BMW iX3 AWD Electric or similar | Long Range |Automatic | 4×4

_{^{Last updated: June 2026 | Reviewed by the Hertz Iceland Team}}

The BMW iX3 is a fully electric, long-range 4×4 SUV available with Hertz Iceland as a comparable-class model (you’ll receive this iX3 or an equivalent in the same class). It’s well suited to the Ring Road and main paved routes — but not recommended for the Highlands or F-roads, since charging infrastructure doesn’t extend into those areas.

BMW iX3 Rental in Iceland: Electric Long-Range AWD SUV Guide

The BMW iX3 is a fully electric 4×4 SUV that brings long-range performance and fast charging to Iceland’s roads. Part of the Luxury Fleet, it suits travellers who want a premium, zero-emission driving experience on Iceland’s main routes — from Reykjavík city driving to extended Ring Road journeys, supported by Iceland’s growing public charging network.

Is the BMW iX3 Good for Driving in Iceland?

Yes, with some planning. The BMW iX3 is an excellent electric option for driving in Iceland’s main routes, especially for travellers comfortable planning around charging stops.

• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Dual electric motors drive all four wheels independently, giving you confident traction on gravel roads, wet tarmac, and icy winter conditions across the island.
• Real-World Space: A couple driving the Ring Road with 2–3 suitcases plus camera gear will find the boot and rear seats comfortable.
• Exceptional Range for Long-Distance Touring: At up to 805 km WLTP, the iX3 can handle full Ring Road days without interruption. Most single driving days in Iceland are under 300–350 km, meaning you will rarely need to charge more than once per day.
• Range & Charging: Rated up to 805 km (500 miles) WLTP, with 10–80% charging in about 21 minutes on a compatible 400kW charger. Real-world winter range will be noticeably lower than the rated figure — cold weather and cabin heating reduce EV range
• Performance: The dual-motor AWD setup delivers 463 hp and 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds, with confident handling on Iceland’s paved roads and main gravel stretches.
• Cabin Comfort: A spacious, tech-forward cabin with a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and BMW Panoramic Vision display spanning the windshield base, plus heated seats for long driving days
• Premium Interior Comfort: Heated front seats, panoramic iDrive infotainment, tri-zone climate control, and ambient lighting make long driving days genuinely enjoyable.
• Safety Tech: Advanced driver-assistance features support safer, less tiring long-distance drives.

Whether you are tracing the South Coast to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, navigating the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or taking the long route through the East Fjords, the BMW iX3 handles Iceland’s distances and conditions with ease.

Hertz Iceland: Locally Operated Since 1971

As Iceland’s premier local experts for over 50 years, we combine international standards with deep-rooted knowledge of Icelandic terrain. Rent with the authority that knows every road and weather pattern since 1971.

When Is the BMW iX3 the Right Choice?

• Summer (May–September): Ideal for Ring Road journeys and Golden Circle day trips where charging stops are easy to plan around longer daylight hours and well-served charging stations.
• Winter (October–April): Suitable for [[Link to Winter Driving Guide]] on Iceland’s main roads, though expect reduced range in cold temperatures — plan charging stops with more buffer than in summer.

⚠️ Not ideal if:

• You plan to drive into the Icelandic Highlands or on F-roads (e.g., Landmannalaugar or Þórsmörk). Charging infrastructure does not extend to these areas, and this vehicle is not suited for highland conditions.
• You want a guaranteed specific vehicle — the iX3 is booked as an “or similar” category, not a guaranteed model.
• You’re planning a remote, multi-day itinerary far from charging infrastructure without flexibility to plan stops.

Rental Requirements & Restrictions

• Minimum Age: 23 years old.
• License: Valid driving license held for a minimum of 1 year. An International Driving Permit (IDP) / International Driving License (IDL) is required if your national driving license is not in Roman script.
• Payment: Valid credit card under main renter’s name is required.
• F-Road Policy: NOT Allowed. The BMW iX3 is not suited for F-roads (Highland tracks) — both due to vehicle policy and the lack of charging infrastructure in these areas.

