BMW iX3 Starts Thousands Below Polestar And Audi Rivals Down Under

The second-generation iX3 is one of BMW’s most important new models in recent memory. It introduces an all-new design language and becomes the first EV to feature the brand’s sixth-generation batteries and electric motors. Still, like any new car, much of its success will ultimately depend on the price tag.

In the United States, we know it’ll start at around $60,000, but final details have yet to be announced. In Australia, however, pricing has now been locked in. The dual-motor iX3 50 xDrive will start at AU$109,900 ($77,600), which makes BMW’s latest EV look surprisingly competitive.

Read: BMW iX3 Has A 360 Camera, But You’ll Pay Monthly To Use It

It undercuts several key rivals, including the Polestar 3 (AU$116,700 / US$82,500), Audi Q6 e-tron quattro (AU$122,500 / US$86,600), Genesis Electrified GV70 (AU$132,800 / US$93,900), and Porsche Macan 4 (AU$134,400 / US$95,000). It is also just AU$5,000 ($3,500) more expensive than the previous-generation iX3 was in flagship form, back when it used a single electric motor.

The base price, however, is up AU$18,900 ($13,300) compared with the previous base iX3, which admittedly had a smaller battery pack, produced just 281 hp (210 kW) from its rear-mounted motor, and offered a quoted range of 286 miles (460 km).

By comparison, the new iX3 50 is available only with a pair of electric motors delivering 463 hp (345 kW) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque. It also features a much larger 108 kWh battery pack that supports DC charging speeds of up to 400 kW and offers a range of up to 500 miles (805 km) on a single charge. The dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) also comes in just 4.9 seconds.

Options Can Quickly Add Up

While the new model’s starting price is very competitive compared to European rivals, it will rise significantly once shoppers start ticking off a few options. For example, any color other than the standard Alpine White paint is a AU$2,000 ($1,400) option, or AU$6,000 ($4,200) for the Frozen Space Silver.

Wheel upgrades add further to the tally. The 21-inch wheels cost AU$2,500 ($1,700), 22-inch aerodynamic wheels add AU$5,300 ($3,700), and 22-inch M light-alloy wheels come in at AU$7,700 ($5,400). Buyers can also add an AU$3,500 ($2,500) M Sport Package Pro, AU$4,000 ($2,800) Black Bicolor or Adelaide Grey Bicolor interior finishes, and even a white leather steering wheel priced at AU$300 ($212).