BMW Brings the U.S.-Spec 2026 iX3 to Chicago Auto Show With NACS Port and M Sport Steering

BMW’s new U.S.-spec iX3 made an early public look on the 2026 Chicago Auto Present, and the show automotive answered a couple of market-specific questions earlier than BMW has even revealed U.S. ordering guides.

Completed in Ocean Wave Blue, the iX3 stood out beneath McCormick Place lighting with a shade that reveals the fashionable and clear traces of the brand new electrical crossover. Inside, it paired a white inside with the M Sport package deal, together with the brand new steering wheel design with the spokes positioned at 4 and eight o’clock—a nice alternative to the other design with spokes at 6 and 12.

Probably the most consequential element was on the flank: this iX3 had the NACS cost port, aligning the U.S.-bound automotive with BMW’s lately introduced plans for Tesla Supercharger access.

Stroll round to the rear and also you’ll discover one other U.S.-only inform. The present automotive wore the U.S. towing hook setup, and it isn’t the electrically retractable {hardware} you see in some European configurations. It’s an easy, practical answer—very a lot in tune with how Individuals really use crossovers.

All New EV Tech

Specs are the opposite half of the story with this new EV. The U.S. iX3 is positioned round a ~400-mile EPA vary goal (preliminary), backed by 800V structure and as much as 400 kW DC quick charging, with BMW quoting a ten–80% cost in about 21 minutes. On efficiency, the iX3 50 xDrive has settled on 463 hp and 476 lb-ft, with a 0–100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. A extra highly effective iX3 M60 will arrive in 2027.

When Will It Launch in America?

BMW’s public timeline stays unchanged: the iX3 remains to be aimed toward a late summer season 2026 U.S. launch, however there are not any U.S. ordering guides accessible but, which leaves last packaging, pricing, and allocation particulars within the acquainted “practically right here, not but orderable” part.

Sadly, the BMW iX3 was solely current in Chicago throughout the Media and Press Days, so the common public gained’t have an opportunity but to discover the SUV from upclose.