BMW continues to strengthen its electric line-up with the introduction of the new BMW iX3 40, an entry-level variant of its fully electric Neue Klasse Sports Activity Vehicle. Arriving in the UK from summer 2026 and priced from £53,250, the iX3 40 brings together strong range, next-generation technology and ultra-fast charging in a more accessible package.
Positioned beneath the iX3 50 xDrive,which is already available, the iX3 40 shares the same Neue Klasse foundations, meaning there’s no compromise when it comes to design, technology or overall experience. Instead, BMW has refined the formula with a simpler, more efficient drivetrain, making it particularly well suited to everyday driving.
At a glance, the iX3 40 delivers:
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Up to 395 miles (WLTP) of range
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Rear-wheel drive with a single motor setup
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320 hp and strong everyday performance
Design
The iX3 40 adopts BMW’s new Neue Klasse design language, bringing a cleaner, more minimal aesthetic that feels both modern and confident. It’s a clear shift away from overly complex surfacing, instead focusing on clarity, proportion and presence.
Key design highlights include:
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A reinterpreted kidney grille with a sharper, more digital look
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Slim, distinctive front and rear light signatures
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Smooth, expansive surfaces with precise, controlled lines
The result is a more refined and progressive SUV that clearly signals BMW’s electric future.
Interior
Inside, the iX3 40 continues this theme of simplicity and innovation, with a cabin that feels both intuitive and highly advanced. The new BMW Panoramic iDrive, powered by Operating System X, transforms how drivers interact with the car, prioritising clarity and ease of use.
The experience is built around:
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A panoramic, driver-focused display layout
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Seamless integration of touch, voice and haptic controls
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A cleaner, more minimal interface design
A standout feature is the upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, now enhanced with Amazon Alexa+ AI. This introduces more natural, conversational voice control, allowing drivers to manage vehicle functions, media and connectivity more intuitively. With large language model technology behind it, the system delivers a more human and responsive in-car experience.
Performance and range
The iX3 40 is powered by a single electric motor on the rear axle, producing 320 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This setup delivers smooth, responsive performance, with 0–62 mph achieved in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph. The rear-wheel drive configuration also helps maintain the balanced, engaging driving feel BMW is known for.
Underpinning this is BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, which brings meaningful improvements in efficiency and packaging. The battery uses cylindrical lithium-ion cells with higher energy density and a cell-to-pack design that integrates the battery into the vehicle structure, reducing weight and improving rigidity.
Performance and efficiency highlights include:
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Up to 395 miles (WLTP) of range
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82.6 kWh usable battery capacity
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20% higher energy density vs previous generation
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Rear-mounted electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM)
BMW has also focused heavily on refinement. New systems such as the “Heart of Joy” control unit improve responsiveness, while Soft Stop technology delivers exceptionally smooth braking, enhancing overall comfort in everyday driving.
Charging
Charging is one of the iX3 40’s strongest areas, thanks to its advanced 800-volt architecture. This enables significantly faster charging speeds and greater efficiency when using compatible infrastructure.
On rapid charging, the iX3 40 offers:
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Up to 300 kW DC charging capability
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Up to 186 miles of range added in just 10 minutes
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10–80% charge in approximately 21 minutes
For home and workplace charging, flexibility is equally strong:
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11 kW AC charging as standard
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Optional 22 kW AC charging for faster turnaround
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Full charge possible in just over 4 hours (with 22 kW)
The addition of bidirectional charging capability also futureproofs the vehicle, enabling potential use for home energy storage and grid support.
Availability
The BMW iX3 40, arrives in the UK from summer 2026, with orders opening soon.