2026 BMW iX3 launches as R2 competitor

[VandalSibs]

This is very similar pricing to the current X3.

Base X3 starts at $51k and the X3 M50 starts at $66k. So it's competitive compared to their current ICE X3.

I'm leasing an i4 M50 as my daily, and honestly it's a great car. I'll be very interested in the iX3, and personally love the looks.

I remain really skeptical that Rivian can hit $45k for the R2. So much has happened with supply chains in the past two years that it could easily end up launching closer to $55k-$60k.

I have no intent of canceling my R2 reservation, but I will be paying attention to other EVs like this.

Rivian keeps repeating the 45k price point for the entry-level R2 during different investor calls, so I'm pretty sure they are confident that they can hit it.

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[Mark_AZR1T]

If the first R2 off the line is the $54K dual motor, not the $45K entry model, BMW’s iX3 at $60K becomes a real threat. It offers 400 miles, 800V with 400kW charging, luxury features, plus you can test drive and get service at any dealer. Add in its zonal software-defined platform, and cross-shopping with the R2 is inevitable.

 

[CharonPDX]

No driver screen. I would never buy one for that reason; the ugly beaver teeth aren't doing it any favors either.

It has a driver screen - it's just on the "screen bar" at the very base of the windshield.

It looks like it may show more information than the Rivian screen, just without the "cars around you" display.

 

[madhat]

It has a driver screen - it's just on the "screen bar" at the very base of the windshield.

It looks like it may show more information than the Rivian screen, just without the "cars around you" display.

Wow. That main display shape is upsetting... sometimes design language isn't universal. ///M shouldn't affect the screen design so much.

 

[Throwdown]

I am always cautious when I read "...to start around $60,000, offer up to an estimated 400 miles of range."

That usually means "start at $65k with reduced range and features". So expect a $70k+ price tag w/ "usual options", and $80k w/ the 400 miles of range.

Exactly, these cars are hardly competing. Sure some R2 candidates could swing the BMW, but i reckon most people will buy an R2 for the looks. Spec wise the bmw is the clear winner but its also more money

 

[Donald Stanfield]

It has a driver screen - it's just on the "screen bar" at the very base of the windshield.

It looks like it may show more information than the Rivian screen, just without the "cars around you" display.

I completely missed that in the BMW email I got. Thanks for pointing that out. It's probably too small for my tastes anyhow, but I wouldn't be disappointed if my wife got one.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

No driver screen because the information that would be represented there is being displayed on the lower portion of the windshield (presumably projected).

I prefer a dedicated screen, but that is better than full reliance on a single screen in the center.

I missed that screen under the windshield. I would be okay with that instead of a traditional driver's display.

 

[shracks]

What an incredibly nauseating center screen . Also, let's just hope the windshield is more robust then Rivians since I can only imagine the complications of a windshield replacement in the BMW with the screen and components so close.

 

[Effopec]

We almost went with an iX while waiting for the Riv. To me the biggest down sides were no frunk, and the comic book like beaver teeth. I don't understand why they have gone that way - you don't need nearly as big of a grill or front face period with EVs, so why make that your design direction. The teeth look smaller on the iX3, but still really prominent.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Rivian keeps repeating the 45k price point for the entry-level R2 during different investor calls, so I'm pretty sure they are confident that they can hit it.

Yup. Repeated over and over by RJ. Plus a few other nuggets spread over several interviews and social posts by Rivian. Continuous copper winding for the in-house motors in the Maximus drive unit, means less welding and production cost. Additional platform consolidation and cost reduction from R1 Gen2. And, from RJ, supply chain changes they've made to solve supply problems cause by DC's policy wars; including rare earth metals. RJ and team aren't perfect. They're human. But they're also not dumb and know a lot more about making cars than most people in the peanut gallery.

 

[NeedSumCoffee]

The R2 isn’t remotely close to existing. Imaginary vehicles can’t have competitors.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

The R2 isn’t remotely close to existing. Imaginary vehicles can’t have competitors.

Rivian employees will probably have theirs by end of the year or soon after. When does this 2026 iX3 actually go on sale at BMW dealers? Remember, this is just a manufacturer's announcement/unveiling. Not a sales launch. BMW USA says "summer 2026". RJ most recently said, at Pebble Beach Concours, "early 2026" for R2. Before that, the official statement have been "first half of 2026".

 

[NeedSumCoffee]

Rivian employees will probably have theirs by end of the year or soon after. When does this 2026 iX3 actually go on sale at BMW dealers? Remember, this is just a manufacturer's announcement/unveiling. Not a sales launch. BMW USA says "summer 2026". RJ most recently said, at Pebble Beach Concours, "early 2026" for R2. Before that, the official statement have been "first half of 2026".

The R1S had 5 production delays. There’s no chance Rivian will hold any claimed R2 production claims.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

The R1S had 5 production delays. There’s no chance Rivian will hold any claimed R2 production claims.

 

[mkhuffman]

The R1S had 5 production delays. There’s no chance Rivian will hold any claimed R2 production claims.

I disagree. I think there is a 73.5% chance they will meet their production goals.

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