The announcement was made through BMW’s German press channels, highlighting a configuration that balances efficiency, cost, and everyday usability. While the larger xDrive 50 remains the flagship, the new variant emphasizes accessibility without drastically reducing core performance metrics.
The iX3 40 combines an 82.6-kilowatt-hour battery with a single electric motor, producing 315 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This setup enables a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 5.9 seconds, which is one second slower than the dual-motor xDrive 50.
A Smaller Battery with Substantial Range
The most notable aspect of the iX3 40 is its ability to retain strong range figures despite a reduced battery size. It delivers 395 miles (635 km) under WLTP testing, compared to 500 miles (805 km) for the xDrive 50 variant. According to InsideEVs, even when translated to the stricter EPA cycle, the range is expected to exceed 300 miles.
This positioning challenges the typical assumption that smaller battery versions significantly limit usability. BMW presents the iX3 40 as a practical option for daily driving, where range remains sufficient for most use cases without the added cost of a larger pack.
Rear-Wheel Drive and Adjusted Performance Figures
The iX3 40 abandons all-wheel drive in favor of a single rear-mounted motor. This change reduces total output compared to the xDrive 50, which adds a front motor contributing an extra 148 horsepower. The dual-motor setup enables stronger launches and better traction in varying conditions.
The new variant is also expected to be lighter than the xDrive 50, which weighs around 5,037 lbs (2,285 kg) in European specification. The top speed is slightly reduced as well, capped at 124 mph (200 km/h), making it 6 mph slower than its more powerful counterpart.
Charging Performance and Pricing Strategy
Charging capability is also scaled back in the iX3 40. Peak charging power drops from 400 kW in the xDrive 50 to 300 kW in this version. The battery can charge from 10% to 80% in 21 minutes, and regain up to 186 miles (300 km) of range in just 10 minutes under optimal conditions.
Pricing plays a central role in the model’s positioning. The iX3 40 starts at €63,400, which is roughly equivalent to about $68,500, while the xDrive 50 is priced €7,500 higher at €70,900, or approximately $76,600. This difference reinforces the iX3 40 as a more accessible option without removing key features tied to everyday driving.
BMW has not confirmed whether this version will be introduced in the United States. The current lineup there starts with the iX3 50 xDrive, priced at around $60,000.
