200kg in weight loss are coming to BMW's new electric iX3, as a new grade is released.
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Details of the upcoming entry-level grade of the BMW iX3, known as the iX3 40, have been revealed by an insider.
BimmerPost forum member and reputable BMW insider ‘ynguldyn’ has shared details on an upcoming, entry-level rear-wheel-drive iX3 40, which will join the line-up alongside a dual-motor 40 xDrive variant to sit below the current 50 xDrive.
The iX3 40 will differ under the skin compared to the iX3 50 xDrive, including a smaller battery, a shorter driving range, and less power from one electric motor, rather than two.
It is likely to be cheaper than the current iX3 50 xDrive, which is estimated to start from about $120,000 before on-road costs when it launches in Australia in mid-2026.
Whether it can shave enough cost to drop below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for electric vehicles of $91,387, in order to unlock Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemptions, is unclear.
It will use a single electric motor powering the rear wheels only, claimed to produce 235kW and 500Nm, according to the insider – a step down from the 50 xDrive variant, which offers 345kW and 645Nm.
The battery capacity of the iX3 40 is set to be smaller at 82.6kWh, down from the 108.7kWh capacity offered in the iX3 50 xDrive, which will lead to a shorter driving range rating than the current 805km WLTP.
These changes will benefit the iX3 40 when it hits the scales, set to be 200kg lighter than the 50 xDrive.
An all-wheel-drive iX3 40 xDrive is also claimed to be in development, according to the insider, with less power than the 50 xDrive but the same long-range battery pack.
The BMW iX3 40 is due to enter production in July 2026 for European markets and November for the US, according to ‘ynguldyn’.
Australian customers might have to wait a little longer, with a BMW spokesperson telling media in late 2025: “Because of the shipping time, you will be one of the latest [markets to launch the car].
“The entry version, or let's say, the rear-wheel-drive version will be end of next year for Europe, and [so] I think then early 2027 [for Australia].”
There is also further variety coming to the electric iX3 later in the year, with the M60 performance variant reportedly due to commence production in July 2026, ahead of a performance flagship X3 M in 2027.
The entry-grade iX3 40 may not be the lowest-power model coming to market, as China is reportedly slated to receive a 30 variant, due to launch at the Beijing motor show.
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