BMW iX3 (2026) Review

Introduction

BMW has always built very good, capable electric vehicles and was never scared to shy away from a design that divided opinion. Now we enter the highly-anticipated ‘Neue Klasse’ (new class) era and the bar has been elevated to new heights with the second-generation iX3.

Its the first of the Neue Klasse cars, which means it features new innovations in design and technology which will shape the entire future BMW product portfolio. These technologies will be incorporated into 40 new vehicles and model updates between now and 2027.

The iX3 is a Sports Activity Vehicle and, unlike the outgoing model which was based on the traditionally-fuelled X3, the 2026 car features the all-new dedicated EV platform. It proudly shows off BMW’s fresh design language, is packed with innovative technology, but the headline news is the range. At launch, it has one of the greatest ranges of any production car currently on sale at 500 miles between charges (the Volvo EX60 has slightly more…). And, with rapid charging capabilities, up to 231 miles can be added in just 10 minutes via a 400kW charger.

For now, there is just the one version available called the iX3 50 xDrive. It is all-wheel drive with a choice of three trims called iX3, M Sport and M Sport Pro, with prices starting from £58,755. I say ‘from’ as customers can fully personalise their car with a raft of options … at a price, of course. An entry-level model will be introduced a little later on with rear-wheel drive.

What are the Pros and Cons of the BMW iX3?

Pros:

• Distinctive styling inside and out
• Superb range
• Innovative technology
• Engaging performance and handling
• Spacious cabin

Cons:

• No paddles to alter regenerative braking strength
• Design will be like Marmite again – love it or loathe it
• Quite touchscreen dependent

What are the first impressions of the BMW iX3?

BMW is becoming more renowned for its distinctive, and often outlandish styling cues and the new second-generation iX3 continues with that spirit by introducing a completely new design language that will be the blueprint for future models.

There are precise lines, slim adaptive headlights, a sculpted front bumper and a stylish redesigned grille that houses sensors, cameras and other technology. Those over-sized kidney grilles have been replaced by smaller, upright versions that pay homage to the Neue Klasse of the 1960s, and these are flanked by horizontal lighting signatures with vertical daytime running lights. If you’re familiar with Morse Code, think dash, dot, dot, dash and that’s the front end neatly summed up. This is a car that is instantly recognisable at night.

At the rear, there are new-look slim, slightly angled LED taillights, a roof spoiler and the styling is completed by muscular haunches. Tinted rear windows add an air of mystery, there are flush door handles and the M Sport trim gains plenty of M exterior styling cues, which sees the addition of 20-inch M Sport alloy wheels, an M high-gloss black rear diffuser, M Sport brakes with red painted callipers, BMW Iconic Glow that illuminates the grille, plus adaptive LED headlights.

We tested the high-end iX3 M Sport Pro and that gained the largest 22-inch M light alloys which, at a snip, added £3,300 to the asking price. But they did look pretty gorgeous.

What are the BMW iX3’s key features?

All versions of the 2026 iX3 gain a new state-of-the-art interior that is packed to bursting with technology. With a “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road” approach, the BMW Panoramic iDrive, powered by BMW Operating System X, consists of four main components. There is the Panoramic Vision display that spans the entire width of the windscreen; an optional 3D head-up display featuring navigation; the driver-oriented new central infotainment display and a new multi-function steering wheel. It’s all very modern without being too frightening to newcomers to such high-brow technology.

The iX3 entry-model has heated and powered front seats, a wireless charging tray, electric folding mirrors, leather-free upholstery, full smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and dual-zone climate control.

The iX3 M Sport trim adds 20-inch alloys, M Sport brakes with blue brake callipers, M Sport model-specific exterior styling with sportier bumpers, side skirts, an M rear diffuser and sports steering wheel. These cars also feature ambient lighting, translucent dashboard illumination, exterior M logo projection, an M interior trim design and alternative, upgraded upholstery.

Finally, the iX3 M Sport Pro, as tested, adds 10-way electrically-adjustable and heated front M Sport seats, an M Black high-gloss rear diffuser, M Sport brakes equipped with red callipers, an M-specific steering wheel and black mirror caps. The front-end design is further enhanced by a Shadowline Glass 3D kidney grille, complemented by BMW Iconic Glow (it all lights up) and adaptive LED headlights.

How far is BMW iX3’s range and what are the battery options?

At launch, there is only the all-wheel drive BMW iX3 model, offered in three trims, and featuring a 108.7kWh battery with cylindrical cells that are built into the floor of the vehicle.

The entry-level iX3 50 xDrive can deliver up to 500 miles on a single charge. The M Sport version sees a slight reduction to 498 miles and the M Sport Pro model is set at 497 miles between charges. These figures will vary if different alloy wheels are introduced.

How does the BMW iX3 perform and handle when put to the test?

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive features a 108.7kWh battery with two electric motors producing all-wheel drive. All trims have 469hp and 645Nm of torque which results in a very rapid 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 130mph.

