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

[macb00kemdanno]

Hoping we get Youtube Music by the time the R2 comes out. It does have Youtube already and it works great. The chromecast from my experience borders on unusable. I think Rivian will get there. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

Good to hear that it has YouTube integration. I use the web browser in my Tesla to watch just about anything (while parked) from Plex to SlingTV to HBO Max. I also like the fact that I can get audio from those sites (through the browser) while driving.

So while the video doesn’t move for obvious reasons, I can minimize the browser and still listen to, CNN for example, while driving.

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[macb00kemdanno]

The iX3 is already here. I was on I-95N in Petersburg just now heading to Baltimore for an Orioles game. Saw one on a car carrier mixed in with other makes. Most likely a dealer demo.

The headlights immediately caught my attention then I craned my neck to see the rear lights. Even though I was on FSD, by the time I grabbed my phone, the carrier pulled off at the exit.

 

[mellowthecat]

The iX3 is already here. I was on I-95N in Petersburg just now heading to Baltimore for an Orioles game. Saw one on a car carrier mixed in with other makes. Most likely a dealer demo.

The headlights immediately caught my attention then I craned my neck to see the rear lights. Even though I was on FSD, by the time I grabbed my phone, the carrier pulled off at the exit.

it must be my order getting dropped off at BMW of Southpoint

 

[TexasBob]

Just saw this on the EX60 and one thing in particular caught my eye and worth sharing:
Volvo is the only legacy automaker in the world to achieve Level 5 Software Defined Vehicle Status.
The framework measures three things:

• Can the vehicle update all domains over the air?
• Is software decoupled from hardware?
• Can the vehicle continuously improve throughout its lifecycle?

S&P Global Mobility's SDV Readiness framework rates from Level 0 (Not Connected, basic CAN bus) to Level 5 (Fully Ready — fully updatable and upgradeable OTA across all domains).

That is a third party validation that they are now as capable as Tesla or other leading Chinese players. Significant imo

https://www.motortrend.com/news/preview-rollout-2027-volvo-ex60

 

[runwithscissors]

Wait do you mean that you like the large ribbon screen on the iX3? Oh man I hate it haha. We just really disagree on this car lol that's ok to each his own!

What's wrong with Rivian driver display? Isn't that "normal"?

To me the R2 driver display is too small in person. Would prefer it to be slightly larger with HUD.

 

[Eric9610]

The configurator is up and running a fully loaded iX3 50 is $72,800....

 

[Proxy]

Lease rates for iX3 are out. I’d take an R1S lease at $799 per month $5,694 plus $1,895 down over the iX3 at $915 with $2,500 down. (Not sure about destination fee for BMW). Interesting that they come to about the same.

 

[DuoRivian]

Lease rates for iX3 are out. I’d take an R1S lease at $799 per month $5,694 plus $1,895 down over the iX3 at $915 with $2,500 down. (Not sure about destination fee for BMW). Interesting that they come to about the same.

I am sure BMW will get more competitive when the introduction phase is over. The R1 has been out for 3-4 years so the lease should be reasonable to maintain sales.

 

[blipit]

I am sure BMW will get more competitive when the introduction phase is over. The R2 has been out for 3-4 years so the lease should be reasonable to maintain sales.

Yup. By end of year, typical 10%+ off plus any incentives will be norm. Leases will be subvented as well.

 

[Sportstick]

The configurator is up and running a fully loaded iX3 50 is $72,800....

My MSport Pro came out comfortably just under $70, but checking all the boxes reached just under $90k! No 22" wheels, black "individual" leather, nor frozen paint for me!

 

[Eric9610]

$1,261+ tax with 0 down only drive offs. 15k per year miles. That is so expensive for what you get. Macan 4S EV I just got quoted $1,200 a month with 0 down. Sticker is $104k

 

[blipit]

$1,261+ tax with 0 down only drive offs. 15k per year miles. That is so expensive for what you get. Macan 4S EV I just got quoted $1,200 a month with 0 down. Sticker is $104k

Macan EV has been at US dealers nearly 2 years and is now not selling very well(like most EVs in US). But Macan EV customers who bought or leased early had to pay their early adopter fee. Lets see how US market treats iX3, most likely end of Q4 there will be available units on lots.

R2 will be the same way. Early adopters will pay up. Second hand market will probably be selling over msrp for a bit. Once the hype dies down, R2 could even get subvented lease terms.

 

[Great Gatsby]

Macan EV has been at US dealers nearly 2 years and is now not selling very well(like most EVs in US). But Macan EV customers who bought or leased early had to pay their early adopter fee. Lets see how US market treats iX3, most likely end of Q4 there will be available units on lots.

R2 will be the same way. Early adopters will pay up. Second hand market will probably be selling over msrp for a bit. Once the hype dies down, R2 could even get subvented lease terms.

https://electrek.co/2026/01/16/elec...5-but-porsche-commits-to-gas-for-some-reason/

Per the article, at least 1/3 of Macans sold stateside were electric and the gas one is being phased out (though a replacement is on the way). I'd argue it's selling just fine. Let's not fall for the clickbait headlines that all EVs are not selling.

Agree with everything else said though. The cheaper price point of the iX3 and R2 should keep them a hotter commodity for a few months longer though.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

I am sure BMW will get more competitive when the introduction phase is over. The R1 has been out for 3-4 years so the lease should be reasonable to maintain sales.

Oh yeah, 6-8 months from now (I'm confident less than a year), finding a zero down for <$700 shouldn't be an issue, especially through a broker (assuming a $70K vehicle).

Side note: saw from some usually good "insider sources" the M60 flavor may enter production early 2027, like March. Current speculation, 620-630HP. Note that a lot of items that are options on the lower trim will be standard on the M60, so while it's easy to add $10K to the iX3 x50, the M60 might start around $75-77K but have way more standard / way fewer options.

 

[Sportstick]

For the Macan EV comparison to iX3, PCNA is more desperate for their brand and BMW is just beginning the benefit of their launch. When we bought our 2025 Macan not that long ago, our salesperson became quite candid about the success of the Macan EV in particular, or lack thereof. Even with ordering to spec and not buying from his ICE or EV inventory, he recommended staying with the ICE version. If one reviews any of the many articles about Porsche sales reports, their situation is clear and not great. I'd be heavily subventing leases too, if I was in their position.

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