Rival: 2026 BMW iX3 reviews are impressive... R2 has its work cut out

[Donald Stanfield]

That does make sense! You could go for an EV that would allow you to turn off OPD and require brake pedal usage. My sister's ID.4 requires her to use the brake unless she shifts it into a different 'gear'.

Was just more curious to your reasoning, don't let some random person on the Internet try to parent your kid!

I didn't take it as an attempt to tell me how to parent my kid. I always try to examine my beliefs, and I welcome people's opinions. I am free to take them or leave them, but the only way to find out blind spots or false beliefs in your reasoning is to subject said reasoning to outside scrutiny.

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[VandalSibs]

I didn't take it as an attempt to tell me how to parent my kid. I always try to examine my beliefs, and I welcome people's opinions. I am free to take them or leave them, but the only way to find out blind spots or false beliefs in your reasoning is to subject said reasoning to outside scrutiny.

 

[horseback]

Will be interesting to see what the new Volvo EX60 looks like when it's revealed in January. Time for an update to the EX40 too. It seems like the Audi Q6 turned out pretty good but a bit more expensive.

Yes, from what I've read the Volvo EX60 will certainly be a contender along with the BMW iX3.
Several most interesting new vehicles coming next year.

 

[mkg3]

This subject reminded me that there are lots of new EV inventory still on the dealer lots,

No matter how nice iX3 (or R2 for that matter) is, it seems that sales are very poor.

According to iSeeCars, here are the top 12 EVs with the highest inventory on the lots:

“The challenge of selling electric vehicles only increased when the federal incentive ended on September 30,” noted iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. The resulting sales spike ahead of the deadline reduced demand in the months that followed, leaving dealerships with excess inventory.

The study examined 2.6 million vehicle listings across North America to determine which 2024 and 2025 models remained unsold at the highest rates. Among 2025 electric vehicles, the BMW i4 led the list with 89.2% of units still on dealer lots, followed by the Porsche Macan at 67.8% and the Volkswagen ID.4 at 59.1%. Of the top 12, nine are premium models, including two Cadillacs and two Genesis SUVs."

 

[mkhuffman]

This subject reminded me that there are lots of new EV inventory still on the dealer lots,

No matter how nice iX3 (or R2 for that matter) is, it seems that sales are very poor.

According to iSeeCars, here are the top 12 EVs with the highest inventory on the lots:

“The challenge of selling electric vehicles only increased when the federal incentive ended on September 30,” noted iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. The resulting sales spike ahead of the deadline reduced demand in the months that followed, leaving dealerships with excess inventory.

The study examined 2.6 million vehicle listings across North America to determine which 2024 and 2025 models remained unsold at the highest rates. Among 2025 electric vehicles, the BMW i4 led the list with 89.2% of units still on dealer lots, followed by the Porsche Macan at 67.8% and the Volkswagen ID.4 at 59.1%. Of the top 12, nine are premium models, including two Cadillacs and two Genesis SUVs."

The i4 seems ripe for negotiating a great discount. If I needed another car, I would go in with a low-ball offer.

Where is my beloved Mach-e on the list? That is good news for Ford, I guess. No Lightning either.

 

[iansriv]

There is one more consideration that I don't see anyone bringing up - buying American.
I'd like very much to support a new, innovative American business like Rivian.

Well said. Given the choice, I'd choose US made all day.

 

[M3_R2]

The 2026 iX3 likely impacted the i4 leading the pack if people are holding out for it instead. I could see it selling out for 2026 shortly after the configurator goes live. For most of the others, there are simply better alternatives so no surprise. The EX30 became overpriced from what was originally touted. That could also be the downside of the iX3 though. A lot of money for a 3 series vehicle. Presuming tariffs stick around for the foreseeable future, it's looking like a German built MYP or iX3 for me.

 

[mkhuffman]

Well said. Given the choice, I'd choose US made all day.

100%.

 

[Bullwinkle]

This subject reminded me that there are lots of new EV inventory still on the dealer lots,

No matter how nice iX3 (or R2 for that matter) is, it seems that sales are very poor.

According to iSeeCars, here are the top 12 EVs with the highest inventory on the lots:

“The challenge of selling electric vehicles only increased when the federal incentive ended on September 30,” noted iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. The resulting sales spike ahead of the deadline reduced demand in the months that followed, leaving dealerships with excess inventory.

