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News, buying guides and owner reviews relevant to this model.
BMW iX3 Becomes the First Car Rated Under ANCAP's New 2026-2028 Regime, Nails Five Stars
The BMW iX3 is the first vehicle assessed under ANCAP's tougher new Stages of Safety protocols and walked out with five stars. Pillar scores: 71% Safe Driving, 83% Crash Avoidance, 86% Crash Protection, 95% Post-Crash. Rating covers both the incoming $89,900 iX3 40 and the $109,900 iX3 50 xDrive, and is valid through December 2034. Lane departure system flagged by ANCAP as a standout. What the new framework changes, where the iX3 aced it and where it left points on the table, and why this is the first fresh-protocol five-star result on the FBT-friendly premium EV shortlist under the fuel-efficient LCT cap.
Mazda CX-5, BMW X3, MG S6 EV and Cupra Formentor All Score Five Stars With ANCAP
ANCAP hands maximum ratings to four family SUVs in a single sweep under its outgoing 2023-25 protocols. The all-new Mazda CX-5 posts a 93 per cent vulnerable road user score, the highest of any car tested in the entire 2023-25 protocol era. The MG S6 EV tops the batch for adult occupant protection at 92 per cent. The updated Cupra Formentor five-star result covers cars built from December 2025 onwards but excludes both the five-cylinder VZ5 and any four-cylinder ordered with the Extreme Package (the Sabelt bucket seats stop the centre airbag from fitting). BMW X3 (petrol G45) also confirmed at five stars, ratings apply to the current on-sale shape. Everything here sits under the older protocols, the tougher 2026 rules kicked in earlier this month and the BMW iX3 has become the first car to clear them.
2026 BMW iX3 40 Priced for Australia: $89,900 Rear-Drive Neue Klasse EV, 635km WLTP, Q4 Deliveries
BMW Australia opens the Neue Klasse iX3 range with the rear-drive iX3 40 at $89,900 before on-road costs, roughly $20,000 under the iX3 50 xDrive at $109,900 and, critically, beneath the fuel-efficient LCT cap so the novated-lease FBT exemption stays in play. Single rear motor: 235kW/500Nm, 0-100 in 5.9 seconds, top speed 200km/h. Same 82.6kWh usable pack as the 50, WLTP up to 635km, 800V architecture, DC charging peaks at 300kW with 10 to 80 per cent in 21 minutes and up to 300km added in a 10-minute stop. Standard kit matches the 50 xDrive: BMW Panoramic iDrive with Operating System X, panoramic glass roof, Harman Kardon audio, 20-inch wheels, comfort access, wireless charging, heated Veganza front seats with memory, Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus. 4,782mm long, 520L boot to 1,750L folded, 58L frunk. 5-year unlimited-km warranty, 8-year/160,000km battery. ANCAP not yet rated. Order books open now, first Australian customer deliveries Q4 2026.
BMW 8 Series head-to-head
Stack two models side-by-side. Price, range, towing, ANCAP and ownership cost in one view.