The BMW iX3 40 is official: just a few weeks after the market launch of the iX3 50 xDrive in Germany, BMW is launching a more affordable entry-level version of its electric SUV. The new model features rear-wheel drive, a smaller battery and a more attractive price – without sacrificing the core technology of the New Class. The BMW iX3 40 will be available at dealerships from summer 2026.
BMW iX3 40: 320 hp and 800-volt architecture
The sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology (Gen6), which is based entirely on an 800-volt architecture, is at work under the bonnet of the iX3 40. The rear axle is fitted with a current-excited synchronous machine (SSM), which does not require permanent magnets and therefore no rare earths. The motor produces 235 kW (320 hp) and delivers a maximum torque of 500 Nm. This enables the iX3 40 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited at 200 km/h.
Compared to the top-of-the-range iX3 50 xDrive model with all-wheel drive and 345 kW (469 hp), the iX3 40 is somewhat weaker, but still offers more than enough power for everyday use. Interesting fact: the omission of the front engine should make the iX3 40 noticeably lighter than its all-wheel drive brother, which weighs around 2,285 kg according to European specifications.
82.6 kWh battery and a range of up to 635 km
Instead of the generous 108.7 kWh of the iX3 50 xDrive, the iX3 40 has a high-voltage battery with a usable energy content of 82.6 kWh. The lithium-ion round cells are integrated directly into the storage unit according to the cell-to-pack principle and, according to BMW, offer a 20 percent increase in energy density compared to the prismatic cells of the previous generation. The battery is also designed as a structural part of the vehicle (pack-to-open-body), which saves weight and material.
BMW states a combined WLTP consumption of 14.6 kWh per 100 km, which corresponds to a range of up to 635 kilometers. Although this is around 170 km less than the all-wheel drive top model, it is more than sufficient for the vast majority of everyday drivers.
Fast charging with 300 kW – from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes
The maximum DC charging capacity of the iX3 40 is 300 kW – slightly less than the 400 kW of the larger model. Nevertheless, BMW has chosen the battery capacity cleverly: At 21 minutes, charging from 10 to 80 percent takes exactly the same amount of time as the iX3 50, and up to 300 kilometers of range can be recharged in just 10 minutes at an 800-volt fast-charging station.
An 11 kW AC charger is on board as standard. If you want to charge more frequently at AC charging points, you can order the 22 kW version for an extra charge. Bidirectional charging is also supported – the iX3 40 can therefore be used to store energy at home, which is particularly useful in combination with a photovoltaic system.
Technical data: BMW iX3 40 vs. iX3 50 xDrive in comparison
| BMW iX3 40 | BMW iX3 50 xDrive | |
|---|---|---|
| Drive system | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Power output | 235 kW (320 hp) | 345 kW (469 hp) |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 645 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.9 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 200 km/h | 210 km/h |
| Battery (net) | 82.6 kWh | 108.7 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | up to 635 km | 678-805 km |
| Consumption (WLTP) | 14.6 kWh/100 km | 17.9-15.1 kWh/100 km |
| Max. DC charging power | 300 kW | 400 kW |
| 10-80 % Charging time | 21 minutes | 21 minutes |
| Price (from) | 63,400 euros | 70.900 Euro |
Panoramic iDrive and Amazon Alexa+ on board
There are no compromises in the interior compared to the top model. The iX3 40 also relies on the BMW Panoramic iDrive – a display and operating concept that combines a central display with a projection across the entire width of the windshield. Controls are operated by touch, physical controls or voice. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has also been expanded to include functions based on Amazon Alexa+ and enables dialog-oriented interaction.
Technically, four central computers control the most important vehicle systems. At the heart of this is the “Heart of Joy” control computer, which regulates the drive and driving dynamics via the “BMW Dynamic Performance Control” software. A special feature is the so-called Soft Stop function, which brings the vehicle to a standstill almost jerk-free when decelerating.
Price, market launch and outlook
The BMW iX3 40 will be available in Germany from summer 2026 and starts at 63,400 euros. This is €7,500 less than the iX3 50 xDrive, which costs at least €70,900. Although BMW had originally announced an entry-level price of around 60,000 euros, the final price is now slightly higher.
As the recently presented BMW i3 is based on the same technical platform, a comparable 40 Series variant can also be expected. Industry experts are expecting an even greater range of around 700 km and a slightly lower starting price. A sporty iX3 M60 top model is also expected to follow later this year.
The iX3 40 should be of particular interest to buyers who can do without all-wheel drive and value efficiency and a lower entry-level price. The new government e-car subsidy of up to €6,000, which will apply retroactively from January 1, 2026, will make the electric SUV even more financially attractive.
