BMW iX3 Outsells Porsche, Audi and Mercedes Electric SUVs in U.S. Debut

The BMW iX3 represents the start of a new era for the German automaker. It launched the design language and platform that will be mirrored across multiple other BMWs, making it a particularly pivotal model for the brand. Initial sales of the iX3 have been strong in overseas markets, but it only went on sale in the U.S. late in the third quarter. Thanks to a new EV sales report from Cox Automotive, we have our first look at how the iX3 has performed in the U.S., and it’s already outselling a few key rivals in the luxury EV segment.

iX3 Off To Strong Start

2027 BMW iX3

BMW

In the third quarter of 2026, BMW sold 1,101 iX3 SUVs. That’s an impressive figure when you consider the fact that deliveries of the iX3 only began in September, so it was not even available for most of the third quarter. The iX3 outsold the i5 (720), i7 (464), and discontinued iX (121) last quarter. The only BMW EV to outsell the iX3 last quarter was the i4, with 2,539 units sold.

More importantly, the iX3’s strong start puts it ahead of several key rivals. Here’s a look at its Q3 sales versus key competitors in the electric luxury SUV segment.


Model	Q3 Sales (U.S.)
BMW iX3	1,101
Porsche Macan EV	1,023
Audi Q6 e-tron	810
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric	341
Genesis Electrified GV70	163
Volvo EX60	137

None of these rivals, which are a good match for the iX3 in terms of size and performance, outsold the iX3 in the third quarter. That’s despite most of them being more established nameplates that have been on sale for longer.

If the iX3 continues at this rate, it may even outsell cheaper electric SUVs like the Lexus RZ (2,400 units sold in Q3).

BMW iX3 Lineup Set For Expansion

BMW iX3 M60

BMW

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The iX3’s strong start came despite the fact that it’s only available in one trim level in the U.S., that being the 50 xDrive. This model produces 463 horsepower and has a range of up to 434 miles on a full charge, although it has exceeded 600 miles in some tests.

Next year, the high-performance iX3 M60 will arrive. This model will produce 603 hp from dual motors and sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds. It’s not expected to match the 50 xDrive’s 434-mile range, but the same 800-volt technology will allow for ultra-fast charging at up to 400 kW.

Both iX3 variants feature the brand’s Neue Klasse design with a narrower grille and cleaner lines. The Panoramic iDrive system dominates the tech-heavy interior, and the materials are nicer than in the gas-powered iX3. The iX3 was deemed competent enough to win the World Car of the Year title in 2026.

Why It Matters

2026 BMW iX3

BMW

The iX3 sets the scene for other electric Neue Klasse BMWs like the i3 sedan. It’s a model that simply had to succeed, and early sales figures in the U.S. suggest it will. It’s already outselling Porsche and Audi models that have been around for longer, and it’s also ahead of new arrivals from Volvo and Mercedes-Benz. BMW looks likely to retain the U.S. luxury sales crown in 2026, and the iX3 could become one of the models that helps the brand maintain that lead in 2027.