3 Reasons Why Tesla Should Worry About BMW iX3 Despite Price Difference originally appeared on Autoblog.
The iX3’s range, charging speed, and cutting-edge tech are coming for Tesla’s Model Y
BMW’s new iX3 is challenging Tesla’s Model Y on multiple fronts, and its strengths might be enough to justify the likely price difference. Tesla’s Model Y starts at $44,990 for its Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) version, while the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) has a base price of $48,990. The upcoming iX3, BMW’s first vehicle from its Neue Klasse platform, is expected to start at between $60,000 and $70,000, with production scheduled to begin in the fall.
Regarding range, the iX3 holds a significant advantage with up to 497 miles per charge, as confirmed by the automaker’s CEO, Oliver Zipse. In comparison, Tesla’s Long Range Model Y RWD offers a maximum range of 357 miles. Drivers can also charge an iX3 far quicker with its 400 kW fast-charging rate, while the Model Y is limited to 250 kW via Superchargers. However, you’ll also be able to charge an iX3 at a Tesla Supercharger, if desired, as BMW is adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS). In the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, it takes 10 minutes to add around 217 miles of range, and 21 minutes to add 347 miles by increasing battery levels from 10 percent to 80 percent. The German manufacturer’s new cylindrical battery cells for its Neue Klasse lineup are 20% more efficient than previous models.
New Superbrain technology within the iX3 and all Neue Klasse vehicles will complement this electric SUV’s efficiency with 20 times the computing power of BMW’s current inventory. This superbrain, referred to by BMW as the Heart of Joy, combines with the automaker’s in-house Dynamic Performance Control software stack to aid in drive, brakes, recuperation, and sub-functions of the steering system. The result of this combination is ten times faster information processing, translating to greater precision and stability with minimal intervention from the vehicle control system. BMW says that in 98% of cases, an iX3 will stop without brake friction—an industry-first feature labeled cooperative braking. iX3 drivers receive standard automatic cruise control, traffic sign recognition, front collision and lane departure warning, in addition to lane change and priority warnings, safe exit, and assisted view, whereas Tesla makes systems such as traffic sign recognition available for the Model Y within FSD.
The tables are turning on Tesla’s Model Y
The upcoming launch of BMW’s new iX3 will benefit from the recent release of Tesla’s refreshed Model Y, which doesn’t appear to be meeting sales expectations after becoming available through May. In July, Model Y sales in China resumed a decline, selling 30,766 units, down 15.24 percent year-on-year and down 31.4 percent from June, CnEVPost reports using China Passenger Car Association data. In European countries like Denmark, Model Y sales declined by 49% during July. Many markets are also offering Model Y discounts and low-interest loans with immediate delivery, signaling a lack of demand.
Final thoughts
BMW’s iX3 can’t come soon enough as the company looks to rebound from rough U.S. EV sales during Q2, which were down 21.2% year-over-year. The upcoming iX3 could prove to be the perfect vehicle to launch BMW’s Neue Klasse platform with its all-electric efficiency that beats the refreshed Model Y in key areas like range and charging speed while boasting newer tech. The world premiere of the iX3 will take place at the 2025 IAA MOBILITY show in Munich, Germany, from September 9 to 14.
3 Reasons Why Tesla Should Worry About BMW iX3 Despite Price Difference first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 14, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
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