FiestaST
Honorary Master
Review: 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive
Verdict
I appreciate that despite the impressive complexity of the first Neue Klasse’s powertrain and all-knowing “super brain” – and even its designed-for-the-sake-of-design steering – the iX3 feels suitably refined, accessible and intuitive to own and drive. While any real-world EV range above 600 km is a game-changer in easing anxiety, the real win is that, unlike previous BMW i products, including the iX, the iX3 feels like an evolved member of the broader X3 family.
Indeed, this remains the genius of the brand’s current strategy: the ability to offer the same impressively developed and constructed package with several powertrain solutions to best suit the needs of a global customer base. That said, even before the Neue Klasse styling is handed down to the rest of the X3 portfolio, I have a sense the 20d xDrive will remain the pick of the range in our market.
BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport specifications
Price: R1 690 000
Powertrain: synchronous electric motors, front + rear
Transmission: single-speed automatic
Driven wheels: all
Power: 345 kW
Torque: 645 N.m
0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 210 km/h (claimed)
Energy consumption: 15.1 kWh/100 km (claimed)
Range: <800 km (claimed)
www.carmag.co.za
Verdict
I appreciate that despite the impressive complexity of the first Neue Klasse’s powertrain and all-knowing “super brain” – and even its designed-for-the-sake-of-design steering – the iX3 feels suitably refined, accessible and intuitive to own and drive. While any real-world EV range above 600 km is a game-changer in easing anxiety, the real win is that, unlike previous BMW i products, including the iX, the iX3 feels like an evolved member of the broader X3 family.
Indeed, this remains the genius of the brand’s current strategy: the ability to offer the same impressively developed and constructed package with several powertrain solutions to best suit the needs of a global customer base. That said, even before the Neue Klasse styling is handed down to the rest of the X3 portfolio, I have a sense the 20d xDrive will remain the pick of the range in our market.
BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport specifications
Price: R1 690 000
Powertrain: synchronous electric motors, front + rear
Transmission: single-speed automatic
Driven wheels: all
Power: 345 kW
Torque: 645 N.m
0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds (claimed)
Top speed: 210 km/h (claimed)
Energy consumption: 15.1 kWh/100 km (claimed)
Range: <800 km (claimed)
Review: 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive
The new BMW iX3 has officially launched in South Africa. We sampled the 50 xDrive in Cape Town. First impressions here...
www.carmag.co.za