New entry-level BMW iX3 arrives with 395-mile range for £53k
- 1 April 2026
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BMW has uncovered a new entry-level variant of its iX3 SUV, delivering almost 400 miles of range for £53,250. Debuted closely after the market launch of the iX3
BMW has uncovered a new entry-level variant of its iX3 SUV, delivering almost 400 miles of range for £53,250.
Debuted closely after the market launch of the iX3 50 xDrive (see our test here) – which has been newly crowned as World Car of the Year 2026 – the new iX3 40 variant carries over the same Neue Klasse design and BMW eDrive technology but downsizes the battery and motor while shaving over £5,000 off the price.
It’s equipped with 320hp rear-mounted motor, instead of the 469hp all-wheel-drive powertrain in the ‘50’, yielding 500Nm of torque, 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 124mph.
The iX3 40 also switches to a smaller 82.6kWh battery, which is good for a maximum range of up to 395 miles.
It’s able to charge at up to 300kW when plugged into an 800V direct current (DC) fast-charging station, adding 186 miles in around 10 minutes and completing the benchmark 10-80% metric in 21 minutes. The iX3 40 can also refill at up to 11kW as standard via AC chargers, while AC charging at up to 22kW is available optionally as part of the AC Charging Professional package. The iX3 40 is also capable of bidirectional charging, opening up vehicle-to-grid opportunities.
The new variant carries over the iX3’s trailblazing design, including the re-interpreted kidney grille and light signature, and continues the Neue Klasse styling inside the cabin.
Standard specification replicates that of the iX3 50 xDrive and includes the BMW Panoramic iDrive with the brand’s new Operating System X for a streamlined user experience.
The Panoramic iDrive combines touch, haptic and voice-based interaction, and drivers can also access the Intelligent Personal Assistant to operate the windows, air conditioning and seating settings, manage phone calls, control in-car entertainment and more. It can also be used to call up many function menus and operate certain apps. Upgrading the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant to include Amazon Alexa+ AI technology provides additional functionality.
The new iX3 40 will be available in the UK from summer 2026.
