When BMW unveiled the iX3 electric crossover last year, it claimed an impressive 400-mile range on a full charge. It’s one of the iX3’s headlining figures, easily traveling further with a full battery than rivals like the Porsche Macan Electric and Audi SQ6 e-tron. But BMW has now published an even more impressive range figure for its first Neue Klasse SUV, raising the bar once more before the model arrives in the summer of 2026.
Up to 434 Miles of Range
BMW China
The new range figure is up to 434 miles, which is based on preliminary BMW AG estimations. While the published range of new European EVs are often based on the optimistic WLTP cycle, BMW says the iX3’s 434-mile range is derived from EPA testing procedures. In other words, this is a realistic expectation of how far you can expect to get when the 108-kWh battery is fully juiced up. Here’s a look at how the iX3’s range compares to other similar EVs.
| EV | Maximum Range |
| BMW iX3 | 434 miles |
| Audi Q6 e-tron | 321 miles |
| Porsche Macan Electric | 309 miles |
| Cadillac Optiq | 317 Miles |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class | 444 miles (WLTP cycle) |
| Genesis Electrified GV70 | 263 miles |
Nothing in this segment comes close to the iX3’s range. The upcoming Mercedes GLC gets closest, but its claimed figure is based on the WLTP cycle, so the EPA rating will be a lot lower. You have to move up into the full-size segment to get another electric SUV with over 400 miles of range, with those models including Rivian’s R1S and Cadillac’s massive and far more expensive Escalade IQ.
The iX3 Isn’t All About Range
BMW
The BMW iX3 is the first of a new generation of BMWs, with a design language and technology that will eventually be mirrored on other models from the brand. We’ve already seen this with the reveal of the i3 and the facelifted 7 Series, both of which adopt the iX3’s Panoramic Vision system.
The iX3 will initially arrive in the U.S. in 50 xDrive form, with dual motors producing 463 horsepower. It will have standard all-wheel drive, but a single-motor variant and additional dual-motor models are expected in early 2027. With 800-volt architecture, the brilliant range of this EV is complemented by exceptionally fast charging. The battery can be replenished from 10 to 80% in only 21 minutes, with charging speeds of up to 400 kW.
Initial impressions from European reviews suggest the iX3 rides and handles superbly for an electric SUV, and we look forward to testing it ourselves in the months ahead.
Final Thoughts
BMW
It’s been proven that most people can get by with a 300-mile EV and a home-charging setup. The iX3 far exceeds this expectation with its 434-mile range. If verified by the EPA, it will give the new BMW a significant edge over all its primary rivals. At around $60,000, it also brings a genuinely long-range SUV within reach of more buyers. Together with its forward-thinking styling, completely fresh interior design, and the promise of great driving dynamics, the iX3 could be the electric SUV to beat when it arrives here later in 2026.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog