To say the brand new iX3 is off to a powerful begin could be an understatement. The truth that it’s outselling the combustion-engined X3 at residence in Germany speaks volumes concerning the electrical crossover’s early success. Outgoing BMW CEO Oliver Zipse lately highlighted the momentum, noting that the “NA5” has acquired “super” suggestions. As a refresher, the EV premiered in September on the IAA Mobility Present.
In early November, Munich’s prime brass mentioned BMW already had sufficient orders to cover several months of production in 2026. A brand new assertion from a senior govt takes this a step additional: BMW Italy President and CEO Massimiliano Di Silvestre says manufacturing for the European market is sort of bought out for subsequent yr. Talking on the BMW Group Sustainability Dinner, he declared:
“Our order backlog has far exceeded our expectations. If we contemplate Europe alone, I can inform you that orders cowl virtually all of our 2026 manufacturing.”
In different phrases, it gained’t be lengthy earlier than orders from European patrons gained’t be fulfilled till 2027. BMW’s all-new Debrecen plant in Hungary has a most annual capability of 150,000 models, though it’s unclear whether or not it should attain peak output as early as subsequent yr. Europeans will likely be early adopters, with deliveries beginning subsequent spring, whereas Individuals should wait till the summer time.
The iX3 will initially be produced solely on the Debrecen manufacturing facility. Nevertheless, BMW’s first modern-era Neue Klasse mannequin is ready to be assembled at two further vegetation. From 2026, a long-wheelbase version will start manufacturing on the Shenyang plant in China. In 2027, the San Luis Potosí web site in Mexico will start manufacturing of the standard-wheelbase mannequin.
Demand for the iX3 could possibly be additional boosted by an expanded lineup that features cheaper variations. BMW has already introduced {that a} rear-wheel-drive, single-motor configuration will likely be accessible in Europe by late subsequent yr. It’s more likely to put on the “40” suffix and must also be supplied in an all-wheel-drive, dual-motor setup.
The iX3 40 fashions are reportedly receiving a smaller battery than the 108.7-kWh pack used within the preliminary iX3 50 xDrive. These lower-spec variations will definitely value lower than the €68,900 BMW prices for the launch mannequin in Germany. In america, the iX3 50 xDrive is anticipated to start out at round $60,000, earlier than extra inexpensive variants arrive in early 2027.
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