The empire strikes back at China! 2026 BMW iX3 electric SUV almost sold out as demand explodes for Xiaomi YU7, Volvo EX60 and Mercedes-Benz GLC EV rival, but a production increase will help shorten wait times

Chinese carmakers have got the jump on the Europeans, with the emerging brand delivering superior electric cars at cheaper prices. Now German carmakers are finally ready to fight back.

BMW is preparing its new iX3, which is the first vehicle off its much ballyhooed Neue Klasse electric vehicle platform.

First deliveries commence in Europe in coming months before its Australian arrival mid-year.

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It appears to be a smash hit before a single order has been filled.

According to Autonews, demand has far exceeded expectations and BMW has been forced to introduce a second production shift at its factory in Hungary to catch up.

This kind of fever pitch sales run mimics that of some of the most popular alternatives in China.

Vehicles such as the Xiaomi YU7 electric SUV, which would be a rival to the iX3, received more than 200,000 orders within minutes of going on sale.

2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive

BMW sales chief Jochen Goller said customer interest in the iX3 had been “overwhelming”.

On paper the iX3 is the most impressive electric car from a Euro maker to date, with some deeply compelling stats.

Leading the charge is its WLTP-verified 805km driving range, which leaves a lot of petrol cars in the shade.

2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive

Next up is its 400kW max charging rate, which BMW claims can pump 350km of range back into the battery in 10 minutes, or recharge from 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes.

The first grade confirmed for Australia is the 50 xDrive, which has dual motor performance to push out 345kW and 645Nm. This enables it to complete the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint in under five seconds.

CarsGuide got to test the new iX3 in Europe in 2025, and can confirm it lives up to the hype.

2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive

It now appears European buyers think the same, with the iX3 sold out until next year on the continent.

Mercedes-Benz also revealed its answer to the iX3 at the 2025 Munich motor show, the GLC EV.

It isn’t quite as impressive on paper as the iX3, but its 700km-plus range, up to 330kW charging speed and 4.3 second 0-100km/h time make it no EV slacker.

Chinese-owned Volvo is preparing to launch its impressive EX60 this year, too.

It’ll match the iX3 in several key areas such as driving range and charging speed.