Undercuts Audi, Polestar, and Porsche

The second-generation BMW iX3 is arguably some of the vital new fashions the model has launched in a long time. It debuts the Neue Klasse design language, rides on a brand-new devoted EV platform, and turns into the primary BMW to function sixth-generation batteries and electrical motors. Now, Australian consumers lastly know what they’ll pay — and the quantity is sharper than many anticipated.

BMW Australia has confirmed the 2026 iX3 50 xDrive will begin at AU$109,900 (roughly US$77,600) plus on-road prices, with deliveries set to start from mid-2026. At that value, it arrives undercutting a number of key European and Korean rivals by a significant margin.

How It Stacks Up In opposition to the Competitors

On paper, the iX3’s beginning value appears like a real assertion of intent. It sits comfortably under the Polestar 3 (AU$116,700 / US$82,500), the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro (AU$122,500 / US$86,600), the Genesis Electrified GV70 (AU$132,800 / US$93,900), and the Porsche Macan 4 (AU$134,400 / US$95,000). It’s additionally solely AU$3,000 dearer than BMW’s personal plug-in hybrid X3 (AU$106,900), which is a exceptional place to be in when you think about the iX3’s far superior all-electric vary and charging functionality.

Within the US, BMW has indicated pricing will begin close to above the $60,000 mark, although closing figures have but to be introduced. We anticipate U.S. pricing to reach earlier than June 2026.

Extra Costly Than The First iX3 Mannequin (Non-Neue Klasse)

Compared to its predecessor, the brand new iX3 is considerably dearer on the entry degree. The bottom value is up AU$18,900 ($13,300) over the earlier era’s entry mannequin, and AU$5,000 greater than the outgoing top-spec iX3 M Sport Professional. However this isn’t a easy case of value inflation. The outdated iX3 was a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive automobile with an 80kWh battery, 281 hp, and a claimed WLTP vary of 460km. The brand new iX3 50 xDrive is a essentially totally different machine.

The 2026 mannequin is powered by twin electrical motors producing a mixed 463hp and 645Nm (476 lb-ft) of torque, fed by a 108.7kWh battery pack. BMW claims a WLTP vary of as much as 805km — sufficient to make it Australia’s longest-range electrical automobile till the Volvo EX60 arrives in 2027, although real-world figures will naturally be decrease.

What You Get as Normal

The iX3 50 xDrive’s customary specification checklist is beneficiant. Australian-spec vehicles include 20-inch alloy wheels, BMW’s hanging 43.3-inch Panoramic Imaginative and prescient full-width dashboard projection show, a 17.9-inch touchscreen, head-up show, Harman Kardon premium audio, leather-look upholstery, power-adjustable and heated entrance seats, and an influence tailgate.

The screens characterize a significant leap over the outgoing mannequin, which used BMW’s standard Curved Show setup. The brand new Panoramic Imaginative and prescient is likely one of the boldest inside design strikes the model has made in years. One notable change from earlier than: real leather-based upholstery is now not customary and is now a AU$4,000 possibility.

Choices Can Push the Value Greater Shortly

Whereas the headline value is aggressive, BMW’s choices checklist has the potential so as to add up quick. Consumers who need something aside from Alpine White paint might want to price range an additional AU$2,000 ($1,400) for most colours, or AU$6,000 ($4,200) for Frozen Area Silver.

Wheel upgrades comply with an analogous trajectory. The 21-inch wheels value AU$2,500 ($1,700), the 22-inch aerodynamic wheels add AU$5,300 ($3,700), and the 22-inch M light-alloy wheels are priced at AU$7,700 ($5,400) — although it’s value noting that bigger wheels additionally have an effect on the claimed vary, dropping it from round 793km to 737km on the 22-inch choices. Different extras embrace the M Sport Bundle Professional at AU$3,500 ($2,500), Black Bicolor or Adelaide Gray Bicolor inside finishes at AU$4,000 ($2,800) every, and even a white leather-based steering wheel for AU$300 ($212).

Extra Variants on the Manner

The 50 xDrive is the only real launch variant for Australia, however BMW has confirmed a extra inexpensive rear-wheel-drive iX3 40 is because of arrive in early 2027 — more likely to arrive at a lower cost level and develop the mannequin’s attain. For now, the 50 xDrive is on sale in Australia at this time, with first deliveries anticipated from the center of 2026.