World car of the year award: BMW iX3 has won the 2026 World Car of the Year award (WCOTY) at the New York International Auto Show on April 1, beating strong rivals like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Palisade. It also earned EV of the Year, as it offers advanced technology, better performance, and overall value. In other categories, Lucid Gravity won the 2026 Luxury Car of the Year, while the Mazda 6e bagged the 2026 Car Design Award.
The all-new BMW iX3 goes on sale in major markets across Europe, the US, and Asia. In the UK, prices start roughly around Rs 73 lakh, with higher-spec models up to about Rs 80 lakh. In the United States, early estimates suggest a starting price of about Rs 50 lakh. In India, the iX3 is expected to launch in 2027 with prices around Rs 65–70 lakh (ex-showroom).
Powertrain and performance
Under the skin, the 2026 iX3 uses BMW’s new 800-volt electric architecture and a large 108.7 kWh battery. The dual-motor xDrive50 version produces around 460-plus horsepower, allowing a brisk 0–62 mph sprint in about 4.9 seconds. The EPA range target is up to roughly 400 miles per charge, and ultra-fast DC charging can take the battery from 10% to 80% in about 21 minutes on compatible chargers.
Interior and features
Inside, the iX3 features a futuristic cabin with sustainable materials and advanced tech. A panoramic display stretches across the dash, combining driver information and a large 17.9-inch central touchscreen for navigation and media. Comfortable seating, generous cargo space, and quality finishes make it feel premium and practical. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a rich audio system, are standard on many trims.
Safety features
The iX3 stands out with bidirectional charging (powering homes or other EVs), excellent aerodynamics, and next-gen battery tech. It delivers strong safety performance with comprehensive driver-assist systems, radar-based emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more, which made it win the World Car of the Year award.
