New Models / 3 September 2026 / Michael Taylor

New BMW iX3 goes on sale in South Africa – Pricing and features

BMW has finally launched the long-awaited iX3 in South Africa, the first model in the brand’s Neue Klasse series.

The Neue Klasse is the blueprint for BMW’s next generation of vehicles, with a fresh design aesthetic, completely reworked interior, and a focus on new-energy powertrains.

The new iX3 is a battery-electric SUV that is now available in South Africa, though only one specification, the 50 xDrive, is currently available.

An entry-level model, the 40, will reach showrooms in early 2027; however, BMW has announced the pricing for both versions.

The 50 xDrive asks for R1,690,000, while the 40 will start at R1,498,000 when it arrives next year, reducing the barrier to entry by R192,000.

Powertrain

The model that is available immediately, the 50 xDrive, features electric motors over both axles, giving it an all-wheel-drive configuration.

The two e-motors generate a combined output of 345kW and 645Nm, which allows the “SAV” (Sport Activity Vehicle, as BMW prefers to call it), to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. It can also hit a top speed of 210km/h.

Powering the BMW is a battery with a usable content of 108.7kWh, which affords a range of between 679 and 820km on the WLTP cycle.

It can support charging speeds of up to 400kW, which allows users to top up the cells from 10% to 80% in around 21 minutes. It also supports bi-directional charging.

As for the 40 arriving in South Africa next year, it uses a single rear-mounted e-motor with 235kW and 500Nm. More information on this variant will be announced closer to its release.

Features

In terms of styling, the new iX3 retains the brand’s signature illuminated kidney grille, though the shape is much taller and narrower than on BMW’s other cars.

This is flanked by a set of square LED headlights and vertical LED daytime running light strips. At the back, you’ll find a pair of LED taillights with a striped pattern that approaches the BMW logo from either side.

Inside, you’ll find a minimalist cabin aesthetic with a brand-new steering wheel design. The traditional instrument cluster behind the wheel has been replaced by a new information display that runs along the bottom of the windscreen.

It also has a new media display with a slanted design, which sits on the dashboard above a revamped centre console with a wireless charging pad.

The infotainment screen runs on the company’s latest BMW Operating System X and supports BMW Maps and a Digital Key Plus system, where owners can link their smartphones to act as a key.

You can also access the BMW ConnectedDrive Store to install third-party apps for music, news, gaming, and travel content.

The seats are covered in BMW’s “Econeer” sustainable material, but customers can swap this for Merino leather or M PerformTex upholstery upon request.

Other features include a 13-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, two-zone climate control, an electric tailgate, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting.