2027 BMW iX3 electric SUV gets cheaper new variant with 635km range to slip under Luxury Car Tax and gain FBT exemption in Australia

BMW beefs up its incoming electric car range with a cleverly priced variant.

The new BMW iX3 40 variant will arrive in Australia in the formal quarter of the year priced at $89,900 (before on-road costs).

That price puts it almost on par with the petrol-powered X3 SUV, and makes it cheaper than the previous-generation iX3 it replaces.

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It is also $20,000 cheaper than the fully loaded iX3 50 launch variant, which is due to arrive in showrooms this month.

The new 40 grade’s price isn’t by accident. It slips under the Luxury Car tax (LCT) threshold, which also means it is eligible for the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption when leased through a salary sacrifice arrangement.

The FBT exemption has been a key driver for electric car growth in the past 12 months. The federal government scheme has been so successful that it has been forced to wind it down as it is costing taxpayers more than 10 times what the government originally forecasted.

Keen BMW buyers will need to be quick as the cheaper iX3 will no longer be eligible for the scheme from April 1 2027.

2027 BMW iX3 40

The iX3 40 comes with a single rear-mounted electric motor that makes 235kW and 500Nm. It can sprint to 10km/h in 5.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 200km/h.

It is fitted with a circa-82kWh battery that delivers a driving range of up to 635km, according to the benchmark WLTP cycle.

The iX3 50 uses a massive 108kWh battery for a driving range of more than 800km, and a dual motor set-up that ups the grunt to 345kW and 645Nm.

2027 BMW iX3 40

BMW claims the iX3 can absorb up to 300kW of juice when connected to an appropriate DC fast charger.

This can add up to 300km of range in 10 minutes in optimum conditions, and can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 21 minutes.

It can accept 11kW via an AC charger, with buyers able to option it to accept a max of 22kW.

There is a big list of standard equipment, with highlights including 20-inch alloy wheels, M Sport package, panoramic sunroof, auto tailgate, Harman/Kardon stereo, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, wireless device charger and more.

BMW iX3 prices