BMW iX3 40 (2026): New base model with 635 km range

(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – BMW is rapidly expanding its range around the “Neue Klasse”. Just a few weeks after the market launch of the first model, the Munich-based company is now following up with the entry-level model: The new BMW iX3 40 will join the portfolio from summer 2026. While the top model iX3 50 xDrive relies on all-wheel drive, the new 40 variant focuses on efficiency and a classic layout.

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Under the skin, as before, is the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology (Gen6). All components are consistently designed for an 800-volt operating voltage. Propulsion is provided by an externally excited synchronous motor (SSM) on the rear axle. This design does not require permanent magnets and therefore no rare earths.

With an output of 235 kW (320 hp, 150 hp less than the 50) and a maximum torque of 500 Nm, the iX3 40 is by no means underpowered: the sprint from zero to 100 km/h takes 5,9 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 200 km/h.

BMW paid special attention to the driving software. The new architecture uses four “superbrains” – high-performance computers with twenty times the computing power of previous systems. The central control unit, dubbed “Heart of Joy” internally by BMW, bundles the driving dynamics control and works ten times faster than previous solutions.

This should be particularly noticeable in terms of comfort: thanks to extremely precise control of the electric motor, BMW promises the “smoothest stopping process” in the brand’s history. This soft-stop function brakes the car imperceptibly to a standstill without the typical jerk or braking noise.

Battery and charging: 300 kW peak power

The rear-wheel drive model draws its energy from a high-voltage battery with a usable energy content of 82,6 kWh. The new lithium-ion round cells are being used here for the first time, which have a 20 percent higher energy density compared to the previous prismatic cells of Gen5. The battery is constructed according to the cell-to-pack principle and is integrated directly into the vehicle body as a structural element thanks to the pack-to-open-body design, which saves weight and increases rigidity.

In terms of range, the iX3 40 sets a top value in the segment with up to 635 kilometers according to WLTP. BMW is also setting new standards for the brand in terms of charging speed: the maximum charging power is 300 kW, which is below the 400 kW of the 50. This means that energy for a range of 300 kilometers can be recharged in just ten minutes at a corresponding fast charging station.

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Photo gallery: BMW iX3 (2025) in basic equipment

According to BMW, the standard charge from 10 to 80 percent (SoC) is completed in 21 minutes. For charging at home or in the office, an 11-kW onboard charger is installed as standard; BMW optionally offers a 22-kW version, with which the battery can be completely filled in about 4:15 hours. In addition, the iX3 40 is capable of bidirectional charging, meaning it can function as a mobile energy storage unit.

Design and interior: AI support through Alexa+

Visually, the entry-level model adopts the reduced design of the Neue Klasse one-to-one from the iX3 50 xDrive. In the interior, BMW relies on the new Panoramic iDrive based on BMW Operating System X. Operation is via touch surfaces, haptic feedback and, above all, significantly improved voice control.

Here, BMW is entering into a deep cooperation with Amazon: the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is being expanded to include Amazon Alexa+ technology. This is a Large Language Model (LLM), i.e., a generative AI that understands natural language better and can respond in context. This allows not only vehicle functions such as climate control or windows to be controlled intuitively, but also external knowledge to be retrieved or cloud-based services to be seamlessly integrated.

Market launch and price

For the iX3 40, BMW specifies a combined power consumption of 14,6 kWh/100 km according to WLTP. The market launch in Germany is scheduled for summer 2026, with the entry-level price at 63.400 Euro. This positions the base model 7.500 Euro cheaper than the all-wheel drive variant.

It is very likely that the new i3 will also get such a 40 variant. We expect a range of a good 700 km and a base price of around 60.000 Euro.

More from BMW:
Exclusive: Production of the BMW i4 will likely end in 2026
BMW i3 Touring: Neue Klasse estate officially confirmed

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