Image: BMWAs early as March, BMW introduced a more affordable single-motor variant alongside the iX3 50 xDrive. Priced from €63,400, the rear-wheel-drive model is €7,500 cheaper than the all-wheel-drive version, which is already being delivered to customers.With the new iX3 40, BMW aims to demonstrate the performance of an efficient rear-wheel-drive system on the Neue Klasse platform. The vehicle features the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology. The electric drive unit, integrated into the rear axle, delivers 235 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The iX3 40 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h.The iX3 40’s battery has a usable energy capacity of 82.6 kWh. BMW states its range as up to 637 kilometres under the WLTP cycle. This makes the new entry-level model slightly less range-efficient than the iX3 50 xDrive, which achieves up to 805 kilometres thanks to its 108-kWh battery.At DC fast-charging stations, the 800-volt electric SUV supports charging capacities of up to 300 kW. BMW states that charging the battery from 10 to 80 per cent takes 21 minutes. The vehicle comes with an 11-kW AC charger as standard, while customers can optionally order a 22-kW onboard charger for €790.The vehicle-to-load (V2L) function is available only with the more powerful AC charger. However, BMW includes vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality as standard. The company also equips the vehicle with a heat pump as standard.Beyond the drivetrain and charging technology, the standard equipment includes LED headlights and rear lights, the BMW Digital Key Plus for smartphones and smartwatches, electrically folding exterior mirrors, a 58-litre storage compartment under the front bonnet, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, and driver assistance systems such as a rear-view camera with panoramic view, parking assistant, park distance control, and a rear-crossing assistant.Alongside the launch of the iX3 40, BMW is introducing additional updates across the entire iX3 range. The model will become the first BMW to feature the German-language version of the AI-based BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Customers will also be able to order rear-seat heating as an optional feature.Although BMW lists rear-seat heating at €400, the option is bundled with additional equipment, including a head-up display, the Harman Kardon premium sound system and rear climate control. This increases the effective surcharge to €2,300. From the summer onwards, BMW will also offer new exterior colours such as ‘Voodoo Blue’ and ‘Urban Green uni’.In terms of design, the new variant is nearly indistinguishable from the existing iX3 50 xDrive. Both models follow the minimalist design language of the Neue Klasse. According to BMW, there are no differences in equipment levels either. A detailed overview of the equipment can be found here.All iX3 variants are produced at BMW’s new plant in Debrecen, Hungary. The manufacturer began series production of the first Neue Klasse model there in October 2025. As recently as March, BMW announced that production had already shifted to a two-shift operation due to high demand. With the iX3 40, a more affordable variant is now available, which is expected to attract an even broader range of customers.The electric SUV is associated with high expectations in Munich, and the launch appears to have been successful. Even before customers had seen or test-driven the vehicle, a significant portion of the planned 2026 production for the iX3 50 xDrive had already been reserved through pre-orders.bmw.co.uk (configurator), bmwgroup.com (model updates)
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