BMW\u2019s all-new iX3 has claimed top honors in one of the world\u2019s largest real-world EV range tests, traveling an impressive 485 miles (781 km) on a single charge. Yet the biggest surprise of the event may have come from a Chinese electric minivan that dramatically exceeded its official range rating.<\/p>\n
The results come from the latest summer edition of the \u201cEl Prix\u201d range test, conducted by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) and Motor magazine. Held twice annually, the test is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous real-world EV range evaluations because vehicles are driven until their batteries are fully depleted under identical road and weather conditions.<\/p>\n
BMW\u2019s Neue Klasse EV takes the crown<\/p>\n
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive, built on BMW\u2019s new Neue Klasse platform, delivered the longest range of any vehicle in the 2026 summer test<\/a>, reaching 781 km (485 miles) before stopping. The result slightly exceeded the SUV\u2019s official WLTP range rating, outperforming the manufacturer\u2019s claim by approximately 1.5%.<\/p>\n The performance reinforces BMW\u2019s ambitious claims about the Neue Klasse architecture, which combines an 800-volt electrical system, sixth-generation battery technology<\/a>, and improved efficiency. The iX3<\/a> carries a usable battery capacity of 108.7 kWh and supports charging speeds up to 400 kW, allowing rapid long-distance travel.<\/p>\n While the BMW topped this year\u2019s rankings, it did not surpass the all-time El Prix record set by the Lucid Air during the 2025 summer test, when the luxury sedan traveled 517 miles (832 km).<\/p>\n The real winner may be Xpeng<\/p>\n However, range alone does not make the El Prix test valuable. EV Evolution<\/a> notes that one of the event\u2019s most closely watched metrics is how closely real-world results match official WLTP ratings. By that measure, the standout performer was the Xpeng X9.<\/p>\n The Chinese electric MPV traveled 646 km (401 miles) despite carrying an official WLTP rating of 580 km (360 miles). That translates to an 11.4% improvement over its stated range, the largest positive deviation recorded in this year\u2019s test.<\/p>\n For consumers, that figure may be even more meaningful than absolute distance. It suggests the vehicle consistently delivers better real-world efficiency than its official certification suggests.<\/p>\n