by BMW iX3: Price and Range for the US Market
BMW has officially announced key specifications for its new electric crossover iX3, which will be manufactured in the US. The starting price for the model is $61,500, to which a $1,350 destination fee is added. Thus, the base cost of the vehicle is $62,850.
The most impressive figure is its range. The 50 xDrive version with 483 horsepower can travel up to 434 miles (699 km) on the EPA cycle. This significantly surpasses the figures of competitors, notably the Tesla Model Y Performance, which has a range of 306 miles. However, it is worth noting that maximum range is achieved only with 20-inch summer tires, which are offered at no additional charge. With standard all-season tires of the same size, the range drops to 383 miles (616 km).
Interesting Range Dependencies on Tire Choice
A rather unexpected fact is that with 21-inch all-season tires, the range is 399 miles (642 km), which is one mile more than with summer tires of the same size. According to BMW, these unusual figures are the result of averaging indicators across different tire brands.
For clarity, here is a table of range dependency on tire type:
Price and Performance: iX3 Cheaper than Petrol X3
In addition to its impressive range, the iX3 offers a competitive price. The cost of the iX3 50 xDrive model ($62,850) turned out to be lower than that of the petrol version X3 M50 xDrive, which costs $67,850. At the same time, the electric version boasts 463 hp and 645 Nm of torque, while the petrol engine produces 393 hp and 580 Nm. Although the petrol X3 accelerates to 60 mph 0.3 seconds faster (4.4 seconds versus 4.7), the iX3 will likely feel more dynamic during overtaking due to the instant torque delivery of the electric motor.
This pricing strategy is aimed at attracting American buyers who have lost interest in electric vehicles. Sales of BMW electric vehicles in the US fell by 16.7% last year and by 45.5% in the fourth quarter following the cancellation of the $7,500 federal tax credit. Now Mercedes will feel pressure to price its GLC EV as close to $60,000 as possible.
Options and Equipment Packages
The base iX3 trim includes a panoramic display, Veganza leather interior, smartphone charger, Digital Key Plus, and numerous safety systems. Among the additional options:
- Comfort Package for $1,500 (heated steering wheel, panoramic roof, multi-function seats).
- Technology Package for $1,900 (Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille, 3D head-up display, Harman/Kardon audio system).
- M Sport Package for $2,500 (sporty interior and exterior, 20-inch M Aero wheels, M sports steering wheel).
- M Sport Professional Package for $4,000 (adds illuminated grille, M leather steering wheel, and M Sport brakes with red or blue calipers).
Future: More Affordable iX3 40 Version
For those who find the iX3 50 too expensive, a more affordable version may appear later. Although BMW has not officially confirmed its arrival in the US, information briefly appeared on the brand’s website about a rear-wheel-drive 40 sDrive version and an all-wheel-drive 40 xDrive. In Europe, a single-motor version 40 has already debuted with 316 hp and an 82.6 kWh battery. Its EPA range is expected to be around 340 miles (547 km).
Orders for the iX3 50 are already open, with deliveries starting in September.
Overall, the new BMW iX3 looks like a very attractive proposition in the US electric vehicle market. The combination of enormous range, competitive pricing, and high performance makes it a serious competitor to the Tesla Model Y and other premium electric crossovers. Particularly important is the fact that the iX3 turned out to be cheaper than its petrol counterpart, which could be a powerful argument for buyers torn between a traditional engine and electric power. At the same time, the range’s dependency on tire type and additional costs for options may somewhat complicate the buyer’s choice. The arrival of a more affordable iX3 40 version could further expand this model’s audience, but for now, its launch in the US market remains in question.
