Pricing: 2024 BMW iX1, iX3 & i4 EVs add sub-LCT models

BMW will add another three fully electric models to its Australian line-up by early 2024, taking the number of zero-emissions options in its local line-up to 12 – with pure EV options now available in six model lines.

Critically though, all three additions sneak in under Australia’s luxury car tax threshold, joining the single sub-LCT BMW EV offering currently on sale and totalling four affordable pure EV BMWs now costing less than $89,332.

Until now, only the iX1 xDrive30 escaped LCT loading with a before-on-roads price of $82,900 but the German carmaker has locked another variant of the iX1 line-up plus additions to the i4 and iX3 electric ranges.

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The iX1 in xDrive30 form

BMW iX1 eDrive20 priced from $78,990

Now BMW’s most affordable pure electric car, the iX1 eDrive20 is positioned alongside the $84,900 xDrive30 in the iX1 line-up.

The second of BMW’s small electric SUVs will arrive in the first quarter of 2024.

Despite the new iX1’s sub-LCT pricing, it gains a host of value-adding features including the latest version of BMW’s operating system OS9, which brings the company’s curved information and entertainment display as well as 18-inch alloy wheels, head-up display, all-LED lighting, wireless device charging and smartphone mirroring.

With up to 150kW and 247Nm fed to the front axle by a single motor, the iX1 eDrive20’s 64.7kWh battery can power the new variant to 100km/h from standstill in 8.6 seconds and has a maximum range of about 475km.

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The BMW i4 in eDrive40 form

BMW i4 eDrive35 priced from $85,900

Before that, BMW will add a second version of its i4 with the eDrive35 priced from $85,900 – introducing the first electric version of the four-door coupe that isn’t subject to LCT.

It joins a pair of existing electric i4 variants – the eDrive 40 M Sport and M50 which are upwards of $100,000. The third electric 4 Series will touch down late in 2023.

Joining the 4 Series family, the third pure electric i4 is the most affordable with the eDrive35 bringing a rear-drive layout like the circa $100,000 eDrive 40 M Sport version but with a reduced power output and spec.

Compared with the more potent version, it gets 210kW and 400Nm - still good for a zero-to-100km/h dash in 6.0 seconds while the 67kWh battery has enough power on a full charge for up to 430km.

Like the most affordable iX1, the i4 eDrive35 gets 18-inch alloy wheels, LED adaptive headlights, head-up display and among the highest level of technology and smartphone integration but adds to the standard specification highlights with sports seats, black roof liner and BMW’s Iconic Sounds.

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BMW iX3 M Sport priced from $89,100

Completing the trio of new sub-LCT electric BMWs will be a second iX3 variant in late 2023.

The $89,100 iX3 M Sport (an 'eDrive35' but not badged as such) will replace the current entry point of the electric X3 range, gaining the sportier M Sport Pro drivetrain – with a more affordable level of specification.

Its powertrain shares components with the new i4 variant including the same powertrain output 210kW and 400Nm, but with the additional SUV body weight, zero to 100km/h acceleration slows to 6.8s.

Standard equipment in the new iX3 M Sport variant includes 19-inch wheels, an M Sport body and interior package, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstered sports seats, adaptive suspension and metallic paint.