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

[macb00kemdanno]

https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/12/19/bmw-ix3-nearly-sold-out-europe-2026/

“Our order backlog has far exceeded our expectations. If we consider Europe alone, I can tell you that orders cover almost all of our 2026 production.”

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[M3_R2]

Yes, I'm thinking I'll probably have to get a reservation in next week or it won't happen for me in 2026. It's been painful trying to come to a decision but given tariffs, I'm down to the iX3 or a MYP and leaning towards the former.

Considering the following only to keep costs down a bit:

BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport
Alpine White
20" M light-alloy wheels double-spoke style 1048 M Bicolour
BMW Individual interior design with Black bicolour leather (£1650)
M steering wheel (£100)
Heated Steering Wheel (£250)

 

[savethemanual]

Yes, I'm thinking I'll probably have to get a reservation in next week or it won't happen for me in 2026. It's been painful trying to come to a decision but given tariffs, I'm down to the iX3 or a MYP and leaning towards the former.

Considering the following only to keep costs down a bit:

BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport
Alpine White
20" M light-alloy wheels double-spoke style 1048 M Bicolour
BMW Individual interior design with Black bicolour leather (£1650)
M steering wheel (£100)
Heated Steering Wheel (£250)

Yes, please do not support the Man Child.

 

[Sportstick]

I'm also leaning toward iX3 with R2 or EX60 in second. But, this will be simplified when specs are finally revealed, conflicting advance info is resolved, and I know with certainty who offers the LFP battery. Only Volvo seems to have committed to this choice so far. One of the reasons BMW is in lead goes beyond the car...I have a fantastic service advisor at the local BMW dealer already for my two current cars and would hate to lose or have to hope for that level of care elsewhere. iX3 vs any Tesla? Never Tesla, no how, NFW...principles over vehicles.

 

[Just Passing By]

IMO, it won’t be long until Rivian starts to pivot toward a tech, self-driving centered and marketed company, like that other company. I think it’s the wrong pivot, but it seems their stock price rewards that.

I think they can do both. The market for premium off road capable vehicles, regardless of whether people take them off road or not, seems pretty significant. That same clientele seems to like luxury features, so self driving is likely to be an important future purchase decision attribute for them.

Just to put in a base for some numbers. The Jaguar Land Rover group alone sold 431k vehicles in FY 23/24 of which only 67k were Jaguars, the rest were Discovery (46k), Defender (115k) and Range Rover (204k) brand sales. To that we can add sales (I couldn't be bothered to go hunt down these numbers) of the higher spec off road models from Toyota/Lexus such as 4Runner, Land Cruiser, GX, etc, upper range Jeep models along with a number of other brands playing in this space. Then we have all the other off road positioned vehicles that overlap with the R2/R3 price range. So a large total available market for off road capable vehicles that Rivian can take a slice of.

So I don't see Rivian backing away from the Adventure branding, along with producing vehicles that are genuinely capable of off road performance, any time soon; even as they put a lot of focus on autonomy. Some years down the road they still have the option to create something like JLR's Jaguar brand without giving up what is associated with Rivian today. I mean they already ALSO have a related bicycle brand

 

[E_Monkey]

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.

interior fit and finish looks nice. Given BMW pricing in general, my guess is high 60s out the door for their mid level.

 

[DuoRivian]

interior fit and finish looks nice. Given BMW pricing in general, my guess is high 60s out the door for their mid level.

It will be $62k or thereabouts including destination. Premium pack (upgraded stereo, HUD etc) will be $2k so low 60’s seem very reasonable and then the 40 model will be out with s and x drive so you can be in the high $50’s come 2027.

 

[RMSko]

I read somewhere that the range of the new BMW is up to 500 miles. Is that right? If yes, at that price point that’s a really great car.

 

[Eric9610]

I read somewhere that the range of the new BMW is up to 500 miles. Is that right? If yes, at that price point that’s a really great car.

It is on the euro cycle. Most people in real testing have achieved 450+. For the US EPA rating it will be 400 or more. This is only on a 100Kw battery at that.

The other thing I just read is that BMW has sold out in Europe for 2026 production.

 

[RMSko]

It is on the euro cycle. Most people in real testing have achieved 450+. For the US EPA rating it will be 400 or more. This is only on a 100Kw battery at that.

The other thing I just read is that BMW has sold out in Europe for 2026 production.

Not a surprise it has sold out. This is only the first of their new line. The entire Neue Klasse line looks impressive. My R1S lease isn’t up until the Fall of 2027, but that may be a good time in terms of availability and new models. That said, the tech side of stuff is what’s most important to me and those are things that Rivian has gotten right! I have no idea if the BMW will match the Rivian’s tech and software. I wish the R2 had a range of 400+ - maybe that will be available by the time I’m ready to turn in my R1S?

 

[mkhuffman]

It is on the euro cycle. Most people in real testing have achieved 450+. For the US EPA rating it will be 400 or more. This is only on a 100Kw battery at that.

The other thing I just read is that BMW has sold out in Europe for 2026 production.

Color me skeptical. I bet in the 400 mile EPA version it has only one small, weak motor and very little amenities.

The version people actually want to buy will be 300-325 miles, I bet. Maybe 350 on a good day. Highway will be less than 300. Mark my words.

 

[Eric9610]

Color me skeptical. I bet in the 400 mile EPA version it has only one small, weak motor and very little amenities.

The version people actually want to buy will be 300-325 miles, I bet. Maybe 350 on a good day. Highway will be less than 300. Mark my words.

Go to the BMW site for NA lists 400+ for the IX3 50. This will be the only configuration available for the first year. It’s a DM.

Edit: 400

As we know BMW is extra conservative with Range and HP...

 

[Sportstick]

If the iX3 has the dynamic feel of BMW and quality of assembly and appointments, I am fine with even half of their range claim with charging in my garage when needed and no long trips. If R2 doesn't offer LFP and iX3 does in the 40 model (as reported by them last year), the choice becomes easy, depending on how Volvo EX60 turns out.

 

[Eric9610]

If the iX3 has the dynamic feel of BMW and quality of assembly and appointments, I am fine with even half of their range claim with charging in my garage when needed and no long trips. If R2 doesn't offer LFP and iX3 does in the 40 model (as reported by them last year), the choice becomes easy, depending on how Volvo EX60 turns out.

Per reports at launch all models will use the Lithium 6th gen battery that is 100Kw usable and the drive configurations will change. The 40 will be available with xdrive and without using the same pack.

 

[Sportstick]

Per reports at launch all models will use the Lithium 6th gen battery that is 100Kw usable and the drive configurations will change. The 40 will be available with xdrive and without using the same pack.

I realize the current reports, but this contradicts a personal face-to-face conversation with a BMW engineer at the CES iX3 presentation last year. I plan to ask again in two weeks. I'll share the response.

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