BMW iX3 is Top Gear’s 2026 Car of the Year

The new BMW iX3 has been crowned Top Gear Magazine’s 2026 Car of the Year. The prestigious accolade was presented to the first ‘Neue Klasse’ model at the publication’s annual awards ceremony, which celebrates the best cars launched over the past 12 months.

The BMW iX3 impressed judges with its all-new design, class-leading driving dynamics and the multitude of innovations it ushers for the brand.

Top Gear said the new iX3 “drives like a BMW ought to – not like a bulky EV crossover, or soulless digital first zombiemobile. BMW’s cars have always strived to be at the tip of mainstream excellence – the iX3 puts them back where they belong”.

Arriving in Ireland next March, the new iX3 is the start of BMW’s future Neue Klasse product portfolio, which will be incorporated into a total of 40 new models and model updates between now and 2027.

Priced from €73,925, the new iX3 will be available in Ireland in three trim levels: iX3, iX3 M Sport and iX3 M Sport Pro, each offering a comprehensive range of standard equipment.

Key standard features include 20-inch alloy wheels, under-bonnet storage, an electrically operated charging flap, heated front seats with electric adjustment, Driving Assistant Plus with automatic cruise control, and charging capabilities of 400 kW DC / 11kW AC.

According to BMW, the iX3 has a single-charge range of up to 805km and a maximum charging rate of 400 kW.

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive sits on a 108.7 kWh battery which is powered by two electric motors, which together generate an output of 469 hp and 645 Nm of torque. Zero to 100km/h takes 4.9 seconds while its top speed is 290km/h.