So, those figures suggest this Bimmer is pretty quick off the mark. And they would be right with that assumption – it’s very fast out the starting gate and there is a seemingly never-ending supply of power on tap.

Overtaking slower-moving vehicles is accomplished in the blink of an eye and it’s a car that will sit effortlessly at 70mph on motorways. If the pilot assist system is activated, the car will automatically maintain a certain speed, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle up ahead and steering through any bends whilst positioned centrally in its lane. A more advanced set-up is already in use in Germany and this can make lane change suggestions and assist with the lane change itself – all hands-free at speeds of up to 80mph. It will be coming to UK cars as an over-the-air software update later in the year.

On twisting country lanes, the iX3 is balanced and grounded, plus the elevated seating offers the driver great visibility across the hedgerows. It does feel quite wide on narrower stretches of road, but that’s generally the norm for this style of car.

In busy town centres, the vehicle is easy to manoeuvre and the advanced parking assist system works well when squeezing the BMW into very tight parking spaces.

All configurations to driving styles have to be made via the touchscreen, which means it’s a bit of a faff changing modes for more dynamic or calmer handling, and we also miss the steering wheel-mounted paddles to alter the strength of the regenerative braking. It’s all done automatically, although you can go delving in the touchscreen menus to make some adjustments. Sometimes it’s nice to be able to control the strength of the regen braking as a driver rather than relying on the car’s sensors and clever technology.

Drive modes (or Driving Experiences as BMW refers to them) are called Eco, Comfort, Dynamic and Individual, and they can be used to alter the car’s dynamics, the steering feel and to adjust the strength of the regenerative braking. Additionally, there are the My Modes settings called Personal, Sport, Efficient and Silent – these focus more on the overall in-car experience, including the ambient lighting and displays. The Silent setting reduces the visual displays and minimises any sounds and distractions for a more calming driving experience.

We should also mention the refinement levels within this new BMW. Despite riding high on the largest 22-inch wheels, the ride was controlled, smooth and not in the least bit fidgety. And the car’s insultation works absolute wonders in protecting occupants from any road or wind sounds – these are generally far more noticeable on an electric car due to the lack of engine noise.

Is charging an easy process with the BMW iX3?

The 2026 BMW iX3 features sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology and that significantly improves the overall charging process. With a maximum charging rate of 400kW, the vehicle can gain an extra 231 miles in just 10 minutes, while a 10 to 80 per cent boost takes 21 minutes.

Most owners will be looking to charge the vehicle at home or via a work-based wallbox. This will be the most cost-effective way to boost the car’s battery and a full 0-100 per cent charge using an 11kW wallbox takes about 11 hours.

There is also an intelligent charging flap on this BMW which uses artificial intelligence to detect when a user intends to connect or remove a charging cable, opening and closing the flap accordingly. Want to know more about EV charging? Check out our guide to charging your EV lease!

What are the day-to-day running costs with the BMW iX3?

Although BMW has announced a less expensive rear-wheel drive version of the iX3 will be launched a little later on, for now customers are offered the single iX3 50 xDrive (all-wheel drive) model in three trims. The entry-level iX3 costs £58,755, the M Sport is £61,255 and the M Sport Pro, that we tested, is priced at £62,755.

However, as is the premium carmaker’s way, the iX3 can be fully customised thanks to a number of optional extras and packs. Our car featured upgraded Black Sapphire paintwork, striking 22-inch alloy wheels, a Technology Pack which introduced a Harman Kardon surround sound system, head-up display and three-zone climate control, plus a number of other add-ons. The end result was a vehicle that tipped the scales at £72,162.50 on the road.

EV owners now have to pay road tax, albeit just £10 for the first year and, from April 2026, increasing to the standard £200 fee after 12 months. And, they will need to find a further £440 from years two to six as the iX3 exceeds the government’s recently-increased £50k Expensive Car Supplement threshold.

For anyone considering the iX3 as a business car, it has a generous Benefit in Kind tax rating of four per cent.

The vehicle is sold with a standard three-year, unlimited mileage warranty package, alongside eight-year, 100,000 miles cover for the battery.

What’s the interior and tech like with the BMW iX3?

Step inside the new BMW iX3 and it’s like being offered a glimpse into the future. There is an 18-inch trapezoidal infotainment touchscreen with ultra-sharp graphics and rapid responses and this is the car’s nerve centre … in part. That’s because a slim panoramic screen stretches the width of the windscreen and this offers vital information and can be fully personalised. It completely replaces the need for a driver display and it’s where the speed, range, navigational directions, speed limits and so much more is displayed. Our car also featured a head-up display too. It’s thoroughly modern, very high tech, easy to use (after a short lesson) and works exceptionally smoothly.

The steering wheel controls can be used to navigate the main screen and this is all very efficient. That said; we would like a few more physical controls, but maybe we’re a little too ‘old school’.

