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

[DuoRivian]

On top of that, Volvo sound system is garbage.

Likely better as a 21 speaker Bose branded system than the unbranded 9 speaker “upgraded” system in the R2

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[DuoRivian]

To each his/her own of course. Love the BMW specs, hate the looks and the price. To me it looks like the iX3 and EX60 are "squished" SUV's, almost like a long car, and I personally hate it. I want a boxy SUV like a Lexus GX550 (without the engine problems ). The iX3 looks way better than the EX60 though...EX60 interior and rear exterior is brutally bad. $10k+ difference to R2 premium is a lot of money despite what the internet tells (proverbial) you that everyone is wealthy lol.

To each their own on styling although all three are flat roofed (not egg styled) SUVs with comparable behind second row space.

The EX60 is NOT $10k more than a comparable R2.
R2 Premium is $54k, the P10 is expected to be $58k and for that you get the same 0-60, the same range, faster charging, the same panoramic glass roof, the same heated/cooled seats, a likely better Bose sound system. You also get free color upgrade and likely cheaper paint choices.

Therefore very comparable and a fairly small price difference even if the P10 was $60k and not $58. Not touched on brand, service availability, quality or reliability.
I like the R2 and have a day 1 reservation but it is not easy to dismiss the EX60 (or the iX3).

 

[Virtio]

There are several interesting features on the EX60 that I want to check out. One is the pixel headlights. The standard model has matrix headlights like the R2 but the Ultra trim comes with 25,000+ pixel headlights that steer with the car around curves. I'm also curious to see how the Google AI system works. Nice to see Android Auto and CarPlay.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

Volvo and the new iX3 are both solid EVs, no argument there. But they’re classic foreign‑owned, supplier‑assembled vehicles where the hardware, software, firmware, and updates are split across Google, Bosch, Zenseact, Tier‑1 suppliers, and whatever dev shop handled the UI that quarter. That works fine if you want a “set it and forget it” appliance and don’t really care who’s actually writing the code running your car.

Rivian is just built differently. They’re not outsourcing their soul, they’re building it. That’s why the trucks feel different. They evolve. They improve. They get smarter. They’re not waiting for Bosch, Google, and three suppliers to agree on a firmware patch.

Both of my R1s are infinitely better today than the day I bought them. You will never say that about your EX60 or your iX3. Rivian behaves like a tech company because it actually is one, and that is why I bought a couple of them. A software‑defined vehicle built in the USA by a founder with a real vision, not a committee.

If I wanted a long‑range highway cruiser, sure, I’d look at the iX3 around $70K or even a used Lucid Air with 400 miles of range. Those are great road cars. But if I want something vertically integrated, American‑built, founder‑led, and updated by the same people who designed it?

That’s Rivian. And nothing else in this segment is close, at least to me.

 

[DuoRivians]

Volvo and the new iX3 are both solid EVs, no argument there. But they’re classic foreign‑owned, supplier‑assembled vehicles where the hardware, software, firmware, and updates are split across Google, Bosch, Zenseact, Tier‑1 suppliers, and whatever dev shop handled the UI that quarter. That works fine if you want a “set it and forget it” appliance and don’t really care who’s actually writing the code running your car.

Rivian is just built differently. They’re not outsourcing their soul, they’re building it. That’s why the trucks feel different. They evolve. They improve. They get smarter. They’re not waiting for Bosch, Google, and three suppliers to agree on a firmware patch.

Both of my R1s are infinitely better today than the day I bought them. You will never say that about your EX60 or your iX3. Rivian behaves like a tech company because it actually is one, and that is why I bought a couple of them. A software‑defined vehicle built in the USA by a founder with a real vision, not a committee.

If I wanted a long‑range highway cruiser, sure, I’d look at the iX3 around $70K or even a used Lucid Air with 400 miles of range. Those are great road cars. But if I want something vertically integrated, American‑built, founder‑led, and updated by the same people who designed it?

