The completely new BMW iX3 50 xDrive will launch Down Under in the middle of next year, but Australians will have to wait until 2027 for further versions of the popular electric SUV.
The iX3 is arguably BMW’s most important model in years and is the first model of the German automaker’s “Neue Klasse” – a new generation of vehicles that embody significant changes in technology, design and production processes.
It will be available here in the sole 50 xDrive trim level, with a twin-motor electric drive producing 345kW and 645Nm paired with a 108kWh battery, while buyers can also opt for one of two M Sport option packages.
However, alternative battery and motor combinations will not be available in Australia until early 2027. The variants in question include an entry-level rear-wheel drive iX3 40 and likely a sportier model branded iX3 M60. A full-fledged iX3 M is also reportedly in the works, although its launch date is unclear.
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“I think your launch will be in the middle of next year. Because of the delivery time, you will be one of the newest,” Alexandra Landers, head of product communications at BMW, told Australian media Daily Sparkz at the international market launch of the iX3.
“The entry-level version, or let’s say the rear-wheel drive version, will be available for Europe at the end of next year. And then I think we’ll be at the beginning of 2027.”
The single-engine iX3 will have a smaller battery, while the high-performance versions will use the same 108kWh battery as the 50 xDrive – a detail confirmed by BMW at the international launch event in Sotogrande, Spain.
“This is the largest battery we have … but there could be different versions of it,” Ms. Landers said.
According to a recent announcement in the USA, the iX3 with the smaller battery will offer a range of around 600 km on the WLTP cycle – around 25 percent less than the 50 xDrive (805 km).
At the other end of the spectrum, the upcoming iX3 M is expected to share a four-motor powertrain with the first electric M3. The latter is rumored to produce around 746kW in total, although BMW is likely to scale back that figure for the SUV equivalent.
A heavily camouflaged iX3 with more aggressive bodywork was recently spotted testing at the Nürburgring, heralding future performance models.
The prototype featured a ventilated hood, revised front and rear bumpers, new side skirts, additional cooling ducts, fender flares, a redesigned rear diffuser and five-spoke alloy wheels with larger brakes. It is also lower than the standard iX3.
However, a real M model is unlikely to come onto the market until the end of 2027 at the earliest.
Beyond alternative powertrains, future iX3 variants will also introduce the option of an adaptive chassis.
“We will offer an adaptive suspension because the demand is there… but you don’t really need it for ride comfort,” Ms. Landers confirmed.
Run-flat tires will also be available as an option upon launch in Australia, reducing the need for a suitable replacement tire solution.
All versions of the iX3 “Neue Klasse” are equipped with BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, providing more power, greater efficiency and range, as well as superior charging speed. An 800 V on-board electrical system supports DC fast charging with up to 400 kW.
The “Heart of Joy,” as BMW calls it, is one of the iX3’s four high-performance computers, so-called “Superbrains,” and is responsible for drive and driving dynamics management. According to BMW, it processes information up to ten times faster than conventional control units.
The interior represents a dramatic departure from existing BMW models, showcasing BMW Panoramic iDrive and a minimalist design language for the first time.
A huge 43.3-inch BMW Panoramic Vision display stretches across the bottom of the windshield, projecting driving information into the driver’s line of sight. The content in the center and on the opposite side of the display can be configured via the touchscreen.
An additional head-up display projects information via the new column-to-column display.
The control center of the iX3 is a large 17.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with the BMW Operating System
Competitors 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.
MORE: Discover the BMW iX3 showroom