Inside the BMW iX3

Step inside the BMW iX3 and you enter a cabin that feels genuinely ahead of its time. Where traditional luxury SUVs layer on chrome and stitched leather, the iX3 takes a different approach — clean surfaces, sustainable materials, and a digital-first interior that puts everything at your fingertips without visual clutter.

The centrepiece is a 17.9-inch central touchscreen paired with BMW Panoramic Vision, a display strip that runs the full width of the windshield base, surfacing speed, navigation, and driving data without pulling your eyes off Iceland’s roads. Whether you’re watching the Northern Lights from a layby on the Ring Road or navigating through Reykjavík, the cabin feels like a quiet command centre.

Heated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and whisper-quiet electric running make long driving days significantly more comfortable than in a combustion vehicle. At highway speed on Iceland’s Ring Road, the near-silence of electric drive changes the experience entirely — you hear the wind, the road, and very little else.

Rear passengers get generous legroom and the same sense of premium space, making the iX3 a practical choice for two couples or a family travelling with younger children. Ambient lighting adjusts to the mood — bright for Iceland’s endless summer evenings, subdued for moody winter afternoons on the South Coast.

BMW iX3 Specifications at a Glance

Why Rent a BMW iX3 in Iceland with Hertz Iceland?

• Brand New Fleet: The iX3 is one of the newest models in our fleet — you’ll be driving the latest-generation Neue Klasse BMW with cutting-edge technology and full warranty coverage.
• Comprehensive Insurance Options: Drive with confidence by choosing from our full range of insurance coverage for complete peace of mind on Icelandic roads.
• 100% Electric, Zero Compromise: Rent the most environmentally responsible option in the premium SUV segment without sacrificing range, comfort, or performance.
• Trusted by Travellers Worldwide: Our experienced local team has been welcoming visitors to Iceland since 1971, with flexible rental policies and dedicated support throughout your trip.
• Convenient Pick-Up & Drop-Off: Collect your iX3 at Keflavík International Airport — inside the arrival hall — or at any of our 11 locations across Iceland.

Charging the BMW iX3 in Iceland: Everything You Need to Know

Iceland’s EV charging network has expanded significantly and now supports comfortable full-island touring in a long-range electric vehicle like the iX3. Here is what to know before you drive.

The network: Over 450 fast-charging ports (50 kW+) are distributed along the Ring Road and Golden Circle, located at N1 and Orkan fuel stations, major supermarkets (Krónan, Bónus), public car parks, and most hotels and guesthouses across the country.

The iX3 advantage: With 400 kW peak DC charging capability and 800-volt architecture, the iX3 charges faster than the vast majority of EVs currently on Iceland’s roads. A session from 10–80% takes approximately 20–25 minutes at a compatible fast charger.

Apps to download before you land:

• ON Power — Iceland’s largest charging network, with coverage across the Ring Road and all major towns
• Ísorka — strong coverage in smaller towns and regional areas
• N1 / E1 (Orkan) — look for the orange Hraðhleðsla (Fast Charging) signs for the highest speeds

Overnight charging: Most hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals in Iceland now offer Type-2 destination charging. Plug in when you check in and wake up to a full battery — the most convenient charging strategy for multi-day touring.

Winter note: Cold weather reduces battery range in any EV. In Iceland’s winter months, we recommend planning charging stops at 60–70% rather than waiting until low battery, particularly on the stretch between Vík and Höfn, which is the longest gap between major charging points on the Ring Road (approximately 270 km).

History of BMW

BMW, which stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke, was founded in 1917 through a merger of several German companies including Rapp Motorenwerke and Bayerische Flugzeugwerke. In its earliest years, the company focused on aircraft engines, railway brakes, and farm equipment, contributing to both World War efforts.

