BMW is expanding its Neue Klasse electric SUV line-up with a new, more affordable version of the iX3, trimming the entry price while keeping much of the headline tech intact.
The new iX3 40 will join the range from summer 2026, priced from £53,250, undercutting the more powerful iX3 50 xDrive by £5,505 and bringing BMW’s all-new, super-advanced Neue Klasse electric architecture to a wider audience.
That price puts it firmly in contention with rivals in the premium electric SUV sector and positions it as a more accessible alternative to the higher-spec iX3 models.
The new 40 variant dials things back slightly, but not dramatically. It offers up to 395 miles of claimed range (compared to 500 for the pricier model), keeping it among the more usable long-distance EVs in its class. Power comes from a single, rear-mounted motor producing 320bhp, enough for a 0–62mph time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 124mph.
Unlike the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup of the iX3 50 xDrive, the new version sticks with rear-wheel drive, which should appeal to drivers who prefer a more traditional BMW driving feel. The motor is part of BMW’s new sixth-generation eDrive system, designed specifically for the Neue Klasse platform.
A key part of the story here is high-speed charging. Like it’s bigger-battery brethren, the iX3 40 uses an 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing rapid charging at up to 300kW. BMW says that’s enough to add up to 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes, while a 10 to 80 per cent charge takes around 21 minutes on a suitably fast DC charger.
The battery itself has a usable capacity of 82.6kWh and uses new cylindrical cells with high energy density. BMW has also integrated the battery more closely into the structure of the car, helping to reduce weight and improve efficiency.
Design-wise, the iX3 40 is identical to the more expensive 50 models. That means the same clean Neue Klasse styling, with a smaller, simplified take on BMW’s traditional kidney grille and a focus on smooth surfaces and sharp detailing. Inside, it still features BMW’s excellent latest Panoramic iDrive system running BMW Operating System X, combining touchscreen, voice and haptic controls.
Voice control is a particular focus, with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant now integrating Amazon Alexa+ voice control technology. BMW says this allows more natural conversations with the car and broader access to apps and services, although rollout will initially be limited to select markets.
Under the skin, BMW is also pushing its new software-led approach. The iX3 uses a new electronic architecture built around four high-performance computers – what BMW calls “superbrains” – delivering significantly more processing power than previous systems.
That feeds into features like the new braking system, which BMW claims delivers the smoothest stopping process it has ever achieved, and improved dynamic control for sharper, more responsive handling.
For UK buyers, the arrival of the iX3 40 broadens the appeal of BMW’s next-generation EV strategy. With pricing starting just over £53,000, it sits below many premium rivals while still offering long range and ultra-fast charging – two of the biggest battlegrounds in the current EV market.
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