2026 BMW iX3 launches as R2 competitor

[Katsudon]

Official specs/images/videos just released:

https://g45.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2204203

400 miles range, 463hp, charging can add 230 miles of range in 10 minutes
800V architecture, 400kW peak charging

How do we think Rivian's R2 will stack up?

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[elektrode]

Interesting. Impressive specs.

Tilted screen triggers my OCD.

 

[Ecupip]

If Rivian sticks to the $40K base, I don't see this one being an issue for the R2, except perhaps for top-trim R2 shoppers who never go off-road. It's not very attractive to me, but I haven't been a fan of the newer edgy styling of BMW in recent years anyway.

 

[ThumprMN]

I have always wanted a BMW… but I dont understand where their designers have been going the last decade. I really want to like it… but i can’t see past the grill.

 

[iansriv]

Looks good. Lots of similarities with Rivian-door handles; central command system; wheel size options. I like the range and charging speed. Wish BMW had stayed closer to the prototype design.

 

[md2023]

I have always wanted a BMW… but I dont understand where their designers have been going the last decade. I really want to like it… but i can’t see past the grill.

Agreed. I've always been a fan but not in recent years. I am sure it will be a cool car, just don't like the exterior look.

 

[Great Gatsby]

Sounds good on paper, in reality though...looks a bit rough. BMW is doing too much. IMO recent design peaked around the 2010s. After that it became absurd grills and headlights. They need to tone it down otherwise this would be very compelling. Don't think this would be much of an issue for the R2.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

No driver screen. I would never buy one for that reason; the ugly beaver teeth aren't doing it any favors either.

 

[BigSkies]

Specs look good. I've never cared for BMW's, but it sounds like their EV's are doing well.

I think it's past time we stop considering any EV with comparable(ish) tech specs as direct competitors.

The target market for a Jeep Cherokee and BMW X3 is dramatically different even though they are simalarish size vehicles. Putting an EV drive train on either doesn't magically make the Jeep driver consider a BMW or vice versa. (I'm not trying to compare Rivian to Jeep here; just making a broader point about mid-size SUV's)

 

[Sgt Beavis]

InsideEV reports it will start at $60K. I’m not at all worried for the R2 if it ends up starting at $45K.

 

[TexasBob]

Awesome vehicle, but not intended to be an R2/Blazer/MachE/ModelY competitor. The Lyriq and Genesis have some serious competition and this is a Model X killer (though that was pretty much dead anyway).

 

[Great Gatsby]

Specs look good. I've never cared for BMW's, but it sounds like their EV's are doing well.

I think it's past time we stop considering any EV with comparable(ish) tech specs as direct competitors.

The target market for a Jeep Cherokee and BMW X3 is dramatically different even though they are simalarish size vehicles. Putting an EV drive train on either doesn't magically make the Jeep driver consider a BMW or vice versa. (I'm not trying to compare Rivian to Jeep here; just making a broader point about mid-size SUV's)

Just the reality. Still nowhere near as many EVs as ICE vehicles in similar sized categories. The situation is getting better, but for now, while not crossed shopped directly, it wouldn't surprise me if someone didn't at least consider the other given the options in the current market.

 

[elektrode]

I have always wanted a BMW… but I dont understand where their designers have been going the last decade. I really want to like it… but i can’t see past the grill.

the size and location of the grill looks like cross eyed Rivian headlights.

 

[BigSkies]

Just the reality. Still nowhere near as many EVs as ICE vehicles in similar sized categories. The situation is getting better, but for now, while not crossed shopped directly, it wouldn't surprise me if someone didn't at least consider the other given the options in the current market.

There certainly will be more than zero overlap in potential customers. Someone looking at the higher-trim R2 might compare it with the lower-trim BMW. That works both ways though. Someone who's driven BMW's forever may be willing to check out this new EV upstart.

I try to focus on the ~80% of buyers a car is designed for, and what else they're looking at.

My guestimate is that roughly 50-70% of R2 buyers will be coming from ICE cars. It will primarily be cross-shopped with the Model Y, Ioniq 5, Mach-E, Blazer, and EV-6 when confined to an EV power train. It will also be compared with multiple other gas cars from people who are open to an EV, but are also looking at ICE options.

I think the R2 will do well in this market. There's competitors, and always will be. I can see reasons to pick the R2 over any of those other options, and I can see reasons other people might pick those options over the R2.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

As RJ says, more good EVs is good for Rivian. Lower cost EVs moves more people to look at them, and some of those people might choose an R2 where they wouldn’t have before.

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