Rival: 2026 BMW iX3 reviews are impressive... R2 has its work cut out

[tivoboy]

The $60k 50 xdrive is only one battery size(112kwh), so nothing really to be paranoid about. The ranges will vary by wheel size, like all brands. The 434 EPA number was likey done with the smallest 20 inch wheels.

BMW always has underrated all their specs, including range numbers of their EVs. They do it with their ICE vehicles with HP/TQ. They always dyno over stated specs. Bjorn just tested 50 xdrive 100-0% in cold weather, constant 50mph resulted in 497 mile range(vehicle tester had 21 inch wheels).

Looks like they backed down on the 434 number. Maybe they accidentally put that WLTP thingy or whatever that is.

https://electrek.co/2026/04/30/bmw-updates-new-ix3-range-estimates-to-434-miles/

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[DuoRivian]

Looks like they backed down on the 434 number. Maybe they accidentally put that WLTP thingy or whatever that is.

https://electrek.co/2026/04/30/bmw-updates-new-ix3-range-estimates-to-434-miles/

Or they are awaiting to update everything on 6th May when the configurator goes live.

 

[Jeremy3292]

I believe BMW does the 2 cycle EPA test which is much more realistic, instead of the 5 cycle test that Tesla and Rivian do which produces unrealistic results. Also just logically a ~109 usable kWh battery with that silhouette should easily do 400 miles. That’s a 24% larger battery than the R2.

 

[SASSquatch]

They will. Specially while supply is limited. That alone has me not considering the iX3 as much as I realistically should. We've seen this with just about every coveted vehicle on release.

I fully expect stupid $10k-$25k markups while supply is hot.

I'm probably going to finally say goodbye to my i3s for the iX3 but I'm not touching the first generation with a 100 foot pole. My first generation i3s was a complete nightmare.

Never again.

I'll wait until the next model year production.

 

[mellowthecat]

I'm probably going to finally say goodbye to my i3s for the iX3 but I'm not touching the first generation with a 100 foot pole. My first generation i3s was a complete nightmare.

Never again.

I'll wait until the next model year production.

what issues did you have with your i3?

this gives me pause as well, but every EV on our short list is in its first model year.
I do like the fact that the car has been released almost everywhere else first.

 

[timf]

Looks like they backed down on the 434 number. Maybe they accidentally put that WLTP thingy or whatever that is.

https://electrek.co/2026/04/30/bmw-updates-new-ix3-range-estimates-to-434-miles/

Whatever the case was, the number was not posted for very long. I've been on their page several times this week, including as soon as I saw the articles posted claiming 434 miles, and I've never seen anything besides the original 400 mile estimate.

 

[macb00kemdanno]

Oh well... here we go again...

https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-eu-autos-trade-800e6ed469b73cd4c144edb65e40ba72

Trump says he’ll place 25% tariff on autos from EU, accusing bloc of not complying with trade deal

 

[Paradigm_Shift]

I like: Big Battery. Fast charging speed.

I dislike: Ugly looks. High price.

And no off-road capability

 

[DuoRivians]

Oh well... here we go again...

https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-eu-autos-trade-800e6ed469b73cd4c144edb65e40ba72

Never ends

 

[Jeremy3292]

Never ends

Trump confirmed Rivian shareholder

 

[DuoRivians]

Trump confirmed Rivian shareholder

This would be a negative for Rivian too. If Rivian can’t export, they’re dead. Why would other countries want to import Rivians with this?

 

[Jeremy3292]

This would be a negative for Rivian too. If Rivian can’t export, they’re dead. Why would other countries want to import Rivians with this?

Rivian can't export anytime soon. 2029 at the earliest, likely 2030 or later once Georgia plant is online and they can export R3. Twas just a joke though.

 

[DuoRivians]

Rivian can't export anytime soon. Late 2028 at the earliest, likely 2029 or later once Georgia plant is online and they can export R3. Twas just a joke though.

I realize it’s a joke. But Europe and Canada are moving structurally towards China as a reliable trading partner. This won’t change in 2028 and beyond. All of this by the US is just shooting ourselves in the foot and pretending that we’re winning

 

[Jeremy3292]

I realize it’s a joke. But Europe and Canada are moving structurally towards China as a reliable trading partner. This won’t change in 2028 and beyond. All of this by the US is just shooting ourselves in the foot and pretending that we’re winning

I don't see any administration from either party allowing China vehicles into the USA this decade. It's a nonstarter. TBH Trump is the most likely. Democrats will protect American auto unions at all costs.

 

[TexasBob]

Oh well... here we go again...

https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-eu-autos-trade-800e6ed469b73cd4c144edb65e40ba72

Living behind the Orange curtain....

Fortunately iX3 is going to be produced in Mexico starting next year.

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