As much as BMW is a 3 Series company at its heart, it’s really an X3 company now. Compact premium crossovers are among the most popular cars for U.S customers, far more so than sedans, so the X3 and all of its variants matter more to BMW than almost anything else. Which is why the Bavarians really needed to swing for the fences with the Neue Klasse-based iX3. And it seems that a home run is exactly what it got, as the 2027 BMW iX3 officially has 434 miles of range and a starting price of $62,850 (after $1350 destination).
That makes the iX3 the best electric value in BMW’s entire lineup. Despite it being newer, built on a brand-new chassis, using the brand’s latest battery technology, and having the most range, the iX3 is BMW’s cheapest EV. And don’t think that the entry-level model is some stripped out discount model. Included in its starting price are features like the Panoramic iDrive, 20-inch wheels, a power tailgate, and heated seats. Additionally, and most importantly, you can get the maximum 434 miles of range without paying a penny extra.
Photo: BMW
The standard 20-inch aero wheels provide the most range, but they come wrapped in all-season tires from the jump. However, buyers can spec summer tires as a no-cost option, and that’s how the iX3 gets its max range. If buyers don’t spec summer rubber on the stock wheels, that range drops to 383 miles. If you opt for 21-inch wheels, all-season tires will get you 399 miles, while summer tires net a similar 398 miles. The snazziest 22-inch wheels only come with summer tires and 392 miles of range.
Even the lowest-range iX3 can go further on one battery charge than any other electric Bimmer, so customers should be happy either way. Its charging speed will make that smile even bigger. With 800-volt technology, and 400 kW of max charging speed, BMW claims the iX3 can go from 10-80 percent state-of-charge (SOC) in just 21 minutes, using a NACS charging station that’s compatible with such speeds. In just 10 minutes, it can get another 185 miles. This new battery tech is said to reduce energy losses by 40 percent, compared to BMW’s outgoing battery.
Photo: BMW
With great range, a long list of as-standard options, more cabin tech than almost any other Bimmer, and a price that undercuts every single BMW EV, the iX3 is shaping up to be a smash hit for the brand. Now my question is: why even bother with the regular X3 at this point?