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

[DuoRivians]

I don't see any administration from either party allowing China vehicles into the USA this decade. It's a nonstarter. TBH Trump is the most likely. Democrats will protect American auto unions at all costs.

The U.S. market size alone isn’t enough for Rivian to make it. That’s my point. And exports to other countries will become more unreliable, particularly for EVs where China just dominates

Sponsored

 

[Jeremy3292]

I live near BMW in South Carolina and the massive battery plant they started a few years ago is almost operational down the road from their current manufacturing plants that produce all the gas X vehicles. The iX5 and others will be built in SC in the next 1-2 years.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/01/22/bmw-ev-production-spartanburg-2026/

 

[minimejdh]

…talking about prices in the U.S., then there is this announcement
Trump tariff announcement and the uncertainty it creates.

 

[mellowthecat]

…talking about prices in the U.S., then there is this announcement
Trump tariff announcement and the uncertainty it creates.

let's hope TACO Tuesday follows

 

[tivoboy]

let's hope TACO Tuesday follows

Survey says, EOW next week should be better than start of week. Based on Treasury auctions 5/11/26.

But stay frosty, certain ppl really like to throw grenades when foreign markets are going to be CLOSED on Mondays (like UK and Europe next week).. so this weekend could be risky

;-)

NFA

 

[SASSquatch]

what issues did you have with your i3?

this gives me pause as well, but every EV on our short list is in its first model year.
I do like the fact that the car has been released almost everywhere else first.

I dealt with broken motor mounts, multiple 12 volt battery failures, AC compressor failure - and REx (range extender engine - one of the first of its kind) issues galore.

I have owned 3 first generation vehicles and they all had gremlins that got worked out in subsequent model years. God bless anyone who wants to deal with that. I'll wait for the second production run. I'm at a point in life where I'm not in the mood to be a beta tester.

 

[SASSquatch]

let's hope TACO Tuesday follows

That's my line! Who doesn't love TACO Tuesday!

 

[SASSquatch]

The U.S. market size alone isn’t enough for Rivian to make it. That’s my point. And exports to other countries will become more unreliable, particularly for EVs where China just dominates

Rivian might survive if TACO Tuesday keeps gas prices high and drives people to EVs. There is always a surge in interest in the EV market when gas gets expensive.

That would be poetic stupidity, but I'll take it.

 

[Jonger1150]

…talking about prices in the U.S., then there is this announcement
Trump tariff announcement and the uncertainty it creates.

Is this because he's big sad that nobody wants to die for oil at the Straights of Hormuz?

 

[TexasBob]

We found its Achilles heel: its pretty weak on the seats-down banana box test.

 

[Just Passing By]

Living behind the Orange curtain....

Fortunately iX3 is going to be produced in Mexico starting next year.

Well USMCA comes up for re-negotiation this July so who knows what that may mean for tariffs with Mexico

The potential for turmoil in US-EU tariffs is one of the reasons why I though Rivian might have been positioning for exports to the UK instead of the EU, when Rivian had three UK media outlets at the first limited test drive event. No guarantees with the UK either of course, but the UK has more room for negotiation than the EU does, which might be a better bet for lower tariffs in either direction for Rivian.

 

[Friar619]

The base model starts at 60k. Yeah no thank you. Also I'm not impressed with the design of the car.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/04/29/2027-bmw-ix3-reservations-may-6-range-434-miles/

 

[mellowthecat]

The iX3 40 is the base model and it is coming in 2027. It is supposed to be sub $60k.

The base model starts at 60k. Yeah no thank you. Also I'm not impressed with the design of the car.

https://www.bmwblog.com/2026/04/29/2027-bmw-ix3-reservations-may-6-range-434-miles/

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

Not bad for under $60K

Sounds amazing! Is it actually going to sell for that though, or are we talking about starting at $59,999? Then there are the various upgrade packages to get what you want, fluctuating tariffs (or will this be made in the US?), dealer markups due to demand, etc. How much are people really going to pay for this on average? It still sounds great regardless, just always more expensive than it appears.

 

[mellowthecat]

Sounds amazing! Is it actually going to sell for that though, or are we talking about starting at $59,999? Then there are the various upgrade packages to get what you want, fluctuating tariffs (or will this be made in the US?), dealer markups due to demand, etc. How much are people really going to pay for this on average? It still sounds great regardless, just always more expensive than it appears.

Hopefully all this info will be made available on May 6th

Sponsored