Summary
The BMW iX3 is a mid-sized electric SUV and the first model from BMW’s Neue Klasse programme – a complete redesign of BMW’s approach to design, technology and sustainability that will eventually extend across the company’s entire model range.
The iX3 went on sale in the UK in spring 2026, with the range currently starting from about £53K for the rear-wheel drive iX3 40, and from about £59K for the all-wheel drive iX3 50 xDrive. The 50 xDrive models were the first to hit UK roads in spring 2026, with the 40 models joining them in summer.
The iX3 marks a clear departure from BMW’s recent design language. The exterior is sharp and minimal, with light strips replacing the traditional chrome kidney grille surrounds. The interior is more radical: a square steering wheel, a full-width display projection at the base of the windscreen, and ambient LED lighting running across the dashboard, door panels and footwells. Early UK reviews have been strongly positive, with the iX3 earning a media rating of 85%.
Both variants use BMW’s advanced new battery architecture, which supports charging at up to 300kW at a compatible public fast charger – enough to add around 186 miles of range in ten minutes. The iX3 40 carries an 83kWh battery and claims up to 395 miles of range. The iX3 50 xDrive uses a larger battery and claims between 421 and 500 miles, depending on specification.
Our first drive of the 50 xDrive confirmed the iX3 as one of the most accomplished electric SUVs currently on sale, with particular praise for its steering feel and the panoramic windscreen display system.
BMW has placed significant emphasis on sustainability in the iX3’s production. Around 80% of the cast aluminium chassis components use recycled material, interior textiles for the seat upholstery, carpets and headlining are made from 100% recycled fibres, and the battery cells require around 40% less CO2 to produce than those in the previous iX3. On a UK energy mix, the car is estimated to reach its lifetime CO2 break-even point against a comparable petrol model in less than 12,000 miles.
The iX3 has not yet been assessed for safety performance by Euro NCAP. Running cost data is still limited at this early stage. The standard new car warranty runs for three years with unlimited mileage – on the short side for a car at this price – though the battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
As of April 2026, the BMW iX3 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 72%. That score is likely to shift, either up or down, as we get safety results and more running cost data.
Stuart’s view:
The BMW iX3 is the most significant new BMW in a generation – not just as a car, but as a statement of where the company is heading. ‘The Neue Klasse’ programme represents BMW’s largest ever investment, and the iX3 is its opening move. If it succeeds, the design and technology philosophy established here will define BMW’s entire range for the next decade.
From my own review here in the UK, the car itself is excellent. The media rating of 85% reflects a genuine step forward and a strong consensus of positivity from the UK motoring media.
The three-year standard warranty is on the short side – buyers stepping down from brands like Kia or Hyundai may find it a step backwards, though most direct rivals at this price are no more generous.
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: electric motor, battery-powered
Price: From £53,250
Launch date: Autumn 2025
Last updated: Spring 2026
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media.
Featured reviews
“The new BMW iX3 is the first car from BMW’s ambitious Neue Klasse programme – and after driving it, we think it might be the best electric SUV money can buy. Most aspects of the car are genuinely hard to fault. The interior technology is genuinely better than the class norm, especially the panoramic display. The driving experience is very good and better than anything else in a comparable price bracket, and the design is the most attractive BMW has produced in years. If the budget stretches, it’s worth it.”
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport
Score: 8.2 / 10
Read full review
The Car Expert
Stuart Masson
“The Neue Klasse iX3 marks the dawn of a new era for BMW, and moving to a dedicated EV platform means it’s a real game changer. It has strong performance, refined driving manners, lots of space, decent efficiency and user-friendly tech, while the BMW iX3 M Sport version continues to deliver the sporty edge that UK buyers demand. Only an unsettled ride on bumpy B-roads really marks the iX3 down – in every other regard it’s exceptionally good.”
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport
Score: 9 / 10
Read full review
Auto Express
Dean Gibson
More reviews
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport
Score: 10 / 10
“Stylish, luxurious, brimming with innovation, great to drive and practical enough to meet every family need, the BMW iX3 is perhaps the complete modern premium electric SUV.”
Author: Dan Trent
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Car
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport
Score: 10 / 10
“Where others have stumbled with electrification, BMW has produced something that truly outshines its combustion sibling, and a talented one at that. The new BMW iX3 is a true family EV for the car enthusiast and proof BMW hasn’t lost the plot with its bold Neue Klasse initiative. Welcome, one and all, to the new electric SUV benchmark.”