The car is equipped with every mod con imaginable from smartphone connectivity to route planning with plenty of AI assistance when required. The Harman Kardon sound system delivers pitch perfect quality and comfort levels also impress thanks to powered seats that, along with the steering wheel, can be heated. The driver also benefits from a massage function which is a nice luxury on longer journeys.

How practical is the BMW iX3 and how big is the boot?

The BMW iX3 is billed as a Sports Activity Vehicle and like all SAVs it needs to cover practicality needs well. And, it does just that with a spacious cabin that offers room for four adults, or five at a bit of a squeeze. Rear leg, shoulder and head room is generous and the elevated seating position makes it ideal for accessing a child seat.

The car stretches 4,782mm in length, is 2,093mm across (including mirrors), 1,635mm tall and has a 2,897mm wheelbase. The boot has a powered tailgate and it can swallow 520 litres of luggage, a capacity that increases to 1,750 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. And there is extra storage room beneath the bonnet with a 58-litre frunk compartment.

Throughout the cabin, you will find a glovebox, a deep central cubby with a tray, wide door pockets, front cup holders that tighten around a bottle or cup to keep it secured, rear cup holders in the fold-down armrest, a large area beneath the centre console, a wireless charging pad, some trays and USB-C ports for all occupants to stay connected on the move.

As well as offering Vehicle-to-Load charging which allows you to power up external devices such as laptops, camping lights and BBQs etc, the iX3 is also prepared for bi-directional charging offering Vehicle-to-Home capability, meaning it can supply energy back to your property. This is really handy if there is a power cut.

Is the BMW iX3 a safe car?

The 2026 BMW iX3 has not yet been tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating, but the outgoing model received a maximum five stars.

As standard, all BMW iX3 models feature a camera and radar-based system consisting of Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning (blind spot monitoring), Emergency steering intervention, Evasion Assistant, Emergency Stop Assistant, Emergency Brake Assistant, Distance information, Rear Collision Prevention, Attention assistant with emergency stop, Cruise control, Speed limiter, Exit warning, Rear emergency brake function, Park Distance Control, Active Park Distance Control, Start monitoring, Rear view camera with panoramic view, Park Assist and Reversing Assistant.

Driving Assistant Plus is also standard and this introduces Distance Control, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Route and Crossing Traffic Warning, plus Steering and Lane Control Assistant.

Customers can pay £500 for the optional Parking Assistant Plus, which is a camera and radar-based driver assistance system consisting of Manoeuvre Assistant, Surround View/Panorama View, and 360-degree park view including panoramic view front and rear.

The other safety pack that is also optional is the more advanced Parking Assistant Professional. This costs £775 and adds extra functions to the Plus pack, such as Remote Control Parking, along with Reversing Assistant Professional.

Can I choose optional extras with the BMW iX3?

BMW is a high-end manufacturer and offers its customers plenty of scope to fully personalise their vehicles.

A Technology Pack on our test car cost £1,700 and added three-zone automatic air conditioning, a 3D head-up display and the upgraded Harman Kardon surround sound system. It also featured the striking Black Sapphire paint priced at £875 and 22-inch alloys at a cost of £3,300.

While some features are standard as you move up through the trims, customers can also upgrade to a white steering wheel for £225, a Parking Assistant Professional costs £775 while Parking Assistant Plus costs £500. Sun protection glass is £450 extra, the Iconic Glow grille feature costs £950, and there are plenty more options available from wallboxes to Vehicle-to-Load cables.

What are the main rivals to the BMW iX3?

The closest rival to the BMW iX3 will be the Volvo EX60 with its range of 503 miles, so it will take the bragging rights on that front. Also vying for sales will be the Mercedes GLC EV and Porsche Macan electric.

What’s the final verdict?

Any die-hard BMW followers with a little historical knowledge will certainly recognise the Neue Klasse name. On the back of the Suez Canal crisis in the 1950s, there were concerns for the economy, but the Neue Klasse was a series of saloons and estate cars that have been credited with saving BMW’s future and they led directly to the development of the 3 Series and 5 Series models.

Fast forward 70 years and we get the new BMW iX3 – an SAV (SUV to you and I) that really seems to deliver on all counts. The styling is distinctive, but not garish, the interior oozes quality and charm and is packed with technology. Comfort levels are sublime and the performance is just what you expect from a BMW.

Factor in that exceptional range between charges and this could be a car that scoops award after award.

Where to next?

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**Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top leading independent car website reviews of the BMW iX3.

**Correct as of 18/03/2026. Based on 12 months initial payment, 5,000 miles annually, over a 48 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 12 monthly payments, or £7,766.88 (Plus admin fee) Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.

Every lease deal is a fixed monthly cost for the whole of your contract, apart from changes to government costs, e.g. VAT changes or road fund license cost changes and in certain specific cases where the funder changes the price. Electric range quoted is WLTP.

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