BMW Unveils 2026 iX3 Electric SUV With 400-Mile Range, Global Production Plans

BMW has unveiled the 2026 iX3, the first electric vehicle built on its all-new Neue Klasse platform, marking a significant shift toward dedicated EV architecture with advanced technology and design. The iX3 features a futuristic and minimalist design inspired by BMW's original Neue Klasse cars from the 1960s, including a vertical kidney grille, 3D head-up display, and a driver-focused interior with the Panoramic iDrive Operating System X and an Intelligent Personal Assistant enhanced by large language model technology. Performance highlights include dual motors producing up to 463 horsepower, a 0-60 mph acceleration around 4.9 seconds, a top speed of 130 mph, and a remarkable driving range of up to 400 miles (approximately 805 km) on a single charge, supported by an 800-volt electrical architecture enabling ultra-fast charging speeds up to 400 kW. Production will begin in late 2025 in Hungary, with availability in Europe in spring 2026 and the U.S. in summer 2026, while a China-specific model will be produced locally from mid-2026. Pricing is expected to start around $60,000 in the U.S., positioning the iX3 competitively with traditional combustion-engine X3 models but with superior power and efficiency. BMW aims for the iX3 to spearhead a new era of electric mobility that rivals offerings from Tesla and Chinese EV manufacturers by combining heritage, innovation, and performance.