The new BMW iX3 Electric Car Lease gets another addition for 2026

A New Addition for 2026 The new BMW iX3 Electric Car Lease

The rationale behind the switch to an electric car is really taking a new turn as events in the Middle East, particularly with Iran, are having a huge impact on British motorists.

As the USA and Israel continue with their war campaign, the UK has experienced some notable increases at the pumps, with petrol and diesel prices now continuing to rise. With lasting geopolitical tensions pushing the underlying price of oil upwards, the reality of £2 a litre is making many British drivers think more carefully about their reliance on fossil fuels.

It isn’t just those operating a standard combustion vehicle. There are personal and business leasing customers in plug-in hybrid petrol, and diesel, vehicles who are now considering their vehicle selection in light of the recent events. Historically, the seismic world events simply meant that UK customers just had to pay more for their motoring solutions but with the continued growth of new, and used, all-electric vehicle solutions, this is now providing a way to avoid any oppressive penalties.

The PHEV, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, has been a popular middle ground for many UK customers. None more so with the business and fleet customers, who enjoy the enhanced BiK arrangements but with the pleasure and comfort of the combustion engine.

On the surface, the use of PHEV technology is not an issue. If you regularly charge a modern PHEV, you can operate on electric-only for around 10-20 miles or use the electric motor in conjunction with the engine to allow for enhanced MPG.

In the world of commercial vehicles and vans, having PHEV technology is still a really viable way of reducing our emissions and helping drivers to save money on their vehicles. However, the reality for many PHEV drivers is that regular charging is not always carried out when there is the obvious comfort of the engine.

Reports of PHEVs being returned to finance and leasing companies with the charging cables still in their packaging is a point of concern. The difficulty is that many of us are time poor and will look for the easiest solutions. Without home or business charging infrastructure, it is likely we will utilise the fuel pumps and not engage with the electrification aspect of the PHEV.

However, with rising fuel costs, the use of the combustion element may make some leasing customers think carefully about how they use their PHEV and whether or not this will continue to be their choice moving forwards.

With more affordable charge points for home, along with better provision for those who struggle to charge at home, opening up the cheaper cost of electricity over petrol or diesel is a big win for many UK homes. The cost of living continues to increase, and how we use our vehicles will impact this budget quite heavily.

When you consider that many overnight charging tariffs still allow vehicles like the BMW iX3 to be fully-charged for around £10 (giving 375 miles), the EV vs combustion debate becomes interesting. While the foreign conflicts and campaigns are likely to affect our electricity costs too, this is not going to push the cost per mile of an EV above 3 or 4 pence.

When you consider the 20 pence+ per mile for a combustion option, it becomes a matter of financial common sense. For the transition into EVs to work, objective metrics and common sense is absolutely what we need. UK customers need solid new and used EV solutions which deliver a reliable and enjoyable experience. This should never be about forcing UK citizens into one decision or another.

Latching onto the good new feeling about EVs, the BMW team have added yet another wonderful option to their seminal car – the BMW iX3.

This really is a car which has grabbed the headlines with its incredible battery and performance, along with the practical aesthetics and specification. Representing a huge turnaround for the German automotive giants, this mid-sized SUV is already planning to win many of the car awards in 2026.

Having launched in the 50 AWD format, the group are now releasing the 40 RWD battery configuration too. Starting at around £53,250, this is a £5,000 saving on the bigger battery model Much like the 50, the line-up will include:

•  iX3 standard - from £58,755 this includes 20” alloys, wireless charging, active guard, heated front seats, automatic tailgate, comfort access system, 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.

The iX3 40 is still the Neue Klass design with the striking road presence, iconic kidney glow and distinctive LED headlights. The panoramic roof with climate glass, customisable ambient lighting and 3D HUD are truly remarkable features. With pioneering elements like the operating system X, Panoramic Vision and integrated door handles, this EV will not disappoint!

How does the new iX3 40 perform?

40 - this RWD SUV will have an 82.3 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 5.9 seconds,124 mph top speeds and 235kW (or 315hp). Expect a combined winter range of 245 miles with warmer weather allowing for 340 miles – a 295 mile combined.

On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 9 hours 0 – 100% charging times with the 300 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 145 mpg. You can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 1500kg (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]