To say the new iX3 is off to a good start would be an understatement. The fact that it sells better in Germany than the internal combustion engine X3 speaks volumes about the electric crossover’s early success. Outgoing BMW boss Oliver Zipse recently highlighted the dynamic, noting that the “NA5” had received “tremendous” feedback. As a reminder: the electric vehicle celebrated its premiere at the IAA Mobility Show in September.
In early November, top Munich executives said BMW already had enough orders to cover several months of production in 2026. A new statement from a senior executive goes a step further: Massimiliano Di Silvestre, president and CEO of BMW Italy, says production for the European market is almost sold out for next year. In his speech at the BMW Group Sustainability Dinner he stated:
“Our order backlog has far exceeded our expectations. If we look at Europe alone, I can tell you that the orders cover almost all production for 2026.”
In other words, it won’t be long until orders from European buyers are fulfilled in 2027. The all-new BMW factory in Debrecen in Hungary has a maximum annual capacity of 150,000 units, although it is unclear whether it will reach peak production as early as next year. Europeans will be the first adopters and deliveries will begin next spring, while Americans will have to wait until summer.
The iX3 will initially be produced exclusively at the Debrecen factory. However, the first modern model of BMW’s New Class is to be assembled in two other plants. Production of a long wheelbase version is scheduled to begin at the Shenyang plant in China from 2026. In 2027, the San Luis Potosí site in Mexico will begin production of the standard wheelbase model.
Demand for the iX3 could be further boosted by an expanded range of cheaper versions. BMW has already announced that a rear-wheel drive, single-motor configuration will be available in Europe late next year. It will likely carry the “40” suffix and should also be offered in an all-wheel drive, dual-motor configuration.
The iX3 40 models will reportedly receive a smaller battery than the 108.7 kWh pack used in the first iX3 50 xDrive. These lower-spec versions will certainly cost less than the 68,900 euros BMW is charging for the launch model in Germany. In the US, the iX3 50 xDrive is expected to start at around $60,000 before cheaper variants come onto the market in early 2027.
