BMW presents the BMW iX3 40 – the second drive system variant of the fully electric Neue Klasse Sports Activity Vehicle. Equipped with a 320 hp electric motor and rear-wheel drive, the new model variant shares both its styling and standout technological innovations with the BMW iX3 50 xDrive. Priced from £53,250 OTR, the new BMW iX3 40 will be available in the UK from summer 2026.
Closely following the market launch of the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive in the UK, the second drive system variant of the model celebrates its premiere. The new BMW iX3 40 (electric power consumption combined: 14.6 kWh/62 miles; CO₂ class: A; electric range: up to 395 miles; as per WLTP)1 will join the range as an entry-level model.
The new BMW iX3 40 is powered by new sixth-generation (Gen6) BMW eDrive technology developed specially for the Neue Klasse, which represents a technological leap forward. All components are designed for 800V technology. An electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) with high levels of efficiency is integrated into the rear axle and drives the rear wheels. The electric motor develops 320 hp1 and 500 Nm1 of torque. The new BMW iX3 40 accelerates from rest to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds1 before reaching a top speed of 124 mph1.
Short charging times and a maximum range of up to 395 miles1.
The high-voltage battery of the new BMW iX3 40 has a usable energy content of 82.6 kWh1. Its lithium-ion cylindrical cells have 20 per cent greater energy density than the prismatic cells used for Gen5 BMW eDrive technology and are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery (cell-to-pack). The pack-to-open-body construction turns the battery into a structural component of the vehicle and reduces the amount of material required and cuts weight.
The maximum charging rate is 300 kW1 when plugged into an 800V direct current (DC) fast-charging station. Doing so enables the new BMW iX3 40 to be topped up with enough energy to add up to 186 miles1 to its range in just 10 minutes. The energy content of the high-voltage battery can be increased from 10 to 80 per cent of its capacity in just 21 minutes at a DC charging station. Charging using alternating current (AC) at a rate of up to 11 kW is possible as standard.
AC charging at up to 22 kW is available optionally as part of the AC Charging Professional package. This allows the high-voltage battery to charge from 0 to 100 per cent in 4 hours and 15 minutes1. The BMW iX3 40 is capable of bidirectional charging.
Unmistakable new design language.
Like the BMW iX3 50 xDrive (energy consumption combined: 17.9 – 15.1 kWh/62 miles (WLTP); CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/m (WLTP); electric range: 421 – 500 miles (WLTP); CO2 class (es): A), the new entry-level model features the clean, reduced and unmistakable exterior design language of the Neue Klasse. This includes the re-interpreted kidney grille and light signature, as well as precise lines and expansive surfaces.
Neue Klasse design continues inside the cabin, where the revolutionary display and operating concept, BMW Panoramic iDrive with new BMW Operating System X, enables complete driver orientation while redefining the user experience.
As with its exterior and interior design, standard specification for the new BMW iX3 40 is identical to that of the BMW iX3 50 xDrive.
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant now with Amazon Alexa+2.
The multimodal operating logic of BMW Panoramic iDrive combines touch, haptic and voice-based interaction. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant plays a central role in the operating concept of the new BMW iX3. The BMW Group made the decision to step up its collaboration with Amazon in 2022.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant helps to operate the windows, air conditioning and seating comfort, manage phone calls, control in-car entertainment and more. It can also be used to call up many function menus and operate certain apps. Upgrading the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant to include Amazon Alexa+ AI technology2 provides additional functionality.
The integration of Amazon Alexa+2 into the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant represents a technological leap forward with added value for customers. The AI technology used is a Large Language Model (LLM) – a generative AI that understands language and can formulate its own responses. This makes for more conversational voice interactions; it enables intuitive and intelligent exchanges, and supports access to external knowledge bases, cloud-based services and media content, as well as the control of vehicle functions.
Linking to an Amazon account allows seamless integration of relevant services and extends the range of use well beyond traditional vehicle operation. Availability will be gradually expanded, starting with Germany.
New levels of dynamic ability and the smoothest stopping process ever achieved by a BMW.
Neue Klasse technology takes driving pleasure to new heights in the new BMW iX3 40. This is underpinned by the new electronics and software architecture, where four “superbrains” bring customers a top-class driving experience. These high-performance computers deliver more than 20 times greater processing power than those utilised within previous models.
The Heart of Joy control computer with BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, developed fully in-house, responds ten times faster than previous systems to provide effortless, agile and assured handling, while also setting new dynamic standards. Another milestone is the Soft Stop function. Thanks to precise control of the electric motor, the new BMW iX3 40 brakes to a complete halt without any jerks or noise, delivering the smoothest stopping process in the history of the brand.
Market launch and pricing.
The new BMW iX3 40 will be available in the UK from summer 2026 and is priced from £53,250 OTR.
BMW Group PressClub UK
