BMW iX3 - familiar and safe in an electric package

The BMW iX3 is an electrified version of the popular internal combustion engine-powered X3.

There are very few external differences between the combustion-engined X3 and the electric iX3, and swapping a pure electric powertrain for a body style designed for an internal combustion engine has rarely worked for all-electric cars. In the case of the iX3, the work of the engineers is very little visible externally, but driving and using the car reveals an excellent all-electric car under the skin.

Despite its model name and SUV-like appearance, the all-electric iX3 is currently only available as a rear-wheel drive version. Rear-wheel drive has always been one of the Bavarian brand’s trademarks, so a conscious choice of drive mode, even for an SUV, is not a leap into the unknown for the brand.

the iX3’s electric powertrain conceals a single 210-kilowatt electric motor and a 74-kWh battery pack. The single-speed automatic transmission offers D and B gears up front, with the latter being driven entirely by single-pedal tactics.

As long as you remember to drive proactively, the car’s energy recovery is efficient enough to bring the car to a complete stop without having to press the brake pedal. Despite the winter weather, driving the rear-wheel drive iX3 is effortless.

In terms of performance, the iX3 does not match the acceleration of many other more powerful two-engined electric cars. iX3 is not exactly slow with its 6.8 second zero to 60 acceleration. However, there are much faster and more efficient models in this size range, and even acceleration times below four seconds.

It’s all about quality

BMW is one of the only brands in its price range that has managed to maintain genuine quality in terms of materials, usability and driveability. iX3 is another excellent example of this from BMW.

the iX3 is by no means the most exciting or even the most interesting model in terms of driveability and design, but it is an excellent choice for those seeking assured good quality. iX3’s interior materials are clearly of a higher quality than those of its competitors. iDrive systems and the interior are familiar to those who have driven internal combustion models, but the iX3 does not offer the same fireworks of new technology and design as its big brother, the iX.

For a car of its size, the iX3 feels stiff, sturdy and even agile. It has a turning radius of around 12 metres. The standard panoramic glass roof with opening roof window creates space in the cabin.

The starting price of just over EUR 74 000 is quite high, but even for a BMW, the iX3 includes practically everything you need. The only more expensive equipment that can be added to the list of options are laser headlights, an electrically operated tow hook and an adaptive chassis. Otherwise, the standard equipment list covers almost everything BMW has to offer.

The M Sport equipment package, which adds a youthful touch to many BMW models, even those that are a little unsporty, always comes as standard on the new iX3.

Commendable charging curves and reasonable operating ranges

the iX3’s charging curve with the quick charger proved to be good to say the least. We arrived at the charger at the end of a light city drive, when the outside temperature was three degrees below zero and the battery had 8% charge.

At eight percent, charging started at 54 kilowatts, rising to 79 kilowatts at 20 percent and reaching a peak of 112 kilowatts at around 30 percent. Charging power remained at 90 kilowatts up to 55% charge, making the iX3 a very effortless way to travel with fast charging even in light frosts.

The long-term average on the car’s consumption meter showed 22.6 kWh/100 km at an average speed of 52 km/h. In the consumption test at an average speed of 100 km/h, the car used 21.4 kWh/100 km, which allows for a calculated range of about 350 km on a full battery, a good result considering the size of the car and the weather conditions.

unfortunately, the iDrive system does not provide much support for electric driving and the functions are very much on a par with those of an internal combustion engine car. When you enter a destination into the graphically dated-looking sat nav, you’d hope the car would at least show you an estimate of how much charge you have. This would be very helpful, especially when planning longer journeys and charging stops. Exploring the menus and settings, the adjustment options seemed to be woefully limited in this respect.

In terms of drivability, the iX3 is largely a safe, familiar BMW. Although it must also be said that the ride quality cannot be described as very sporty, which is probably partly explained by the loose conditions and winter tyres. The optional equipment list includes an adaptive M Sport chassis for a reasonable price of €500.

The BMW iX3 is in many respects an excellent and practical all-electric model, and the car also copes well with the fast charging needs of those who need to cover longer distances. Those looking for more excitement and the latest new technology should also look at other models before deciding to buy, as the iX3 is in many respects a familiar and safe BMW, and especially a high-quality BMW, but without the big wow factor.