2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive real life range test with 21-inch wheels and summer tires
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is one of the hottest new electric products on the market, especially in Europe where sales and orders are through the roof ever since the model was initially announced. We already did a range test of the new iX3 50 xDrive a few months back, but now we got a differently specced unit to try out.
We once again have the 50 xDrive AWD powertrain, yet a lot has changed. It was the end of winter last time so the car had winter tires on, as well as a smaller 20" set of wheels. Today we have 21" wheels, which should lower efficiency slightly, but the summer tires will likely offset that slightly.
Based on the values we get in the testing, we are able to provide a real world range widget. You can use it to simulate a wide variety of conditions and adapt the values to your liking in order to check out how the car will perform in different scenarios.
Today's article will not only test the BMW iX3, but also the accuracy of our range measuring widget. We drive the same roads every time and the only variable is always the weather and the tire setup. Based on the data gathered, the widget can automatically show you what the selected vehicle will consume at other speeds and temperatures.
We drove our usual test routes, doing the same track both ways at constant speeds at the same place as with every other car we test. The ambient temperature while testing the 2026 BMW iX3 50 xDrive was 68°F. That is the ideal setting for such testing, so the results we have are likely the best the vehicle is capable of achieving.
At our lowest testing speed of 37 mph, we see that the minimized rolling resistance trumps the increased wheel size and the iX3 is capable of driving over 620 miles without stopping for a recharge. Of course, driving non-stop at such a slow pace is not viable in the real world, but sets an impressive benchmark. We also use all creature comforts while doing our test, not optimizing the range by turning off crucial functions for the sake of getting extra mileage.
Range test results
- 37 mph
- 56 mph
- 81 mph
DS Nº8 AWD Long Range
BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Summer tires 21")
BMW iX3 50 xDrive (Winter tires 20")
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 4Matic
Maserati Grecale Folgore
Tesla Model Y Long Range (2023)
Volkswagen ID.4 GTX
When we tested at 56 mph, the iX3 remains efficient, but the wheel size starts to overcome the rolling resistance as a factor since aerodynamics become more important. The result is impressive and will likely be replicable in the real world if you avoid highway driving and are gentle with the accelerator pedal.
At the highest testing speed of 81 mph, the iX3 50 xDrive demonstrates unprecedented efficiency for an SUV. Combined with the huge 108.7 kWh battery pack it offers almost 311 miles on a single charge of non-stop highway driving. This is a remarkable feat but also proves just how accurate our widget is.
On a side note the difference in range between the two vehicles we tested becomes almost nonexistent as aero penalty cancels out the rolling resistance advantage.
We first established just how efficient the BMW iX3 50 xDrive was during our initial drive, but today’s test confirms it was far from a one off result. BMW's decision to label the model "Neue Klasse" feels justified, as it sets a new benchmark for what can be expected from modern electric mobility.
You can use the widget below to find out the BMW iX3 50 xDrive's range in every combination of speed and temperature you might need. We've used our real world tests and a complex model to provide an estimate that should be as close to the actual performance as possible.
Special thanks to Snap_199 for the photos!
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Reader comments
- Johnnybroker
Can’t wait to test against the new Volvo EX60. I own a BMW i4 that we loveee!! I am keeping it when is paid off, but Want either the iX3 or the Volvo EX60. Like the outside Styling of the Volvo better than the BMW and interior is almost a tie, but ra...
- 26 May 2026
- kKn
- Still tesla
You test a tesla at 100deg everytime vs all other cars at much lower temps for favorable outcomes. A tesla still beats most of these brands in ease of use, ota updates, and charging logic. Tesla makes it so easy and lucid amd merceds comes second...t...
- 26 May 2026
- kgs
- Oli
N.B. the Tesla Model Y results will be much worse now, due to the switch to the 4680 battery, which severely underperforms Tesla's quoted spec. You should re-test the Model Y with a 4680 battery.
- 25 May 2026
- B}E
