Few cars are more significant than today’s test subject, the BMW iX3.
The first of a brand new generation of electric cars for the German car maker, this electric SUV is possibly its most important model in our battery-powered era.
The iX3 is the inaugural car to arrive as part of BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, which will house six new electric cars by 2028. Another model set to join the SUV is the new electric 3 Series saloon.
The ethos of Neue Klasse doesn’t stop there. Defined by effective, modern software, the iX3 could rewrite the new-car rulebook, if it lives up to the hype.
But does it? We’ve driven it ahead of its arrival, so read on to find out…
While most BMW cars today share platforms across internal combustion and electric models, the iX3 ushers in a brand new, bespoke electric car platform. BMW says this is because the higher anticipated sales volumes make a bespoke platform a worthy investment.
The iX3 is powered by a huge 108kWh battery pack, which uses cylindrical cells with 20% stronger energy density. Its driving range is the headline figure, with up to 804km (500 miles) on a single charge. Charging is equally impressive, with speeds of up to 400kW.
At 4.78m long, the iX3 is comparable in length to the existing BMW 3 Series. Despite its SUV appearance, its 1.64m height allows it to be considered a tall estate car.
For this new generation, the iX3 uses BMW’s Neue Klasse design language. That includes a new, upright kidney grille at the front, along with sleek headlights.
The rear has been completely redesigned, too. Certainly, many won’t take to the new design, but we think it works in person and helps the iX3 stand out among its competitors.
Inside, the most obvious departure from the interiors of older BMWs is the new Panoramic iDrive system, which measures 17.9 inches wide.
It projects the instruments onto a wide strip along the bottom of the windscreen. Consequently, there are no dials visible through the steering wheel.
This setup is similar to Peugeot's i-Cockpit, although it is more effective here. The instruments are positioned higher, and being projected, they benefit from a longer focal length
The cabin is clean, with minimal buttons, which is not ideal from a usability point of view. There are, however, window and mirror switches on the door armrest and a small scattering of drive essentials in the centre, but the rest is housed in the touchscreen.
That includes features such as temperature adjustment and even air vent direction, and power level. Generally, we think this screen is tasked with too much, and the font size is almost too small in some cases.
Material quality is generally good, but there is some indication of cost-saving around the cabin. This includes some scratchy plastics in the lower and rear of the interior.
The driving position is ideal for most, although some may miss BMW’s bum-on-floor adjustment, which can’t be helped owing to the position of the battery.
Rear legroom is strong, with plenty of space for children and adults, although a Tesla Model Y offers more cavernous levels of space. Rear passengers can make use of two USB-C ports, plus two cup holders found in the fold-down armrest.
The BMW iX3 offers a practical storage solution with a 520-litre boot, which can be expanded to 1,750 litres by folding the rear seats. Additionally, it features a 58-litre front boot (frunk), perfect for stowing charging cables.
Let’s get to driving. There is just one model available from launch: the iX3 50 xDrive.
More are yet to come, but this is the only variant we’ve driven so far. It is driven by two electric motors, with 322bhp produced at the rear, and 165bhp at the front.
In total, 462bhp is available - and it helps the iX3 hit 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 4.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 209km/h (130mph)
Power is delivered smoothly and swiftly, with the potency expected of a high-performance electric SUV. BMW also states that 98% of all braking can be achieved through regeneration, rather than actually pressing the brake pedal, which enhances efficiency.
Despite its 2285kg kerbweight, the iX3 steers smoothly and has no trouble shifting itself around corners. Body control is well-balanced, and the SUV is truly capable in the corners.
It’s comfortable too, if slightly veering on the side of firm, but any discomfort is ironed out swiftly on faster roads.
BMW claims an economy figure of 16.8 kWh/100km, or around 3.7-4.1mpkWh. That means in real-world conditions, you should see north of 640km (400 miles), which is seriously impressive.
Our tests weren’t long enough to produce a reliable economy figure, but we’d anticipate you won’t be disappointed.
Our impressions of the iX3 are very positive, some ergonomic foibles aside. It’s comfortable, very easy to drive and highly capable.
Its range figure will be tough for most of its rivals to beat. That said, it’s frustrating to have to keep pointing out that touchscreens are overburdened, but it’s not something we can ignore.
Overall, the iX3 proves to be a capable and impressive car. This performance is encouraging not just for the iX3 itself, but also for the upcoming i3, which is anticipated within a year and is expected to be lower, lighter, and more dynamic.
