BMW has confirmed the second-generation iX3 for the U.S. and Canada, having stayed clear of bringing over the first-gen electric midsize SUV, which is a conversion-type EV.
The new iX3 is the first model to ride on BMW’s dedicated Neue Klasse EV platform which brings an 800V electrical architecture, higher charging speeds, new motors, new software and displays, different body proportions, and a longer driving range than the current iX3 that was available in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Ahead of global customer deliveries, we got up close with a Euro-spec BMW iX3 featuring the Space Silver color in the M Sport variant, and here’s the complete rundown.
Looks
Having observed it from close quarters, we can confirm that the next-gen iX3 has nothing in common with the combustion-powered BMW X3 that’s currently on sale. It sports an all-new body with cues from the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept.
The front end replaces a traditional grille-and-headlamp layout with wide glass-like panels that extend toward the center and contain two slanted light signatures at the outer edges. The low- and high-beam units sit further inboard.
A narrow, vertically slotted kidney grille, which is the design signature for future BMW SUVs, sits between two smooth-surfaced panels, while a lower bumper opening handles cooling for the electric drive components.
BMW will offer M Sport packages from launch in the U.S. Wheel sizes starts at 20 inches standard, with 21- and 22-inch options.
Screens
The headline in the iX3’s interior is BMW’s Panoramic iDrive which projects key driving information across a darkened section of the windshield stretching between the pillars, replacing a conventional instrument cluster.
A 17.9-inch central display, framed in an interesting shape, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 3D head-up display adds navigation and driver-assistance cues above the main display layer.
The next-gen BMW Operating System X supports the interface and pairs digital menus with physical controls for the car’s main functions. The steering wheel adds illuminated haptic controls designed to activate only when needed.
Underneath the bodywork
The iX3 uses an all-new Gen6 eDrive technology and an 800V system, which will also go into the BMW i3 Sedan and the BMW iX4. The iX3 50 xDrive uses a dual-motor setup rated at 463 hp and 476 lb-ft, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds, in the U.S.
Battery, charging & storage
A 108 kWh high-voltage battery is deployed in the iX3 50 xDrive. BMW quotes up to 800 km (497 miles) WLTP and indicates an EPA-equivalent estimate of around 400 miles. DC fast charging peaks at up to 400 kW, with BMW claiming 175 miles of added range in 10 minutes. The U.S.-spec model will also use an NACS port.
With a 11 kW AC charger, BMW says 0-100% SoC can be achieved in 11 hours at home. The iX3 adds a 2.0 cu.ft. frunk, 30.4 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats, and up to 65 cu.ft. with the rear seats folded. Towing is rated at up to 4,400 lb with the optional hitch.
Release, Pricing & Competition
BMW expects U.S. customer deliveries to begin in summer 2026 with the iX3 50 xDrive, starting around USD 60,000. The iX3 40 xDrive is planned for early 2027, with BMW indicating about 300 miles of EPA-estimated range and pricing under USD 55,000, which, if you ask us, is quite aggressive pricing.
As for the Canadian-spec model, local operations has confirmed that the new iX3 will reach dealers in mid-2026. Prices and full specs have not been revealed, but we think that it’s likely to come in at around CAD 80,000. Main rivals in North America will include the Audi Q6 e-tron, the future Volvo EX60, Tesla Model Y, and the new Mercedes GLC Electric.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
