Image: BMWThe iX3 40 follows the earlier launch of the iX3 50 xDrive, which comes with a £58,755 price tag. The German carmaker thus introduces a lower price point into the line-up while retaining key features of the Neue Klasse platform. The UK price was announced just one day after the EV was introduced on the German market.As in Germany, BMW states that standard equipment for the iX3 40 is identical to that of the higher-spec variant, despite the reduced entry price.The new variant is equipped with a single electric motor delivering 235 kW and 500 Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 124 mph. The WLTP range is specified at up to 395 miles (635 kilometres).The model uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology and is built on an 800-volt architecture. The high-voltage battery has a usable capacity of 82.6 kWh and uses cylindrical lithium-ion cells with higher energy density than the previous generation. This switch was one of the key focal points in the development of the Neue Klasse. BMW claims a 20 per cent increase in energy density compared to the previously used prismatic cells. BMW integrates the battery into the vehicle structure using a cell-to-pack design.According to BMW, charging performance remains aligned with the higher variant. The iX3 40 supports DC fast charging at up to 300 kW, enabling a range increase of up to 186 miles in 10 minutes. Charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 21 minutes. AC charging at up to 11 kW is included as standard, with an optional upgrade to 22 kW.BMW iX3 40BMW iX3 50 xDriveDrivetrainRWDAWDPower235 kW345 kWTorque500 Nm645 NmAcceleration5.9 s4.9 sTop speed200 km/h210 km/hWLTP range635 km805 kmBattery capacity82.6 kWh108 kWhDC charging power300 kW400 kWDC charging time 10-80%21 min21 minPrice€63,400€70,900In addition to the lower entry price, BMW emphasises that the model retains the full Neue Klasse design and technology package. That includes the updated exterior design language, the BMW Panoramic iDrive system and the new BMW Operating System X.The vehicle also features the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Amazon Alexa+ integration. BMW states: “The integration of Amazon Alexa+ into the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant represents a technological leap forward with added value for customers.”The iX3 40 introduces a new electronics and software architecture with four high-performance computing units. According to BMW, these systems deliver significantly increased processing capability and support functions such as BMW Dynamic Performance Control. The company adds that the system ‘responds ten times faster than previous systems to provide effortless, agile and assured handling.’BMW is signalling strong expectations for the electric SUV, with the market launch already showing high demand. Even with so-called blind orders, where customers commit without seeing or test-driving the vehicle, almost the entire planned production of the iX3 50 xDrive for 2026 has already been allocated. BMW previously stated that it would introduce an additional production shift in response to the strong order intake.And now, BMW positions the iX3 40 as a more accessible entry point into its next-generation electric vehicle platform, combining a lower starting price with long range, high charging performance and updated digital features.bmwgroup.com