Ford Mustang vs BMW IX3
What's the difference?

Ford Mustang

$52,998 - $113,888

2025 price

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BMW IX3

$89,900 - $109,900

2026 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Lamborghini Aventador

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz Eqb250

Mercedes-Benz Evito

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Polestar 2 Long Range

Polestar 2 Standard Range

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo Es90

Summary

2025 Ford Mustang

2026 BMW IX3

By Stephen Ottley

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

V8, 5.0L

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

13.6L/100km (combined)

Electric range

805 km

Energy consumption

18.8 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

108.70 kWh

Seating

Likes

Growling V8 engine
New hi-tech dashboard
More muscular styling

Great driving range
Spacious cabin for the whole family
Excellent real-world efficiency

Dislikes

Hefty price increase over old model
Feels like an update, rather than new-gen
Hyper-active safety systems

Optioned wheels hurt range
Fussy ride on rough roads
Missing features for flagship grade

2025 Ford Mustang Summary

The new Ford Mustang GT was not designed for Paris.

Fighting through the morning peak hour rush (which seems to extend through the middle of the day and the afternoon), the new Mustang feels like a caged animal. Which is appropriate, given the car’s namesake is a wild horse that exists to roam the American wilderness.

But once we finally break the shackles of Parasian traffic we find ourselves getting to let this Mustang gallop across the French countryside and unleash its full potential. But more on that later…

The reason we're driving the Mustang in France is because the American brand wanted to connect it to its new racing program at the famous Le Mans sports car race (you know, the one in the Matt Damon movie, Ford v Ferrari).

No less than Bill Ford, great-grandson of the company’s famous founder, was on-hand to see the Mustang at Le Mans, such is the passion for performance.

Ford (the man, not the company) took the opportunity to declare that the Blue Oval brand is not only committed to internal combustion engines for the foreseeable future, but it will retain the V8 under the bonnet of the Mustang GT for as long as it can legally do so.

Australians will have to wait a few more weeks (maybe months) before the seventh-generation Mustang arrives, but here’s what you can expect when it lands on local roads.

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2026 BMW IX3 Summary

We’re in the new BMW iX3, the first production model to arrive on BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) EV architecture. We’re testing the flagship 50 xDrive, and it begs the question: has BMW actually managed to make its next generation of EVs feel like a proper Bimmer? Buyers expect a lot from that badge when it comes to ride and handling, so does this electric SUV actually deliver?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Ford Mustang 2026 BMW IX3

Verdict

Having driven the latest example of the Mustang GT, I hope Bill Ford is true to his word and keeps the V8-powered Mustang for as long as possible. It isn’t the most razor-sharp sports car or the most powerful muscle car, but it offers the kind of driving thrills and enjoyment that have made the car an icon.

The price increase is steep but the new technology inside drags the Mustang into the modern era and will add more youth appeal to a car that is largely unchanged in concept for the past 60 years.

But now that I’ve driven it in the USA and France, I can’t wait for it to finally reach Australia.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is a seriously quick electric SUV that earns points for its family practicality, while its impressive range could go a long way towards easing range anxiety. The ride isn’t always as settled as I’d like, but for the most part, this is a well-executed premium EV.

Ford Mustang vs BMW IX3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Ford Mustang vs BMW IX3
What's the difference?