The BMW iX3 30 Is A New Base Model Most Markets Won’t Get

While the United States waits for Europe’s iX3 40 to cross the pond, BMW is introducing an even cheaper version in China. Coinciding with the pre-sales launch of the long-wheelbase electric SUV is the announcement of an entry-level model. It’s called the 30L, without the xDrive suffix because it uses a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration.

At RMB 269,900 ($40,000 / €34,300), the iX3 30L is the most affordable version money can buy. Of course, customers have to accept some considerable concessions compared with the more expensive models. For starters, the 77-kWh battery pack has substantially less usable energy than the 86.9 kWh of the 40L xDrive and the 113.4 kWh of the 50L xDrive.

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Consequently, the range falls short of what the pricier iX3 flavors can achieve on China’s less stringent CLTC cycle. The iX3 30L does 391 miles (630 kilometers) on a single charge, which frankly isn’t too shabby. However, that’s 45 miles (72 kilometers) less than the 40L xDrive. At the same time, it’s a whopping 180 miles (289 kilometers) less than the flagship 50L xDrive.

It’s Slower And With Less Power, But More Affordable

There’s also far less power at the driver’s disposal. The iX3 30L has 262 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm), all of which goes to the rear axle. That’s a far cry from the 40L xDrive with its 369 hp and 417 lb-ft (565 Nm), and especially from the 50L xDrive, rated at 463 hp and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm). It’s predictably the slowest of the bunch. It takes 6.8 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h), whereas the all-wheel-drive models get the job done in 5.6 seconds and 4.9 seconds, respectively.

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The iX3 30L also loses out on top speed. BMW claims it won’t go any faster than 112 mph (180 km/h), whereas the 40L xDrive can reach 124 mph (200 km/h). Upgrading to the 50L xDrive gives buyers a more relaxed electronic speed limiter that kicks in at 130 mph (210 km/h).

But how much money are Chinese buyers saving by sticking with the base model? The iX3 30L is RMB 30,000 cheaper than the 40L xDrive. At current exchange rates, that translates to approximately $4,500 or €3,800. Compared with the 50L xDrive, the entry-level model is RMB 70,000 ($10,400 or €8,900) more affordable. These prices are unified across the country and obviously don’t include any optional equipment.

BMW hasn’t said a word about launching a standard-wheelbase iX3 30 outside China. We do know the long-wheelbase electric SUV will be sold in other markets, but not in key regions such as Europe and North America. Meanwhile, the regular iX3 lineup is expected to grow with an iX3 40 xDrive and an iX3 M60 before the range-topping X3 M arrives in 2027.