Fresh off its 2026 World Car Awards victory, the new BMW iX3 has officially arrived in South Africa. Here’s what the “Neue Klasse” fully electric X3 will cost you in Mzansi…
- Fully electric iX3 quietly docks in South Africa
- iX3 50 xDrive available from launch in Mzansi
- Rear-wheel-drive iX3 40 coming in Q1 2027
The new BMW iX3 has officially touched down in South Africa, just a few months after it bagged the 2026 World Car of the Year award. So, what will the “Neue Klasse” fully electric version of the X3 cost you in Mzansi?
Well, while our original report listed only the iX3 50 xDrive (available locally in both M Sport and M Sport Pro guise, with the former priced from R1 690 000 and the latter coming in from R1 720 000), BMW Group SA has now confirmed the rear-wheel-drive (single motor) iX3 40 will arrive in SA in the opening quarter of 2027, with a starting price of R1 498 000.
As a reminder, the new NA5-series iX3 is a so-called “Neue Klasse” model, riding on an all-new platform rather than sharing the G45-series X3’s CLAR architecture. Furthermore, the iX3 is produced in Hungary, while various derivatives in the X3 range are manufactured at BMW’s Plant Rosslyn here in South Africa.
With the 235 kW/500 Nm iX3 40 still a few months away, let’s take a look at the iX3 50 xDrive, which is powered by a pair of electric motors (an electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear and an asynchronous item at the front), which together generate 345 kW and 645 Nm. That’s enough for a claimed 0-100 kph time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 kph.
The high-voltage battery integrated into the vehicle architecture (as what BMW describes as “a structural component”) has a usable energy content of 108.7 kWh, which the Munich-based brand’s claims enables a range of “up to 805 km” on the WLTP cycle (or up to 820 km using the NEDC standard).
The German company says a maximum charging rate of 400 kW allows users to fill the iX3 with enough energy at an 800V direct current (DC) rapid charging station to add up to 372 km of range in 10 minutes. The high-voltage battery can theoretically charge from 10% to 80% capacity in 21 minutes, according to the international press material.
For the record, the M Sport Pro package is set apart by its illuminated kidney grille (with a black surround) as well as black finishes for the side-mirror caps and rear diffuser element. Vehicles specified with the M Sport Pro package furthermore gain the M Sport braking system (with red brake callipers) plus some upgrades inside.
Read our extensive International Launch Review of the new BMX iX3 for details on the newcomer’s exterior dimensions, styling, cabin equipment, driving dynamics and more…
What does the new BMW iX3 cost in South Africa?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| BMW iX3 40 (coming in Q1 2027) | R1 498 000 |
| BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport | R1 690 000 |
| BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro | R1 720 000 |
The prices above includes a 2-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty (likely plus an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty) and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the starting price for the new “Neue Klasse” BMW iX3 in South Africa?
A: At launch, the BMW iX3 lineup opens with the iX3 50 xDrive M Sport priced from R1 690 000 (R1 720 000 in M Sport Pro guise). The entry-level, rear-wheel-drive iX3 40 is scheduled to arrive in Q1 2027 with a lower starting price of R1 498 000.
Q: What are the performance and range specifications for the BMW iX3 50 xDrive?
A: The dual-motor iX3 50 xDrive produces 345 kW and 645 Nm of torque, completing the 0–100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. Powered by a 108.7 kWh battery pack, it offers a claimed driving range of up to 805 km on the WLTP cycle.
Q: How fast can the new BMW iX3 charge?
A: Featuring 800V technology and supporting DC fast-charging rates of up to 400 kW, the iX3 can add up to 372 km of range in just 10 minutes, or replenish its battery from 10% to 80% capacity in approximately 21 minutes.
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BMW iX3 is the 2026 World Car of the Year
Ryan Bubear
Having written about everything from sport and politics to crime, Ryan eventually settled on motoring. For well over 15 years, he's been penning articles – both online and in print – about the broader automotive industry, though he's particularly fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. A freelance writer and editor, Ryan has owned a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 for 20-plus years.
