BMW says new iX3 topped 100,000 orders in Europe in a year, its fastest vehicle launch everThe Cool DownShannon GermaineSun, September 20, 2026 at 7:08 AM UTCAdd us on GooglePhoto Credit: BMWIn Europe, BMW says the new iX3 had a noticeable surge in popularity with over 100,000 orders in its first 12 months on the market, a result Electrek says the company views as the strongest first-year start of any vehicle launch in its history.Here's what to knowSince its September 2025 debut, the Neue Klasse iX3 has represented about half of orders in BMW's wider X3 family and roughly one-third of the company's EV purchases in Europe, Electrek reported, citing Der Spiegel.Former BMW CEO Oliver Zipse had said the SUV hit 50,000 orders in just six months, according to Electrek.AdvertisementAdvertisementInterest seems to be running high in China as well. Electrek said the iX3 launched there in August with a starting price of 269,900 yuan, or $40,259, and that several BMW dealers told 36Kr, "Once the pre-sale price was announced, the sales team has barely stopped working," and "There are just too many interested users."More backgroundAccording to Electrek, the iX3 is both the first BMW EV built on the Neue Klasse platform and the first vehicle to use the automaker's sixth-generation eDrive setup. BMW says those changes bring charging speeds that are 30% faster and range that is 30% better than in its earlier EVs.Electrek reported that in Germany, the iX3 40 starts at €63,400 ($72,787) and is rated for a range of 628 kilometers (390 miles), while the iX3 50 xDrive starts at €73,925 ($84,871) and offers up to 805 kilometers (500 miles). BMW also says the new iX3 can go from 10% to 80% battery level in 21 minutes on DC fast charging of up to 400 kilowatts.What's being done?BMW's early iX3 figures indicate progress in charging speed and range.AdvertisementAdvertisementEVs can help drivers save money through lower fuel costs and reduced routine maintenance since they do not require oil changes and have fewer moving parts than gas vehicles.Charging EVs at home is often cheaper than using public chargers, but basic Level 1 charging can be slow. EV owners can find a faster solution through Qmerit, a company that provides free, instant installation estimates for quicker Level 2 home charger installations.BMW's launch also shows how competition with EV leaders such as Tesla and BYD is pushing legacy automakers to move faster."One hundred thousand orders within a year is a fantastic start for the Neue Klasse," Jochen Goller, BMW's sales, brand management, and marketing chief, said.Where can I learn more?Here are more stories on BMW's EV sales growth, why drivers switch to electric cars, charging access, used EV battery grading, and Hyundai's new three-row SUV.AdvertisementAdvertisement• In Germany, BMW's EV sales are skyrocketing as its new lineup gains ground.• Many drivers say switching to electric cars slashes fuel bills and maintenance costs.• Hyundai is giving owners free Tesla Supercharger adapters to make fast charging easier.• In the U.K., battery health grading is giving used EV buyers more confidence.• Hyundai's new three-row EV targets families, though one flaw looms.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
