BMW slashes $10K from iX3 price

BMW has quietly cut $10,000 from the list price of its iX3 electric SUV in Australia this month, while other X3 variants have increased by between $3400 and $8100 to close the price differential between internal combustion and battery electric options.

Speaking to GoAuto this week, a BMW Australia spokesperson said the reduction was not a response to slow uptake of the all-electric model, but a simple price realignment aimed at offering potential customers a sharper deal.

“The expansion of our fully electric BMW models and imminent arrival of the first-ever iX1 provided us the opportunity to reposition the iX3 within our line-up, and we are delighted to now offer this model to our customers at a revised price point,” the spokesperson said.

An original list price of $114,900 plus on-road costs placed the iX3 within reach of prestige rivals including the Genesis Electrified GV70 (from $127,800 + ORC) and Mercedes-Benz EQC (from $128,000 + ORC) but well ahead of the similar-sized Tesla Model Y (from $69,300 + ORC).

It is now more aligned with the smaller Genesis GV60 Performance electric crossover ($110,700 + ORC) and boxy Mercedes-Benz GLB 350 ($106,700 + ORC) although both are all-wheel drive while the iX3 is rear-drive only.

Despite the big price cut, specifications of the Chinese-made iX3 remain unchanged and buying one still requires buyers to shop toward the top of the X3 model tree locally. It is now positioned between the xDrive30d ($102,900 + ORC) and xDrive30e ($110,400 + ORC).

The iX3 includes a collection of unique touches to single it out as the medium SUV range’s dedicated EV.

Its interior is dripping with blue trim accents and lighting denoting the model’s all-electric nature, while model-specific lettering on the centre console and door sills.

Rolling on aerodynamically optimised 20-inch alloy wheels, Australian versions of the iX3 are fitted with BMW’s M Sport Package for an extra bit of visual flair in addition to the adaptive LED headlights, enclosed BMW kidney grille, imitation rear diffuser and LED taillights.

Inside the cabin are heated sports front seats upholstered in Vernasca leather with electric adjustment, panoramic glass sunroof, 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional, Sensatec instrument panel hood, head-up display, LED ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, reclining second-row seats, through-loading system and a powered tailgate.

Multimedia duties are catered for by the BMW Operating System 7 (not the latest OS8) and accessed via a prominently mounted touchscreen hosting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio and wireless charging with the whole thing pumping audio though a 16-speaker harman/kardon surround sound system.

Other technology highlights include gesture control, Connected Package Professional, comfort access, tyre pressure monitoring, vehicle pre-heating and pre-conditioning, Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus.

Like the base X3 sDrive20i, the iX3 is exclusively rear-wheel drive. Its single rear axle-mounted electric motor is fed by an 80kWh lithium-ion battery good for a range of up to 460km on the WLTP cycle.

The system has a maximum output of 210kW/400Nm, enough to launch the iX3 from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 180km/h.

Once the battery is low or flat, it can be recharged from 10-80 per cent in 32 minutes when using a 150kW DC fast charger with around 100km of range being added in only 10 minutes.

Included in the price of the iX3 is an unlimited five-year Chargefox Fast and Ultra Rapid charging subscription, as well as a domestic charger that will take the battery from empty to full in 44 hours when plugged into a regular mains outlet.

A public charging cable is also included.

2023 BMW X3 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.