50 thousand customers have ordered a BMW iX3 without test-driving it or even touching it first

The new BMW iX3 is establishing itself as a genuine commercial success, a reality we had already flagged on several occasions in previous posts here at HighMotor. Unveiled in September 2025, the first model of BMW’s Neue Klasse has already accumulated more than 50 thousand orders in Europe, according to figures revealed by the Bavarian manufacturer itself during its annual results conference.

The truth is that the brand’s chief, Oliver Zipse, had previously anticipated that demand was far exceeding the company’s forecasts, but until now the exact number of orders received had not been specified.

To meet this high level of demand, BMW has recently added a second shift at its Hungarian plant in Debrecen, from whose assembly line come all the units that will subsequently be sold across every corner of Europe. This plant, designed specifically for electric vehicles, has a maximum production capacity of 150 thousand units a year, which will be reached once it is running at full capacity.

Full confidence in the brand

It is particularly striking that the vast majority of these 50 thousand orders were placed entirely blind, without customers having had the chance to sit behind the wheel of the vehicle, or even see it in person rather than only in published photos or videos. Although series production began at the end of October 2025, the first deliveries to European customers were made only a few days ago, so dealerships did not yet have demonstration units when most of these orders were placed.

It should also be noted that we are talking about 50 thousand firm orders with confirmed delivery dates, not simple reservations that only require a deposit of several hundred euros, refundable in most cases.

Currently, the iX3 accounts for a third of all sales of BMW electric models in Europe. A real achievement, especially considering that initially only the 50 xDrive version, sitting at the very top of the range, is being sold. According to the Bavarian manufacturer, a more affordable version with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive to choose from will also be available by the end of this year.

Launch of the iX3 in the United States

Finally, it should be noted that following the recent start of iX3 deliveries in Europe, the commercialisation of this electric SUV in the United States is scheduled to begin next summer. The 50 xDrive version promises an EPA range of around 400 miles – roughly 640 km – in that market, while its charging power will reach 400 kW; making it possible to increase the charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 21 minutes. The starting price in the US market will be around 60 thousand dollars.

Initially, units destined for the North American market will be exported from Hungary, but BMW plans to start local production at its San Luis Potosí plant, in Mexico, from next year onwards to optimise logistics and costs.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverBMW iX32 versions · from 62,900 €