The new BMW iX3 is THE electric car to lease in 2026

THE electric car to lease in 2026-The new BMW iX3

Much attention has been placed on the Labour initiative to move zero-emission cars onto a pay-per-mile scheme. Reporting on the recent registrations for January 2026 and statistics  The Telegraph has purported that the EV industry may be facing some threats from Labour’s suggestion to impose a taxation levy on EV’s from 2028.

In short, one of the major benefits behind the EV transition was that cars would incur no road tax / road fund licence. However, the Government have decided to end this approach, with the shortfall on public coffers deemed as no longer affordable. Of course, we did think here at e-car lease that something had to change and we fully appreciated that there would have to be changes at some point; we just expected this to be something which arose 2030 onwards.

But the new 3 pence per mile levy will not be obstructive to most customers, with this likely to cost no more than £150 - £300 per year.

However, are recent stats from the SMMT saying otherwise?

•  144,127 registrations in TOTAL
• 29,654 BEV (all-electric) cars registered (a small increase on 29,634 in 2025 in Jan)
•  BEV represented a 20.6% market share (which is less than the 21.3% for 2025)
•  Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U were in the top 10 best-selling models 

The general overview of the January 26 car industry is actually somewhat positive. The level of registration and sales are increasing and many automotive businesses, like e-car lease, are recording some positive updates and changes within their business.

Momentum, and stability, is very much returning to the UK with some incredibly positive indicators. As noted by the SMMT, the decarbonising project is continuing to move at a robust rate and electrification of our transport is happening albeit behind the mandated rate.

What may happen in reality is a change to the ZEV Mandate, so that expectations and obligations on manufacturers are lessened so as not to cause any distress or harm. However, the insinuation of “failure” from the Telegraph is perhaps a little far-fetched.

In other areas, the EV economy continues to grow and improve. As reported by Zap Map  the number of charge points (and locations) are still improving. As at January 2026 we have some solid statistics such as:

•  88,513 devices are now installed in 45,242 locations
•  The public network has grown 19% from January 2025 - 2026
•  In January some 717 NET chargers were installed (this includes the removal / decommissioning of others)
•  In Jan 2026 there were 142 NET Rapid (50 - 149kW) and Ultra-Rapid (above 150kW) charge points installed
•  Last year (2025) 2872 Ultra-Rapid chargers were installed 

What this shows is an incredible, and continued, investment into the network. With EV technology increasing, especially with the rate of charge, the infrastructure and surrounding economy needs to adapt. Many new EVs are capable of 200kW DC+ charging, with even the latest product like the Smart 5 EV  and the new BMW iX3 capable of 400kW DC.

Installing ultra-rapid facilities are not cheap and companies who are doing this are making significant investment and undertaking massive risks. If there were no faith and confidence in the EV transition, then this type of improvement would not be happening, especially if EV’s are to become over 50% of what is being bought and sold in the UK automotive market.

An Introduction to the NEW BMW iX3 electric lease offer

New EVs like the BMW iX3 are likewise testament to the confidence which manufacturers have for this market. The first of the Neue Klasse era, the upgraded luxury SUV is garnering attention and orders at an alarming speed. So furious the uptake, BMW have had to speak out to quench the rumours that there are parts and product shortages.

As pictured, the new iX3 is making its way around the UK dealer network, allowing British customers to ascertain just how special this car is. Without a doubt, the new iX3 is the first of a new era, with design and technology underpinning this market leading SUV. While you can build and configurate the BMW iX3 , the overview of the line-up includes:

•  iX3 standard - from £58,755 this includes 20” alloys, wireless charging, active guard, heated front seats, automatic tailgate, comfort access sytem, LED headlights, automatic air conditioning and memory seats,     
•  iX3 M Sport - from £61,255  this includes key features like 20” sports alloys, M Sport brakes, M sport embellishments,

• roof spoiler, sports steering wheel, Panoramic Vision and M Black interior design; and  

•  iX3 M Sport Pro  - from £61,255  this includes Iconic Glow exterior package, mirror caps in black gloss, M Steering wheel and M Sport Seats / Belt.

Key colours include the Alpine White, Brooklyn Grey, Space Silver, Fire Red, Black Sapphire and Ocean Blue. Key upgrades include the M Steering Wheel, Technology Plus pack (3-zon climate, 3D HUD and Harman/Kardon audio), sun protection glass, heated steering wheel, AC charging professional (22kW AC) and the panoramic roof.

How does the new BMW iX3 perform? 

50 xDrive - this AWD SUV will have a 108.7 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 4.9 seconds,130 mph top speeds and 345kW (or 463hp). Expect a combined winter range of 315 miles with warmer weather allowing for 430 miles – a 375 mile combined.

On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 11 hour and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 400 kW DC maximum allowing 21 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 520L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 140 mpg. You can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 2000kg (Braked). The new iX3 has Bidirectional Charging - it also has V2L capabilities via an external 3.7kW AC type 2 adapter. The Heat Pump is available as a standard option.

Want to know more about going into the BMW SUV Electric?

Head to our dedicated BMW iX3 special offers section or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]