German luxury automaker BMW has officially announced the Australian pricing for its highly anticipated all-electric iX3, marking the debut of its ‘Neue Klasse’ electric vehicle platform in the region. With a starting price of $109,900 (RRP, including LCT and GST, excluding on-road costs), the iX3 is positioned to significantly challenge its luxury electric SUV competitors.
Pioneering Neue Klasse Platform Arrives Down Under
The iX3 50 xDrive variant, the first model of BMW’s Neue Klasse generation to reach Australian shores, boasts impressive specifications. Previously revealed details highlighted a substantial WLTP-certified range of 805 kilometres. The vehicle also features a rapid 400 kW maximum charging rate and BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, powered by a 108 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack utilizing cylindrical cells and an 800-volt architecture.
More in-depth information regarding the Australian specifications and a comprehensive vehicle walkthrough is available through provided links.
Strategic Pricing Undercuts Key Rivals
The confirmation of the $109,900 starting price by BMW Australia on Tuesday has sent a clear signal to the market. This competitive pricing strategy aims to capture a significant share of the burgeoning luxury EV segment.
While additional optional extras and on-road costs will inevitably increase the final price for consumers, the base RRP positions the iX3 favourably. Direct competitors such as the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro, Porsche Macan 4, Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor, and Genesis Electrified GV70 are generally priced between $120,000 and $140,000. Even the recently discounted Cadillac Lyriq retails between $117,000 and $119,000.
Notably, the new iX3 50 xDrive represents a modest price increase compared to its internal combustion engine predecessors. It is only $5,000 more expensive than the outgoing X3 model in its highest single-motor specification and a mere $3,000 above the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Performance and Powertrain Highlights
The iX3 50 xDrive is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. This configuration delivers a combined output of 345 kW of power and 645 Nm of torque. This potent setup enables the electric SUV to achieve an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 210 km/h.
Extensive Standard Features Offer Strong Value
BMW has equipped the iX3 50 xDrive with a comprehensive suite of standard features, enhancing its value proposition. The vehicle offers nine exterior paint options and six alloy wheel choices as standard, alongside the optional M Sport Package Pro for $3,500. Various interior upholstery and steering wheel options are also available.
Standard Specification Highlights:
- 20-inch wheels
- 22kW AC charging Professional
- 400kW DC charging capability
- 800V electrical architecture
- Acoustic pedestrian protection
- Alarm system
- Ambient lighting
- Automatic air conditioning
- Automatic tailgate operation
- BMW 3D Head-up Display
- BMW Digital Premium (3-year duration)
- BMW Dynamic Performance Control
- BMW Iconic Glow exterior package
- BMW Panoramic Vision
- Control display in Free-Cut Design
- Comfort Access system including Digital Key Plus
- DAB+ tuner
- Driving Assistant Plus (including Active Cruise Control and Steering and Lane Control Assistant)
- Fast charging cable, Mode 3
- HiFi loudspeaker system Harman Kardon
- Intelligent charging flap
- Luggage compartment separating net
- M Sport Package
- M Sport Brakes in blue
- M roof spoiler in body colour
- Multifunction Charger, Mode 2
- Multifunctional seats for driver and front passenger
- Panoramic glass sunroof with climate comfort glazing
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Electric seat adjustment with memory
- Seat heating for driver and front passenger
- Sports steering wheel
- Storage compartment under the bonnet
- Steering wheel heating
- Sun protection glazing
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Tyre repair kit Plus
- Venza upholstery
Tailored Option Programs for Customization
BMW offers a streamlined option program for the iX3, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicles. Key options include premium paint finishes, a range of alloy wheel sizes and styles, and the M Sport Package Pro.
Exterior Paint Options:
- Alpine White: Standard
- Metallic paints (Black Sapphire, M Brooklyn Grey, Space Silver, Fire Red, Ocean Wave Blue, Eucalyptus Green): $2,000
- BMW Individual Polarised Grey metallic: $2,000
- BMW Individual Frozen Space Silver: $6,000
Alloy Wheel Choices:
- 20-inch M light-alloy (Double-spoke style 1048 M Bicolour): Standard
- 20-inch M aerodynamic (1047 M Bicolour): No cost option
- 21-inch M light alloy (Star-spoke style 1050 M Bicolour): $2,500
- 21-inch M aerodynamic (1051 M Bicolour): $2,500
- 22-inch BMW Individual aerodynamic (1053 Bicolour): $5,300
- 22-inch M light alloy (Y-spoke style 1054 M Bicolour): $7,700
M Sport Package Pro ($3,500):
This package enhances the M Sport Package with additions such as M Sport brakes in high-gloss red, M seat belts, an M steering wheel, and M Sport seats for the driver and front passenger. Specific exterior enhancements include a glass kidney grille in M Shadowline, M-specific black high-gloss diffuser, and high-gloss black mirror caps.
Alternative options to pair with the M Sport Pro include M Sport brakes in dark blue metallic and multifunction seats for the driver and front passenger, both offered at no extra cost.
Upholstery and Interior Options:
- Interior Design Contemporary (Venza): Available in Black Bicolour, Digital White Bicolour, and Castanea Bicolour (no cost options), compatible with Multifunction seats.
- Interior Design BMW M (Venza/Performtex combination): Available in Black (no cost option).
- Interior Design BMW Individual with Leather: Available in Black Bicolour or Adelaide Grey Bicolour for $4,000, requiring Multifunction seats or M Sport Seats respectively.
Steering Wheel Options:
- Sports steering wheel (black): Standard
- BMW Individual steering wheel (white): $300 (requires Digital White Bicolour upholstery)
- M steering wheel (black): No cost option (requires M Sport Pro package)
Towing Capability:
Trailer tow hitch preparation is available for $2,500. Please note that the tongue kit and trailer power cable are sold separately, and full towing capacity details will be confirmed by authorized BMW dealerships.
BMW iX3 50 xDrive: Key Specifications at a Glance
- Powertrain: Dual motor, fully electric, xDrive
- Max Power: 345 kW
- Max Torque: 645 Nm
- Battery Capacity: 108 kWh
- Max AC Charging: 22 kW
- Max DC Charging: 400 kW
- AC Charging Time (0-100%): 5 hours 30 minutes
- DC Charging Time (10-80%): 21 minutes
- 0-100 km/h Acceleration: 4.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 210 km/h
- Energy Consumption: 15.1 kWh/100km
- EV Driving Range (WLTP): Up to 805 km
- Starting Price: $109,900*