BMW iX3 is UK’s first 500-mile EV

BMW has announced that its new iX3 SUV will offer up to 500 miles of range, making it the longest-range EV on sale in the UK when it arrives in early 2026.

The iX3 is the first in BMW’s next-generation Neue Klasse EVs built on an entirely new platform and promising what the Bavarian firm calls a “huge leap” that will shape the entire future of the brand.

It will debut at the Munich Motor Show but, ahead of that, BMW has announced key technical details. It has also confirmed that the new iX3 will cost from £58,755, with first UK customer deliveries early March.

The iX3 will be the first model to use BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology which brings a new design of battery, more efficient motors and 800V architecture that allows DC charging of up to 400V.

In its most efficient iX3 50 xDrive variant, the iX3 will cover a full 500 miles on a single charge of its 108kWh battery, with efficiency of 4.1m/kWh. The 400kW charging means up to 231 miles can be added in just 10 minutes at a compatible charger.

Powering the new BMW iX3 is a two-motor all-wheel-drive system offering up to 463bhp and 475lb ft. That delivers a 0-62mph time of just 4.9 seconds for this 4.7m premium SUV.

BMW says that the sixth generation powertrain system is 10% lighter, 20% cheaper and suffers 40% lower energy loss than the system fitted to its current models such as the iX. It also claims that the new “Heart of Joy” driving dynamic control system allows 98% of braking to be performed entirely by energy recuperation.

The Heart of Joy is one of four “superbrains” that centralised core related functions for faster response and control. The other control centres manage assistive technology; basic comfort functions and the infotainment system.

As well as an all-new powertrain, which will also power the new electric 3 Series saloon, the iX3 heralds a new simplified design language for BMW. The upright front end houses large air intakes, double light units and slim tall kidney grilles that echo the original Neue Klasse cars of the 1960s. Elsewhere flush door handles, an expansive glass house and simple lines are designed to give the iX3 a clean modern look.

Inside, BMW says the iX3 uses its electric architecture to offer impressive passenger space for five, a 520-litre boot and a 58-litre frunk. It also introduces the new panoramic iDrive system which features a full-width digital display below the windscreen, a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and a 3D head-up display for the driver. Despite a focus on a new digital interface, BMW says the system has a “well-judged” blend of digital and physical controls.

With orders due to open soon, the iX3 will initially be sold exclusively in 50 xDrive guise and with a choice of three trims – iX3, iX3 M Sport and iX3 M Sport Pro. Other models, including an entry-level two-wheel-drive variant will follow in 2026.

“The Neue Klasse is our biggest future-focused project and marks a huge leap forward in terms of technologies, driving experience and design,” said BMW chairman Oliver Zipse. “Practically everything about it is new, yet it is also more BMW than ever. Our whole product range will benefit from the innovations brought by the Neue Klasse – whichever drive system technology is employed.”