BMW i3 and iX5 – Launch Offers in Switzerland, Germany and Austria Compared.

The Neue Klasse and its technology have arrived in two models that matter enormously to BMW: the electric 3 Series and the first fully electric X5. We have gathered the prices and launch offers in the three DACH markets and show where getting in early pays off.

BMW i3 (NA0): Earlier Order Start Due to Strong Demand

The electric saloon was originally meant to become orderable in autumn. Due to evidently strong customer demand, BMW brought the order start forward to 18 June 2026. The first version available is a First Edition based on the i3 50 xDrive, sold exclusively through BMW dealers.

Technically, the i3 is identical in all three markets. The electric all-wheel drive of the i3 50 xDrive delivers 345 kW (469 hp) and 645 Nm. The battery holds 108.7 kWh and the WLTP range is up to 906 km. Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the i3 charges at up to 400 kW and adds up to 423 km of range in ten minutes. The base model without First Edition extras achieves up to 912 km in ideal conditions.

What the First Edition Includes

The First Edition comes as standard with the M Sport package, including the M aerodynamics package, blue M Sport brakes and a mirror projection with the M logo. Inside, it features the exclusive BMW M interior design in Veganza and black M PerformTex; outside, the Iconic Glow exterior package. In Switzerland, according to Automobil Revue, the automatic tailgate, a heated steering wheel, front multifunction seats and the Innovation package with three-zone climate control, 3D head-up display and Harman Kardon hi-fi system are also included. Six exterior colours are available for the First Edition.

i3 Sedan Prices at a Glance

• Switzerland: i3 50 xDrive from CHF 73,300, First Edition CHF 84,500 (both already orderable)

• Germany: i3 50 xDrive from EUR 65,900 (at the official autumn launch), First Edition EUR 75,340

• Austria: i3 50 xDrive from EUR 65,900, First Edition from EUR 75,242

Cheaper variants have already been announced. Auto motor und sport expects a 40 base model with 235 kW (320 hp) and rear-wheel drive at around EUR 58,000. If you don't need all-wheel drive, waiting may pay off.

BMW iX5 (G65): The First Electric X5 Opens for Orders on 8 October

The iX5 is the electric version of the fifth-generation X5. Order books for the X5 50e xDrive, X5 M60e xDrive and iX5 60 xDrive open on 8 October 2026. Combustion and mild-hybrid models reach dealers in 2026, while the plug-in hybrid and the iX5 follow in early 2027. A hydrogen version has been announced for 2028.

The key figures are impressive. Two electric motors deliver a combined 425 kW (578 hp) and take the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The battery has a net capacity of 141 kWh, with a WLTP range of up to 845 km. At a DC charger, the iX5 charges at up to 460 kW, going from 10 to 80 percent in 23 minutes. With a towing capacity of 2.7 tonnes, it ranks second in this discipline behind the electric Cayenne.

Standard Equipment

Unlike the i3, there is no First Edition for the iX5 so far. The base specification is already generous, though: a panoramic roof, soft-close doors and adaptive suspension are standard. For the first time in a BMW, a passenger display is available as an option. The boot offers 655 to 1,850 litres, plus a 53-litre compartment under the bonnet.

iX5 Prices at a Glance

• Switzerland: iX5 60 xDrive from CHF 114,900, orders from October 2026, market launch early 2027

• Germany: iX5 60 xDrive from EUR 102,800, orders from 8 October 2026, market launch early 2027

• Austria: prices not yet published, orders from October 2026, market launch early 2027

In Switzerland, the X5 40d xDrive starts at CHF 106,100 and the X5 50e plug-in hybrid at CHF 115,500. This makes the electric X5 cheaper in Switzerland than the base petrol model, which starts at CHF 116,100. In Germany, the iX5 60 xDrive and X5 50e xDrive both cost EUR 102,800.

Launch Offers by Country

Switzerland: Swiss Bonus and EV Leasing

Swiss list prices are not the final word: BMW Switzerland explicitly quotes its prices before deduction of the BMW Swiss Bonus. There is currently also a leasing campaign for electric models: 1.9 percent leasing when buying a fully electric BMW. Customers who also take out BMW vehicle insurance and payment protection insurance against unemployment get an effective annual rate of 0.9 percent. The campaign runs from 1 July to 30 September 2026 at participating partners, with a 48-month term and 10,000 km per year.

Important: This campaign ends on 30 September. Whether the i3 is included and which conditions apply from October should be checked directly with your BMW partner. For the iX5, dedicated conditions are likely to be announced at the order start.

Germany: Government Bonus and Company Car Advantage

In Germany, the state is the main factor. The purchase bonus for electric cars was reintroduced retroactively from January 2026. Battery-electric cars receive a base subsidy of EUR 3,000, with up to EUR 6,000 possible in total. The requirement is a taxable household income of no more than EUR 80,000 per year, rising by EUR 5,000 per child under 18, up to a maximum of EUR 10,000. The subsidy applies to private individuals only.

For business customers, company car taxation is what counts, and here there is an interesting difference between the i3 and iX5. The 0.25 percent rule only applies to battery-electric cars with a gross list price of up to EUR 100,000 acquired between 1 July 2025 and 31 December 2030. Above that, the monthly rate rises to 0.5 percent. Even as a First Edition, the i3 clearly qualifies for the favourable rule. The iX5, however, exceeds the threshold even without options, and factory-fitted options count towards the gross list price. For company car drivers, that is a real cost factor with the iX5.

In addition, newly registered electric cars are exempt from vehicle tax for up to ten years from first registration, until 31 December 2035 at the latest.

Austria: NoVA-Exempt, but with a Deadline

In Austria, fully electric cars are exempt from NoVA (the standard consumption tax). This applies equally to the i3 and iX5. However, since 1 April 2025, the engine-related insurance tax has also been levied on electric motors. It is based on kerb weight and 30-minute continuous power output, which makes a noticeable difference for the heavy iX5.

For company cars, there is a key date. According to EY, a benefit-in-kind of EUR 0 applies to EVs until the end of 2026, with 0.375 percent planned from January 2027. A company car driver taking over an i3 in 2026 falls under a different regime than one receiving an iX5 delivered in 2027. For input VAT deduction, the so-called luxury threshold applies: above EUR 80,000 in acquisition costs, no input VAT can be deducted. Partial deduction is therefore possible for the i3, but not for the iX5 as things stand. On top of that, the eco investment allowance amounts to 22 percent for acquisitions between 1 November 2025 and 31 December 2026.

With the i3, getting in early pays off mainly for fans who want the M package and top equipment anyway: the First Edition bundles much of it at a fair premium. Those looking to save should wait for the base model or the announced 40 variants. In Germany and Austria, subsidies and tax rules argue for a decision this year.

For the iX5, Switzerland is the most interesting market, as the electric model is cheaper there than the base petrol version. In Germany, it narrowly misses the EUR 100,000 threshold for the 0.25 percent rule, which matters for company car drivers. For Austria, we are still waiting for official prices at the order start on 8 October. We'll keep you posted.

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