2026 BMW iX3 launches as R2 competitor

[SASSquatch]

I am biased towards the BMW design language having owned BMW EVs now for a decade.

This looks impressive. One advantage BMW has over Rivian is refinement. The IX3 will undoubtedly be less capable off-road but I wonder how much of the buying market is going to care. I think IX3 and R2 aren't really comparable in that sense as R2 will be much closer to the kind of buyer that is looking to purchase a very capable Jeep vs someone looking to purchase a glossy looking people hauler.

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[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

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.

Looking back at the fury over the Bangle Butt, it feels like an overreaction compared to what took place under Bangle's hand-picked successor: Adrian Van Hooydonk. My last BMW was the E70 X5 and there will never be another BMW in my life. BMW Design is too far gone in the weeds.

I applaud Audi for returning to their less-is-more Bauhuas roots: https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g65959301/audi-concept-c-gallery/

 

[CO-rayman]

I can't get over how ridiculous the steering wheel design is. You can basically only hold it at 3 and 9 or 12 and 6. Any time designers come up with a new design, they should ask why for a hundred years, the same design has been used (ask Cypertruck's designers how it's going).

For me, no Tesla style self-driving is a deal breaker for any new EV at this point. I have driven a Tesla with FSD and there is no going back. Same goes for R2. Rivian better improve that feature. My 2023 R1T couldn't even keep the truck centered smoothly on an interstate (something Mercedes achieve back in 2016).

 

[MountainBikeDude]

I can't get over how ridiculous the steering wheel design is. You can basically only hold it at 3 and 9 or 12 and 6. Any time designers come up with a new design, they should ask why for a hundred years, the same design has been used (ask Cypertruck's designers how it's going).

It gives me "I Robot" vibes and just looks like they tried way too hard to be different. Also seemingly went with the Lucid style track pad flanking the center of the wheel.

R2 execution may require a bit to get get used to, but I think it's going to be the right overall approach.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Is it an EU thing BYOC (Bring Your Own Cord)?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Is it an EU thing BYOC (Bring Your Own Cord)?

Yup (AC).

 

[TexasBob]

Is it an EU thing BYOC (Bring Your Own Cord)?

L2 chargers in Europe do not have cords (which makes lots of sense if you think about it!). Every EV sold is required to have one of these so you can charge when you are out and about and station operators do not have to deal with this frequently breaking and expensive part.

 

[NY_Rob]

Well one thing for sure, if BMW states "400mi range" it will get 400+ mi range. BMW is not Tesla where "350mi range" = 285mi range on actual roads. Additionally, BMW has many years experience with electric motor control and brake integration. Throttle and brake control will probably be incredibly smooth. Steering will of course be famously "BMW heavy" which some of us love! It will be very different from the R2.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

L2 chargers in Europe do not have cords (which makes lots of sense if you think about it!). Every EV sold is required to have one of these so you can charge when you are out and about and station operators do not have to deal with this frequently breaking and expensive part.

After posting that comment I reflected on the logic behind it, and it actually made a lot of sense. Unfortunately, it can't be applied to DCFC units where cable cooling is required.... Scratch that, maybe it could be applied to that as well, and just de-rate the incomming charge as needed to keep the cord within it's limits. It would be no different than the cabling from the charge port to the battery pack itself, and in most vehicles there is no cable cooling present between the two.

 

[Joules Burn]

Three inches more ground clearance on the R2.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

After posting that comment I reflected on the logic behind it, and it actually made a lot of sense. Unfortunately, it can't be applied to DCFC units where cable cooling is required.... Scratch that, maybe it could be applied to that as well, and just de-rate the incomming charge as needed to keep the cord within it's limits. It would be no different than the cabling from the charge port to the battery pack itself, and in most vehicles there is no cable cooling present between the two.

Guessing people are less likely to keep a heavier DC cable in their cars. Plus, there's cost to OEMs if they were to include one with every vehicle purchase. And, if they make it optional, people would be pissed if they have to buy a cable to DCFC (some are already bent out of shape for having to buy an adapter).

 

[funnynardo]

I am always cautious when I read "...to start around $60,000, offer up to an estimated 400 miles of range."

That usually means "start at $65k with reduced range and features". So expect a $70k+ price tag w/ "usual options", and $80k w/ the 400 miles of range.

https://electrek.co/2025/09/05/bmw-ix3-debuts-with-500-miles-range-ultra-fast-charging/

ix3 will start at less than $55k for standard model with 300 mile range and around $60k for the long range with 400 miles. honestly pretty good value and definitely a decent overlap with the rivian r2.

edit: starting at less than $60k for 400 miles. also has extremely good charging speeds and great adas tech. r2 large pack should be priced properly against this and model y, ideally less than $50k to also match model y long range pricing.

 

[DuoRivians]

800v, 400kw charging capability. Thats great to see.

 

[manitou202]

https://electrek.co/2025/09/05/bmw-ix3-debuts-with-500-miles-range-ultra-fast-charging/

ix3 will start at less than $55k for standard model with 300 mile range and around $60k for the long range with 400 miles. honestly pretty good value and definitely a decent overlap with the rivian r2.

edit: starting at less than $60k for 400 miles. also has extremely good charging speeds and great adas tech. r2 large pack should be priced properly against this and model y, ideally less than $50k to also match model y long range pricing.

This is very similar pricing to the current X3.

Base X3 starts at $51k and the X3 M50 starts at $66k. So it's competitive compared to their current ICE X3.

I'm leasing an i4 M50 as my daily, and honestly it's a great car. I'll be very interested in the iX3, and personally love the looks.

I remain really skeptical that Rivian can hit $45k for the R2. So much has happened with supply chains in the past two years that it could easily end up launching closer to $55k-$60k.

I have no intent of canceling my R2 reservation, but I will be paying attention to other EVs like this.

 

[ndmiller]

I don't think people will cross shop R2 and this BMW, one is an adventure vehicle, one is a performance SUV. The price also isn't comparable.

They are going to be 2 great new choices in the space, something RJ always says needs to happen.

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