The study examined 2.6 million vehicle listings across North America to determine which 2024 and 2025 models remained unsold at the highest rates. Among 2025 electric vehicles, the BMW i4 led the list with 89.2% of units still on dealer lots, followed by the Porsche Macan at 67.8% and the Volkswagen ID.4 at 59.1%. Of the top 12, nine are premium models, including two Cadillacs and two Genesis SUVs."

Yet Model Y is the leader of all cars. The software matters. I am guessing that R2 and Scout will be very different. Aside from the Macan, nothing is interesting on the list--at least to me. I wonder if the VW deal includes future Rivian autonomous tech.

 

[Sportstick]

Well said. Given the choice, I'd choose US made all day.

How do you define "US made"?
- Final assembly in the US, such as BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Subaru, etc., but not Ford and Ram products from Mexico and Canada, for one example?
- Percentage of US supplied parts, which eliminates, for example, BMWs built at Spartanburg?
- Profit flow, such as US-assembled Lucids that primarily profit Saudi Arabia?
- Corporate parentage, GM and Ford versus Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM, owned by Europe's Stellantis?

It's a challenge to define the modern "US-made" vehicle. I don't have a clear answer but was asking how others make the assessment.

 

[mkhuffman]

How do you define "US made"?
- Final assembly in the US, such as BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Subaru, etc., but not Ford and Ram products from Mexico and Canada, for one example?
- Percentage of US supplied parts, which eliminates, for example, BMWs built at Spartanburg?
- Profit flow, such as US-assembled Lucids that primarily profit Saudi Arabia?
- Corporate parentage, GM and Ford versus Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM, owned by Europe's Stellantis?

It's a challenge to define the modern "US-made" vehicle. I don't have a clear answer but was asking how others make the assessment.

Founded in the USA, designed in the USA and built in the USA = Rivian. That works for me.

 

[iansriv]

Founded in the USA, designed in the USA and built in the USA = Rivian. That works for me.

Well said. One more thing to add-most of the jobs & money stays in the US.

 

[KonaKaiKen]

iX3 Reviews List: https://g45.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2218993

The first reviews for the 2026 BMW iX3 are in and they're impressive. Hoping the R2 can garner this much praise in its first drive reviews.

I'm considering the iX3, R2, and Toyota Woodland for purchase next year. I like the R2 but service is a problem here on The Big Island. Rivian has an agreement with a local Mercedes shop to allow Rivian techs to do service in their shop but major issues would require shipping the car back to the Oahu service center, an expensive and time consuming ordeal. BMW and Toyota both have dealerships in Kona. That's a big plus. Still, I see many Rivians running around here so maybe it's no problem. I have a deposit on an R2 just in case I go with the Rivian.

 

[mkg3]

I'm considering the iX3, R2, and Toyota Woodland for purchase next year. I like the R2 but service is a problem here on The Big Island. Rivian has an agreement with a local Mercedes shop to allow Rivian techs to do service in their shop but major issues would require shipping the car back to the Oahu service center, an expensive and time consuming ordeal. BMW and Toyota both have dealerships in Kona. That's a big plus. Still, I see many Rivians running around here so maybe it's no problem. I have a deposit on an R2 just in case I go with the Rivian.

Just keep in mind that any new vehicle will have lots of teething issues and infant mortality failures on some parts. Not having a service center is a ligit concern. Hope Rivian address the island issue by adding SC at Maui and the Big Island soon.

If you decide to go with R2, I would wait until the production of the vehicles hit at least 30K+ vehicles. Given the production goals Rivian has, it probably will be early 2027.

 

[TexasBob]

Yet Model Y is the leader of all cars. The software matters....

Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicles (So Far in 2025)

1. Ford F-Series: The perennial leader, consistently selling over 400,000 units.
2. Chevrolet Silverado: A strong second, close behind the F-Series.
3. Toyota RAV4: The best-selling SUV, a favorite for its practicality.
4. Honda CR-V: Another popular compact SUV, maintaining strong sales.
5. Ram Truck: A top contender in the truck segment.
6. GMC Sierra: The Sierra's sibling to the Silverado also sells very well.
7. Chevrolet Equinox: A popular choice in the compact SUV category.
8. Toyota Camry: America's favorite sedan, proving sedans still sell.
9. Tesla Model Y: The leading electric SUV.
10. Toyota Tacoma: A top-selling mid-size pickup truck.

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