BMW launches UK's longest-range EV with iX3, promising up to 500 miles per charge
iX3 50 xDrive starts at £58,755; UK deliveries begin March 7 next year; built in Hungary; 469 hp all-wheel drive and a 500-mile range
BMW announced the UK’s longest-range electric vehicle currently on sale, the all-electric five-seat iX3 SUV. The company says the iX3 is capable of up to 500 miles on a single charge, the longest range of any electric car now available in Britain.
The initial version in the lineup, the iX3 50 xDrive, produces 469 horsepower and uses all-wheel drive to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. It rides on 20-inch wheels and will cost from £58,755, with first UK deliveries slated for March 7 next year. BMW plans three trim levels — standard iX3, iX3 M Sport and M Sport Pro — and says a rear-wheel-drive variant with a 600-mile range is planned for a future launch.
Manufactured in Hungary at an energy-efficient plant, the iX3’s interior emphasizes a wide iDrive digital display that runs across the dashboard. The company has pared back the traditional button count, replacing some controls with a streamlined steering wheel and a large central screen. BMW also offers an optional head-up display, and although many functions are digital, certain controls for side mirrors, windscreen wipers, hazard lights and heating remain physical.
Exterior design includes a slimmer kidney grille and a restrained, retro-inspired face. Inside, the boot space measures 520 litres, expanding to 1,750 litres with rear seats folded. A 58-litre front trunk, or frunk, provides extra storage, underscoring BMW’s emphasis on practical long-range electric motoring.
BMW says the iX3 is part of its broader push into longer-range electric vehicles, with a plan to introduce a rear-wheel-drive version boasting a 600-mile range in the future. The car’s UK debut occurred at the Wentworth Club last weekend, where thousands of golf fans attended the BMW-sponsored PGA Championship and were able to view the new EV up close. The world premiere had taken place in Munich earlier this month, signaling BMW’s intent to couple high efficiency with a luxury, tech-forward cabin in a distinctively modern design.
The iX3’s design blends BMW’s latest electric-vehicle language with familiar, practical touches. The exterior pares back the controversial design elements of earlier iterations in favor of a slimmer grille and a more classically proportioned silhouette, while the interior leans into a panoramic digital interface that links driving data with passenger information and navigation. The combination of range, power, and everyday practicality places the iX3 as a prominent contender in a growing field of long-range electric SUVs.