20:28 01-03-2026

BMW iX3 40 specs: rear-wheel drive, lighter weight, and lower price

BMW iX3 40 variant leaks: 315 hp, 500 Nm torque, 82.6 kWh battery, and reduced weight for an affordable electric crossover. Launch expected in 2026.

BMW is preparing a more affordable version of the new iX3, and key specifications for the iX3 40 variant have leaked ahead of its official launch. Unlike the entry-level iX3 50 xDrive with its dual motors, this base version will forgo the front electric motor and switch to rear-wheel drive.

Preliminary data suggests power will be 315 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. For comparison, the iX3 50 xDrive delivers 463 horsepower and 645 Nm. The rear-wheel-drive version will likely accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in over 5 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive model achieves it in 4.9 seconds. Top speed will be limited to 200 km/h.

The main change concerns the battery. Instead of a 108.7 kWh unit, the new model will feature a battery with a capacity of 82.6 kWh. This means a reduced range compared to the 500-mile WLTP figure of the higher-end version. However, the smaller battery and absence of a second motor will cut weight by approximately 200 kg, bringing it down to 2085 kg in its minimal configuration. Production of the iX3 40 for Europe is set to begin in summer 2026, with the U.S. launch following later that year. Versions like the 40 xDrive and a more powerful M60 are also expected.

The strategy is clear: make the electric crossover lighter and more affordable by sacrificing some range. In the 2027 automotive segment, buyers increasingly prioritize a balance of price and practicality over maximum performance figures. If BMW positions the iX3 40 correctly, it could become one of the most compelling alternatives among premium electric crossovers.