That’s Rivian. And nothing else in this segment is close, at least to me.

Yeah, but at the end of the day, it’s still built in 2018 EV standards. If the price were solidly under $45K, then imo that’d be fine.

But for $55K+, I’d want more modern EV tech. I’d pay $50K for a great Chinese EV now. When it comes to EVs, simply saying “USA built” is likely a negative

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

...I’d pay $50K for a great Chinese EV now....

Of course, you would ...

 

[TexasBob]

Volvo and the new iX3 are both solid EVs, no argument there. But they’re classic foreign‑owned, supplier‑assembled vehicles where the hardware, software, firmware, and updates are split across Google, Bosch, Zenseact, Tier‑1 suppliers, and whatever dev shop handled the UI that quarter. That works fine if you want a “set it and forget it” appliance and don’t really care who’s actually writing the code running your car.

Rivian is just built differently. They’re not outsourcing their soul, they’re building it. That’s why the trucks feel different. They evolve. They improve. They get smarter. They’re not waiting for Bosch, Google, and three suppliers to agree on a firmware patch.

Both of my R1s are infinitely better today than the day I bought them. You will never say that about your EX60 or your iX3. Rivian behaves like a tech company because it actually is one, and that is why I bought a couple of them. A software‑defined vehicle built in the USA by a founder with a real vision, not a committee.

If I wanted a long‑range highway cruiser, sure, I’d look at the iX3 around $70K or even a used Lucid Air with 400 miles of range. Those are great road cars. But if I want something vertically integrated, American‑built, founder‑led, and updated by the same people who designed it?

That’s Rivian. And nothing else in this segment is close, at least to me.

This is not at all correct. The entire point of the Neue Klasse platform from BMW was to move to a fully integrated SDV and AIDV design. They have moved to a complete zonal architecture (same as Rivian) with a more advanced vehicle control system (their "heart of joy") and an integrated software / hardware stack. Even their ADAS is more advanced (the next generation Rivian with RAP1 and LiDAR should be able to catch up and surpass).

What you are saying absolutely WAS true of all previous BMWs. It is not at all true of the iX3 or the Neue Klasse. It is the entire reason BMW did a bet-the-company redesign.

 

[Sportstick]

Volvo and the new iX3 are both solid EVs, no argument there. But they’re classic foreign‑owned, supplier‑assembled vehicles where the hardware, software, firmware, and updates are split across Google, Bosch, Zenseact, Tier‑1 suppliers, and whatever dev shop handled the UI that quarter. That works fine if you want a “set it and forget it” appliance and don’t really care who’s actually writing the code running your car.

Rivian is just built differently. They’re not outsourcing their soul, they’re building it. That’s why the trucks feel different. They evolve. They improve. They get smarter. They’re not waiting for Bosch, Google, and three suppliers to agree on a firmware patch.

Both of my R1s are infinitely better today than the day I bought them. You will never say that about your EX60 or your iX3. Rivian behaves like a tech company because it actually is one, and that is why I bought a couple of them. A software‑defined vehicle built in the USA by a founder with a real vision, not a committee.

If I wanted a long‑range highway cruiser, sure, I’d look at the iX3 around $70K or even a used Lucid Air with 400 miles of range. Those are great road cars. But if I want something vertically integrated, American‑built, founder‑led, and updated by the same people who designed it?

That’s Rivian. And nothing else in this segment is close, at least to me.

