The BMW iX3 is the first in a new generation of cars from the Bavarian brand, developed under the ‘Neue Klasse’ tagline. The experience lives up to the hype. BMW’s ‘i’ sub-brand denoting an electric car has been around for a while and the X3 SUV around for longer.
The iX3 doesn’t need much of an introduction, but this new one warrants it. This is the second generation of iX3 and, unlike its predecessor, shares very little with the petrol, diesel or plug-in-hybrid BMW X3s also found in the same showroom.
Design and Interior
The modern exterior design can look odd from some angles in pictures, but is generally quite handsome – if colour and specification sensitive. Images don’t do the interior’s quality, tactility and specialness justice, so it’s best to see and feel it in person.
There’s loads of space inside for up to five adults, including a usefully flat floor in the back. The boot isn’t massive, but versatile enough for most people’s needs. It’s nothing like the cabin of the ‘other’ BMW X3, though that car hasn’t even been on sale for two years yet.
BMW calls the digital display strip running across the base of the entire windscreen the Panoramic Vision system and it really is something to behold, with rich graphics, full customisation and useful information right in the driver’s line of sight.
Performance
Even the entry-level version, called the iX3 40, musters a useful 320hp. But the dual-motor variant tested here makes up to 469hp and with all-wheel drive it can get that power down to the road without any difficulty, putting in a hot-hatch-like 4.9-second 0-100kph time.
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Racing away from the lights isn’t a priority for most buyers of premium SUVs, but drivers will appreciate the effortlessness of the performance, as there’s seemingly always more in reserve. Pulling out of busy junctions is a cinch, for example, as is joining a fast-moving motorway.
They will also find the iX3 a suitably capable and fun car to enjoy in the corners, should they happen upon an interesting and deserted backroad.
Efficiency
The dual-motor iX3 can supposedly top 806km between charges, which is astounding. What they found more impressive was that the car managed to keep energy consumption to below 15kWh/100km for most of their time with it, despite using energy-sapping air conditioning and not driving with economy in mind.
BMW won’t have the market to itself, of course, as there’s a new all-electric Mercedes GLC on the way, not to mention the Scandi-chic Volvo EX60.
BMW’s future looks bright, and increasingly battery powered.
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