BMW has unveiled a new entry-level version of its iX3 electric crossover. It starts €7,500 below the standard dual-motor version, but at the expense of nearly 150 horsepower.
Specifically, you can buy the new rear-wheel-drive EV from €63,400 in Germany right now. It is good for 320 PS (316 hp / 235 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, a considerable plunge from the AWD variant’s 469 PS (463 hp / 345 kW) and 645 Nm (476 lb-ft).
As a result, the new iX3 40 sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds – a whole second slower than its AWD cousin does. It also tops out at 200 km/h (124 mph).
To make this price possible, BMW had to compromise on the battery size, too. Whereas the iX3 50 has up to 805 kilometers (500 miles) of range per the WLTC cycle, the budget-friendly newcomer runs out of charge after 635 km (395 miles) at most. On the upside, it charges just as fast and otherwise has no trim/equipment tradeoffs compared to the AWD variant.
The BMW iX3 50 is already available for ordering in Europe, with the new model 40 slated to arrive in the summer.
