2026 BMW iX3 arrives in Malaysia priced at RM379k

BMW has finally launched the new iX3 in Malaysia, arriving a year after its global reveal. The automaker positions this European model as the first of its kind to beat Mercedes-Benz and Volvo to market, though local customers will have to wait until a longer-wheelbase version arrives from China later.

First Look at the iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro

The Malaysian launch features only the top-spec iX3 50 xDrive in M Sport Pro trim. This variant, which hails from the Debrecen factory in Hungary, is priced at RM378,800 on-the-road without insurance. Adding the mandatory five-year warranty and service package brings the total to RM399,800.

Despite the late arrival, the new iX3 undercuts the Porsche Macan Electric, which starts at RM575,000, while offering more performance and a longer range. The pricing is also competitive against the Denza Z9GT and the locally assembled BMW X3 30 xDrive, with the iX3 costing just RM20,000 more than the latter.

BMW will only release 50 units for this launch batch, a number that has already sold out. This limited allocation is likely intended to bridge the gap until the iX3 L arrives from China, benefiting from lower import and excise tax rates.

The iX3 represents the first of BMW’s Neue Klasse models, utilizing a new design language and Gen6 motors. It eschews the expensive aluminium spaceframe of the iX in favor of a structure that integrates the battery pack to minimize weight, keeping the kerb weight at 2,360 kg.

Power, Range, and Features

The 50 xDrive variant utilizes dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 469 PS and 645 Nm of torque. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h.

Under the hood, the Gen6 NMC battery cells offer a 20% increase in energy density. The Malaysian model comes with a net capacity of 108.7 kWh, compared to 73.8 kWh in the previous generation. This results in a maximum range of 805 km on the WLTP cycle, though Malaysian-spec cars fitted with the largest 22-inch wheels drop this to 726 km.

It also marks the first BMW to feature an 800-volt electrical architecture, supporting up to 400 kW of DC fast charging. A full charge from 10% to 80% takes just 21 minutes, with an 800-volt capability that rivals many European competitors.