We resonate to different issues. Any code beyond "Morse" is beyond me and the geographic location of the plant and the role of the founder just don't register as meaningful. I'm also not looking for a "truck". iX3, EX60, etc. are just unitized body tall cars or station wagons. Perfect. After 7 BMWs, I don't think of them as appliances, but I also don't want to have to deal with any unnecessary updates in the "If it ain''t broke, don't fix it" mentality. I enjoy their unique dynamic driving experience, high quality, and a great local dealer/srevice department. For fun, I still get back into my 2 door, rear wheel drive, 6 speed manual, modded suspension 2 Series to dance around on 3 pedals and love the feel. That's the "soul" of a car to me and I'll keep that one forever. The iX3 will be the daily driver for errands, shopping, going out with friends, etc., ultimately powered by my solar panels on the roof. No road trips...range and recharging time won't matter with an occasional overnight charge back up to 400+ miles in our garage every week or two. iX3 will be a perfect fit for real world driving around town.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

This is not at all correct. The entire point of the Neue Klasse platform from BMW was to move to a fully integrated SDV and AIDV design. They have moved to a complete zonal architecture (same as Rivian) with a more advanced vehicle control system (their "heart of joy") and an integrated software / hardware stack. Even their ADAS is more advanced (the next generation Rivian with RAP1 and LiDAR should be able to catch up and surpass).

What you are saying absolutely WAS true of all previous BMWs. It is not at all true of the iX3 or the Neue Klasse. It is the entire reason BMW did a bet-the-company redesign.

I'm sorry, but that isn't accurate. Neue Klasse is a nice architecture shift, but let’s not rewrite reality. BMW didn’t suddenly become Rivian. Zonal wiring doesn’t mean “we own the whole stack.” They still run Android Automotive, still depend on Bosch/Mobileye/Continental for ADAS and firmware, and still ship supplier‑approved OTAs on supplier timelines.

Rivian actually writes its stack. BMW reorganized theirs. That’s the whole story, not a BMW Power Point presentation.

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

This is fair. If someone wants a car that ranges well and they love the brand, that’s totally fine. I’m not arguing against that. I’m just pointing out that Rivian is operating with a completely different model, ethos, and pathos.

We resonate to different issues. .... iX3 will be a perfect fit for real world driving around town.

 

[KRIV_ian]

BMW have stated that OTA updates will happen for the iX3 and new features will be introduced. I don't think it will be as often as Rivian updates but it will happen.

 

[MaskedRacerX]

The HK sound system in the XC90 that I recently drove was subpar. My Gen 2 T premium was much more impressive.
I will say that I have not heard the B&W system. What’s the cost to upgrade to B&W?

edited due to brain fart

Several, pretty hardcore audio-philes/guys on a few forums I'm on have said the B&W option is spectacular, like "Best audio in a car ever" sort of raves.

Sorry, mean to specify that was referrring to the Volvo EX90!

 

[MaskedRacerX]

BMW have stated that OTA updates will happen for the iX3 and new features will be introduced. I don't think it will be as often as Rivian updates but it will happen.

They've been happening for modern i-BMWs for a while now, and in addition to new features (like enabling P&C for NACS + Adapter), they tweak things like efficiency and this last one even fine tuned the kick-to-open on the hatch of our iX

The current process is a touch clunky, it's not terrible but definitely room for improvement (that I'm very confident will be present in these new i models )

 

[MaskedRacerX]

To each his/her own of course. Love the BMW specs, hate the looks and the price. To me it looks like the iX3 and EX60 are "squished" SUV's, almost like a long car, and I personally hate it. I want a boxy SUV like a Lexus GX550 (without the engine problems ). The iX3 looks way better than the EX60 though...EX60 interior and rear exterior is brutally bad. $10k+ difference to R2 premium is a lot of money despite what the internet tells (proverbial) you that everyone is wealthy lol.

I mean, I guess i don't get the perspective, it's a much higher roofline vs. a sedan with close to the same length (iX3 vs. 3-Series sedan):

And is nearly identical proportions to a Model Y:

Except it's much less "egg shaped"

 

[Jeremy3292]

I mean, I guess i don't get the perspective, it's a much higher roofline vs. a sedan with close to the same length (iX3 vs. 3-Series sedan):

And is nearly identical proportions to a Model Y:

Except it's much less "egg shaped"

I'm not saying the Model Y is a good looking at all don't get me wrong there

The R2 is a nice box shape which I personally prefer in an SUV, like a Lexus GX550, vs. the iX3 look.

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