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Affordable Rear-Wheel Drive BMW iX3 on the Horizon, Starting at $55,000 and Below

BMW USA unveils the iX3 40 sDrive and iX3 40 xDrive, set to hit the market in early 2027. With a single electric motor and rear-wheel drive, the base model will be priced under $50,000.

Affordable Rear-Wheel Drive BMW iX3 Makes Debut at Less Than $55,000
Affordable Rear-Wheel Drive BMW iX3 Makes Debut at Less Than $55,000

Affordable Rear-Wheel Drive BMW iX3 on the Horizon, Starting at $55,000 and Below

BMW Unveils iX3 40 sDrive and Future Electric Models

BMW has announced its latest electric vehicle, the iX3 40 sDrive, which is set to arrive in the US markets early next year. This rear-wheel-drive variant will be a departure from the usual eDrive setup used for single-motor EVs.

The iX3 40 sDrive is expected to have a range of 'slightly over' 300 miles on the EPA cycle, suggesting it will use a smaller battery pack compared to the iX3 50 xDrive. The pricing for this model has not been disclosed yet, but it is expected to have a starting price below $55,000.

BMW USA is also preparing the iX3 50 xDrive for a summer 2022 launch. The European version of this model is rated at 108.7 kWh and offers up to 400 miles of range on the EPA cycle. However, the usable battery capacity for the US-spec iX3 50 xDrive has not been released. Its starting price will be under $60,000 before options.

In addition to the iX3 models, BMW has plans to introduce an i3 Touring wagon and an iX4 crossover-coupe. The i3 sedan, expected to debut next year, is anticipated to reach the market by late 2026 or early 2027. When released, it is likely to have a price lower than the iX3 40 sDrive.

BMW is not the only automaker venturing into the electric vehicle market. The Porsche Macan Electric has a starting price of $78,000, making it the most expensive of the mentioned vehicles. The Tesla Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive is a cheaper alternative, with a starting price of $44,990. The base Audi Q6 e-tron costs $63,800 before options.

The pricing for the new electric Mercedes GLC has yet to be announced. However, it is expected to enter the competitive electric SUV market soon.

BMW also plans to electrify its CLAR-based models like the X5 and X7 when their next generations arrive in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

The iX3 40 sDrive will also be available with a dual-motor xDrive setup, but pricing for this variant has not been announced yet. The i4 eDrive40, on the other hand, has a starting price of $57,900, making it more expensive than the iX3 40 sDrive.

The planned base price for the BMW i3 (concept) from 2027 is about 60,000 euros, with the entry price around 68,900 euros. This electric sedan on the 'New Class' platform is expected to launch around 2026-2027.

As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electric vehicles, BMW is positioning itself as a key player in this transition. With a range of electric models on the horizon, including the iX3 40 sDrive, the i3, and the iX4, BMW is set to offer consumers a variety of electric vehicle options.

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