Author: Jake Groves, Alan Taylor-Jones
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW iX3 has a world-beating electric range and is great to drive – some rough usability niggles can’t detract from what’s now the best electric SUV on sale.”
Author: Tom Wiltshire
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Evo
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport Pro
Score: 8 / 10
“The iX3 is the model to kickstart a new era for BMW, and while its looks might be divisive, its class-leading stats certainly are not.”
Author: Sam Jenkins
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport Pro
Score: 10 / 10
“The new BMW iX3 is a complete package, and the pricing hasn’t drastically increased compared to the previous generation model.”
Author: Paul Clarke
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The iX3 is BMW’s best electric car yet, and one of the best EVs currently available. It’s comfortable, fun to drive, can go astonishingly far on a full charge and is packed full of technology that mostly enhances the experience behind the wheel rather than detracting from it. Incoming rivals, including the Volvo EX60, have their work cut out.”
Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport
Score: 10 / 10
“As the vanguard for BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ range of cars, the BMW iX3 absolutely needed to be right. And it is. In fact, with great road manners, impressive practicality, intuitive technology and the longest range of any production electric car, it accelerates straight to the top of the family SUV class.”
Author: Tim Pitt
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4.8 / 10
“The BMW iX3 is one of the finest SUVs you can buy.”
Author: Alan Taylor-Jones, Jake Groves, Keith Adams
Read review
The Independent
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport
Score: 9 / 10
“Neue Klasse technology, 800-volt charging and impressive efficiency make this model one of the most advanced electric SUVs yet.”
Author: Steve Fowler
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW iX3 is the first of a new generation features novel battery construction and reduced weight, combined with the sharp handling BMW is renowned for.”
Author: Andrew English
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The Times
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“Achieving the holy grail of range parity with petrol is a bold claim. Is this the car to convince the sceptics?”
Author: Nick Rufford
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport
Score: 9 / 10
“No obvious weaknesses, a quantum leap for EVs – proves what’s possible when you start from scratch with today’s tech”
Read review
Which EV?
Model reviewed: 50 xDrive M Sport
Score: 9 / 10
“The era of 500-mile range EVs is here. With great performance, space and technology as well, superb sustainability credentials and a premium but not outrageous price, the iX3 checks all the boxes. It’s no wonder that BMW is having to increase production to cope with orders. If you can afford it, this is the electric family SUV to buy.”
Author: James Morris
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of April 2026, the new BMW iX3 has not been assessed by Euro NCAP.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of April 2026, the BMW iX3 has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the iX3 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 499 miles | A |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 4.1 m/KWh | C |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 43 | E |
As of April 2026, we have some data on the BMW iX3 but not a complete overview. The data above only represents partial information for launch-specification ’50 xDrive’ models. We don’t have servicing costs or any data for the recently announced 40 xDrive models yet. Check back again soon.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
The BMW iX3 is a brand-new car on an all-new platform, so we won’t have any benchmark reliability data available for years to come.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the iX3, we’ll publish the results here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the BMW iX3
| Overall rating | B | 76% |
| New car warranty duration | 3 years |
| New car warranty mileage | Unlimited miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 8 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
BMW’s standard new car warranty is not much better than the bare minimum offered by car companies in the UK, running for three years, with no limit on mileage.
In addition to the standard new car warranty, there’s an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the BMW iX3
As of April 2026, there have not been any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the BMW iX3 (which is entirely unsurprising as it’s not yet on sale). However, when the car eventually arrives in the UK this may change.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local BMW dealer.
Awards
Significant UK trophies and awards that the BMW iX3 has received
2026
- World Car Awards – World Car of the Year + World Electric Vehcile
2025
- Carwow Awards – Tech Trailblazer Award
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW iX3, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Audi Q6 e-tron | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Jaguar I-Pace | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric | Mini Countryman Electric | Nissan Ariya | Peugeot e-3008 | Polestar 2 | Porsche Macan Electric | Skoda Enyaq | Smart #3 | Tesla Model Y | Volkswagen ID.4
More information
More news, reviews and information about the BMW iX3 at The Car Expert
Buy a BMW iX3
If you’re looking to buy a new or used BMW iX3, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more
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Lease a BMW iX3
If you’re looking to lease a new BMW iX3, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a BMW iX3
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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Car subscriptions from Just Vehicle Solutions.
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