2026 BMW iX3 priced: 800km BMW EV to undercut rivals ahead of NZ debut

BMW New Zealand has confirmed pricing of its first next-generation ‘Neue Klasse’ electric model set to land in New Zealand later this year.

The BMW iX3 will launch in a single model grade – iX3 50 xDrive – and be priced from $125,900 before on-road costs. The new model is also the first full electric BMW to be sold in New Zealand claiming more than 800km of driving range.

Like Australia, the new iX3 mid-size SUV will undercut key rivals in the New Zealand market including the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro, Porsche Macan 4, and Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor, all of which are priced between $134,900 and $169,990 before on-road costs and options.

The heavily discounted Cadillac Lyriq remains the cheapest in this class, currently priced at $99,995 before on-road costs.

The new iX3 will also be priced well below the BMW iX SUV it effectively replaces in the lineup, which was priced from $169,900. The upcoming Volvo EX60, due in New Zealand later this year, is expected to be priced in a similar range to the new BMW.

The iX3 is arguably BMW’s most important new model in years, kicking off a fresh ‘Neue Klasse’ design language for the brand while debuting an all-new electric platform and 800V architecture.

All versions of the iX3 feature BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, promising more power, range, efficiency, and faster charging speeds.

The first model off the line – the iX3 50 xDrive – features a dual-motor powertrain producing 345kW of power and 645Nm of torque. Energy is stored in a 108kWh battery, which BMW claims delivers 805km of driving range on the WLTP cycle.

BMW says the 50 xDrive can accelerate from 0–100km/h time of 4.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 210km/h.

The 800V electric system supports DC fast-charging at up to 400kW, allowing around 350km of range to be added in as little as 10 minutes, or a 10 - 80 per cent charge in approximately 21 minutes.

BMW’s new electric platform and software also incorporates an in-house-developed control system – referred to by the company as ‘The Heart of Joy’ – which manages drivetrain and driving dynamics. BMW says this system is 10 times faster than its previous architecture.

Standard equipment will include 20-inch wheels, a 3D head-up display, panoramic glass sunroof, Harman Kardon sound system and heated front row seats.

The first iX3 50 xDrive models are expected to arrive in New Zealand early Q3, 2026, with additional iX3 variants expected to be announced soon.

BMW is also set to reveal its second ‘Neue Klasse’ model – the BMW i3 sedan – next week in Europe.