BMW’s transition into passenger vehicles began in 1928, though it was not until the 1960s that the brand truly found its identity. The launch of the Neue Klasse range of sports sedans defined the direction BMW would take for decades: high-performance, driver-focused vehicles that didn’t compromise on luxury or style. From that point forward, BMW grew into one of the world’s most respected automotive manufacturers.

Hiring a BMW IX3 rental in Iceland means getting behind the wheel of a true icon.

Rental Locations

Hertz Iceland offers a network of convenient pick-up and drop-off locations across the country, making it easy to start your BMW IX3 rental car wherever your journey begins. 

Frequently Asked Questions – BMW iX3 Electric Rental in Iceland

• • What is the real-world range of the BMW iX3 in Iceland?
    The BMW iX3 50 xDrive features advanced Neue Klasse technology, delivering a WLTP range of up to 805 km. In Iceland’s real-world conditions—including gravel roads, variable speeds, and colder temperatures—you can expect a practical range of 550–650 km in summer and 400–500 km in the colder winter months. This is still more than enough to cover a full day of Ring Road driving on a single charge.

• • Where can I charge the BMW iX3 in Iceland?
    Iceland has an excellent infrastructure with over 450 public fast-charging ports located along the Ring Road and Golden Circle. The primary charging networks are ON Power and Ísorka, with stations placed at N1 and Orkan stops, major supermarkets (like Bónus and Krónan), and most regional accommodations. We highly recommend downloading the ON Power and Ísorka mobile apps before your arrival to easily locate and activate chargers.

• • Is the BMW iX3 suitable for Iceland’s roads in winter?
    Yes, absolutely. The iX3 50 xDrive utilizes a powerful dual-motor AWD system that provides exceptional traction and safety on snow and ice. Furthermore, your rental will be fitted with premium winter tyres during the required winter season. Because cold weather can naturally reduce electric battery range, we simply advise planning your charging stops slightly closer together on longer winter routes.

• • Can I drive the BMW iX3 on F-roads?
    No. The BMW iX3 is a premium electric SUV but it is not permitted on Highland F-roads or any unbridged river crossings, as these tracks require specialized high-clearance combustion 4x4s. It is completely approved for all paved highways and designated regional gravel roads, including common routes like 35 and 550.
    
    Pro Tip: The Hertz Iceland Difference – If your travel plans require tackling rugged highland interior F-roads, our team can guide you toward an appropriate high-clearance alternative from our comprehensive 4×4 lineup instead.

• • Where do I pick up the car at KEF airport?
    Hertz Iceland is proudly one of the few car rental companies with a dedicated service desk located directly inside the Keflavík Airport (KEF) arrivals hall. You will find us immediately as you exit customs. You can walk straight to our counter, complete your paperwork, and collect your keys without needing to wait outside in the elements or take a crowded airport shuttle bus.
    
    Pro Tip: The Hertz Iceland Difference – Take full advantage of our Prime Location; because our desk is directly inside the terminal and our vehicles are parked just steps away, you can transition seamlessly from baggage claim to the open road.

• • Who offers the newest rental cars in Iceland?
    Hertz Iceland is dedicated to providing premium quality and safety. The BMW iX3 Neue Klasse is one of the latest additions to our luxury electric selection.
    
    Pro Tip: The Hertz Iceland Difference – When you book with us, you are guaranteed a vehicle from our Newer, Reliable Fleet. Every single car we operate is under 2 years old and kept at low mileage, meaning you get access to the freshest automotive tech, pristine battery health, and peak mechanical reliability.

• • What about insurance and support?
    We offer a comprehensive selection of localized insurance options at the time of booking or directly at our service counter during pickup. This includes specialized coverage tailored to Iceland’s environment, such as Gravel Protection and Sand & Ash protection, which helps reduce your financial liability.
    
    Pro Tip: The Hertz Iceland Difference – No matter where your electric road trip takes you, you can drive without worry knowing you are fully backed by our extensive Nationwide Support network. Premium customer service and local assistance are always just a quick phone call away.