BMW iX3 Gets Its Passport Revoked, Won’t Be Coming To America After All

BMW teased the production version of the iX3 last week, but the company also revealed the model won’t be coming to America.

Automotive News reports the iX3 was originally going to go on sale in the United States in the first half of 2021, but that’s not happening anymore as the company has now confirmed the model is “not currently planned for the U.S. market.”

BMW didn’t elaborate on the change, but dealers were reportedly told about the decision in January. While automaker is staying tight-lipped, one dealer told the publication the iX3 wasn’t worth bringing to America unless it had a range of at least 300 miles (483 km).

Also Read: Production BMW iX3 Revealed, Appears To Retain KIAntroversial Grille

That, of course, wasn’t going to happen as the 74 kWh battery pack is only projected to give the iX3 a range in excess of 273 miles (440 km) in the WLTP cycle. There’s no word on what the EPA range would have been, but they’re typically shorter than WLTP estimates.

For example, the Porsche Taycan Turbo has 280 miles (450 km) of range under the WLTP but the EPA figure is a disappointing 201 miles (323 km). Likewise, the updated 2020 Audi e-tron 55 Quattro has a WLTP rating of 271 miles (436 km) while the EPA says it’s 222 miles (357 km).

That suggests the iX3 might have been shelved in the United States as it was seen as a potential “underperformer.” However, that’s not official and it remains unclear if the decision to go rear-wheel drive only also played a factor.

Despite missing out the iX3, Americans can still look forward to the i4 and iNext.