BMW’s new electric car is a certainly a headline grabber.
But the biggest claim in its arsenal is that from spring 2026 it will be longest-range EV sold in UK showrooms.
The all-new second-generation iX3 will bring an unbelievable claimed range of 500 miles between charges.
That’s enough to take you from London to Dundee without stopping.
The iX3 promises to deliver this range – and well as ultra-rapid charging, ‘superbrain tech’ and extreme comfort – for under £60,000. While that’s far from affordable, it’s cheaper than rivals like the Porsche Macan EV and Tesla’s just unveiled Model Y Performance.
And BMW bigwigs promise there’s even more to come; later in 2026 it is expected to announce a rear-wheel-drive variant with a range of around 600 miles – a figure that will well and truly eliminate range anxiety.
Part of the Neue Klasse project, the iX3 is a whole new vehicle with a new chassis, EV architecture, software and drivetrain – to name just a few new things.
Before it goes on sale next year, here’s what you need to know about the SUV that puts other EV ranges to shame.
The new BMW iX3 will come with a ginormous range of 500 miles when it arrives in Spring – and future variants could have ranges of up to 600 miles
The electric version of the X3 SUV, the iX3 is around 4.8m long and over 1.6m high and features minimalist styling.
It also uses a new ‘optional Iconic Glow’ trademark kidney grille, but it looks less Bavarian brute and more Bugs Bunny with this blanked-off style.
The all-wheel drive launch version – the 50 xDrive – delivers 463bhp and can sprint from 0 to 62mph in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 130mph.
Most impressively, though, are the charging and range capabilities we’ve already mentioned.
Not only will the iX3 do 500 miles on one top up, but it can also charge on 800-volt architecture and up to speeds of 400kW, which sees the iX3 prototype add 231 miles of range in 10 minutes.
Then the ‘brain’ of the iX3 uses four super-speed computers that split the functions of the car between them, with the one that controls the driving systems called the ‘heart of joy’ – it manages the electric motors, brakes, steering and safety systems.
Inside the iX3 there’s the Panoramic iDrive System with a high digital display that brings key information in line with your sight as well as an optional 3D head-up display, and as some good old physical controls for wipers, mirrors, hazards, and heating.
The all-wheel drive launch version, the 50 xDrive, delivers 463bhp and can do 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 130mph and you get 645Nm of torque
The electric version of the X3 SUV, the iX3 is around 4.8m long and over 1.6m high, with minimalist styling, an (optional Iconic Glow) kidney grille, and blanked-off looks
The rear bench seats make up a ‘sofa-like seat surface’. There’s also family-friendly practicality with a 520-litre boot and a 58-litre frunk
Inside the iX3 there’s the Panoramic iDrive System with a high digital display that brings key information in line with your sight – and an upholstered dash for added luxury
A plush cabin with an upholstered dash, a wraparound cockpit, minimalist seats up front, and rear bench seats that make up a ‘sofa-like seat surface’, these combine with some family-friendly practicality with a 520-litre boot and a 58-litre frunk.
Sustainable credentials are impressive in the iX3 with almost a third of the EV being made from secondary raw materials.
It’s factory in Hungary doesn’t use any fossil fuels during ‘normal operation’ either, and as such the new iX3 has a 34 per cent smaller carbon footprint than the earlier model.
Despite only just being unveiled at the IAA Munich Mobility Show, there’s rubberstamped details of its UK arrival – and pricing.
Deliveries will begin to EV-adopting Britons from 7 March 2026, and there will be more variants in the future.
Prices start at £59,775 and there are three trim levels – iX3, iX3 M Sport and M Sport Pro.
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