2026 BMW iX3: price, specs and release date in Australia

When does the new BMW iX3 go on sale in Australia?

BMW Australia has confirmed it will introduce the BMW iX3 50 xDrive – the sole model grade available at launch – in the middle of 2026. A configurator for the car is now live on BMW’s Australian website. 

Production of the latest BMW iX3 began last year at the company's new Debrecen plant in Hungary, which is now servicing right-hand drive markets.

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How much does the 2026 BMW iX3 cost?

BMW has revealed Australian pricing and specs for the 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive, which starts from $109,900 plus on-road costs.

This higher price point was anticipated given the advancements in technology for the new generation, which starts $18,900 upstream of the previous 2025 iX3 (from $91,000 plus ORCs). It’s also $5000 more expensive than the previous range-topping BMW iX3 M Sport Pro RWD (from $104,900 plus ORCs).

Major rivals for the BMW iX3 include premium variants of the Audi Q6 e-tron (100kWh Performance from $115,500 plus ORCs), Genesis GV70 Electrified (from $132,800 plus ORCs) and Porsche Macan EV (from $129,800 plus ORCs).

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What is the range and performance of 2026 BMW iX3?

The 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive features a dual-motor/all-wheel drive powertrain that produces 345kW of power and 645Nm of torque. This specification promises sportscar-like acceleration from 0–100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

The big news with the iX3 is the increased driving range. A new 108kWh high-voltage battery with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology is claimed to deliver up to 805km of driving range on the WLTP cycle. Note that this claim will vary according to options fitted to the car, including wheels.

Thanks to an 800V electrical architecture, BMW says the iX3 can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in only 21 minutes at a compatible 400kW DC fast charger, adding more than 350km of range in 10 minutes.

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New BMW iX3 exterior design

The new 2026 BMW iX3 introduces the latest chapter in BMW's sometimes polarising design direction. At the front of the iX3, upright proportions are framed by vertically arranged LED headlights and an illuminated kidney grille that nods to classic BMWs.

Light replaces chrome for distinctive day and night-time signatures, while flush door handles and a slim glasshouse help deliver a drag coefficient of just 0.24Cd to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and maximise driving range.

At the rear, horizontal LED lighting and muscular wheelarches reinforce the iX3's stance.

The BMW Iconic Glow exterior illumination package is fitted standard to the Australian-spec iX3, along with the M Sport package with blue M Sport brakes and M roof spoiler in body colour.

Opting for metallic paint adds $2000 over the standard-issue Alpine White exterior colour, opening up the choice to Black Sapphire, M Brooklyn Grey, Space Silver, Fire Red, Ocean Wave Blue, Eucalyptus Green and BMW Individual Polarised Grey. A $6000 BMW Individual Frozen Space Silver is also available.

The standard wheels are 20-inch M Sport bicolour alloy rims in either a double-spoke light alloy style or a more aerodynamic form as a no-cost option. Buyers can specify 21-inch wheels (light alloy or aero) for an extra $2500 or 22-inch rims in two styles – BMW Individual aerodynamic ($5300) or BMW M Y-spoke light alloy ($7700).

Trailer tow hitch preparation adds $2500, but BMW is yet to confirm the maximum braked towing capacity and tow ball limit for the new iX3.

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What is the 2026 BMW iX3 like inside?

Inside, the 2026 BMW iX3's cabin has been designed to feel light-filled and spacious, thanks to a panoramic glass roof with ‘climate comfort’ glazing. The horizontally layered cockpit also creates a wraparound effect for both driver and passengers that maximises perceived cabin width.

The eye-catching centrepiece of the BMW iX3 is the new BMW Panoramic iDrive, which integrates a 17.9-inch central touchscreen, 3D head-up display and a full-width projected interface across the lower windscreen in place of an instrument display. A minimalist design approach is balanced by tactile controls for essential functions, while ambient lighting and curated 'My Modes' themes adjust sound, light and digital displays to suit the driver’s mood.

Standard features include two-zone automatic climate control, an alarm system, telephony with wireless charging, seat heating and electrically operated seat adjustment.

The iX3 cabin is also fitted standard with Veganza synthetic leather upholstery. It comes in black but can be specified (as a no-cost option) in ‘castanea’ brown and ‘digital’ white. The latter has a further option of a white BMW Individual steering wheel ($300).

Genuine leather is available for $4000 in black or grey, the latter only available in combination with an M Sport seat (rather than the standard multifunction seat).

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New BMW iX3 boot size and storage

Practicality is strong with the new 2026 BMW iX3, with 520 litres of boot space expanding to 1750 litres with the 40/20/40-split rear seats folded. There is also an additional 58 litres of 'frunk' storage under the bonnet, though this is half the size of the Tesla Model Y's frunk.

The iX3 features an automatic tailgate operation as standard, and a roof rack can be fitted as an option.

What safety and technology features on BMW iX3?

The 2026 BMW iX3 debuts BMW's next-generation electronics and software platform, built around four high-performance 'superbrains' that manage driving dynamics, infotainment, automated driving and comfort systems.

Advanced driver assist safety systems include adaptive cruise control, lane departure and lane change warning, front collision warning and automated parking.

The 2026 BMW iX3's connectivity is a big step forward over the previous model. The BMW Operating System X offers personalisation through BMW ID profiles, smartphone-based digital keys, video streaming, gaming and over-the-air software updates. Standard smartphone integration supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the My BMW App offers remote services and real-time data.

BMW also says bidirectional charging functionality is planned for local iX3s in the form of Vehicle-to-Load (V2L).

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2026 BMW iX3 sustainability

Production and ownership sustainability also underpins the new BMW iX3's ethos, with the carmaker claiming a 34 per cent reduction in lifecycle CO2 emissions compared with the previous model.

Recycled and renewable materials feature prominently throughout the vehicle’s construction, from floor mats made of reclaimed plastics to aluminium components made from secondary raw materials.