Key Points
- The BMW iX3 has over 50,000 orders before showroom arrival in Europe.
- BMW introduces a cheaper, rear-wheel-drive iX3 40 model, launching in Europe by Summer 2026.
- The iX3 40 offers 315 hp, 395-mile range (WLTP), and a reduced 82.6 kWh battery.
Off to a Great Start
While we’re not expecting it to sell in the same numbers as the X3, the iX3 is already generating strong buzz for BMW. The electric crossover has garnered over 50,000 orders even before it reached showrooms in Europe, and its reach is slowly but surely expanding worldwide.
That said, we could expect those orders to grow soon. BMW has announced it has added an entry-level version of its EV crossover, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Complementing the 50 xDrive is the model simply known as the 40, and it will be available in Europe by Summer 2026.
The Differences
Now, there are no exact photos of the iX3 40 just yet, so we’ve substituted those with images of the most basic 50 xDrive model we can configure. That being said, there won’t be many differences in terms of aesthetics, and the more important details are under the skin.
If you noticed the lack of a suffix after the 40, that should be your first clue. This model will be rear-wheel drive with only a single motor. Curb weight is expected to be lower than that of the 50 xDrive. Now, this doesn’t mean the 40 has exactly half the power of the 50 xDrive. According to official literature, the single motor produces 315 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. For reference, the dual-motor version makes 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque.
Range and Performance
For performance times, the two-wheel drive iX3 is claimed to do the 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) run in 5.9 seconds, so you can shave off a tenth or two to estimate the 0 to 60 mph time. That puts it about a second behind the all-wheel-drive, dual-motor model. Top speed is governed at 124 mph.
As for range, BMW reckons the iX3 40 can travel up to 395 miles on a single charge. For comparison, the 50 xDrive with its larger batteries has an estimated range of 500 miles. It’s worth noting that those numbers are based on WLTP measurements, so EPA numbers will be lower.
There’s a good chance that the i3 will also be available with the 40’s arrangement, given that it and the iX3 are closely related. For now, only the 50 xDrive version of the i3 has been shown, but we wouldn’t be too surprised if the rear-drive 40 complements it eventually.
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