BMW iX3 review

When BMW launched the original BMW iX3 back in 2020, it did something different: delivered something that was the same. That's not a deep philosophical conundrum, by the way; it's obvious when you think about it. Lots of the electric vehicles (EVs) launched back then were radical looking and challenging norms. The iX3, on the other hand, was as familiar as a Big Mac. Sure, it was electric, but in most other respects it was like any other BMW X3.

It was a good car, too, if a little conventional. And it wasn't ground-breaking when it came to battery range and charging speeds, either. Times change, though, and today being good and conventional doesn't cut it. That's why BMW's gone radical with the latest version. Everything about this iX3 is new, and, we're told, pushes the envelope.  

New BMW iX3 video review

For a start, there's its looks. The exterior styling is completely different from every other current BMW, including the X3. It's all change inside, too, and not just the design but the technology on offer; the iX3 showcases BMW's next generation of iDrive, for example. And it sits on BMW's new ‘Neue Klasse’ underpinnings – a dedicated EV platform that will from the basis of its future electric models – incorporating the latest battery technology to enhance everyday usability.

In breaking with convention, BMW's aiming to take on, and beat, a crop of excellent premium electric alternatives, including the Audi Q6 e-tron and Tesla Model Y. The question is: has it succeeded?

What’s new?

- January 2026: BMW iX3 wins What Car? car of the year award

- March 2026: First UK deliveries take place.

- September 2025: iX3 on sale in the UK in 462bhp 50 xDrive form, with 108.7kWh battery, 400kW max charging rate, claimed 500-mile range.

- August 2025: Second-generation iX3 debuts; it’s BMW’s first Neue-Klasse model.

How fast is it and which motor is best?

Currently there’s only one version of the BMW iX3 (but cheaper versions are coming) and it’s badged the 50 xDrive. xDrive means there are two motors driving all four wheels and, with a total of 463bhp, it’ll officially cover 0-62mph in 4.9sec. That's faster than any regular Audi Q6 e-tron, and very similar to the Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive. 

The point is, it's very quick. A point you won't fail to notice yourself when you put your foot down. The 50 xDrive has loads of traction, so it fires off the line without hesitation and carries on accelerating hard thereafter. Other than the most potent performance cars, there are few things on the road that'll out-drag it. At motorway speeds, the front motor can be decoupled for more efficient driving but, even then, sudden bursts of power remain effortless.

Is it agile and is the ride comfortable?

The iX3 rides comfortably at both town and motorway speeds, even with the standard suspension (adaptive suspension is optional) and riding on big, extra-cost 22in wheels. It's not simply pillowy soft, though; it's more sophisticated than that, delivering comfort with control. It's more supple over speed bumps and potholes than the Model Y, and doesn’t suffer from the slow-speed brittleness that you feel in the Q6 e-tron. 

At the same time, the iX3's body movements are really well metered. So even if you find yourself driving down a particularly choppy country road, you and your passengers won't be bounced around anything like as much as they would be in, say, a Ford Mustang Mach-E.

How about the handling? Well, there’s no getting away from the fact that the iX3 is a heavy thing (as are most EVs with big batteries) but it disguises its weight well. It's actually very capable dynamically. There's loads of grip, and because it is so well-tied down over dips and crests in the road, the iX3's more stable and confidence-inspiring to drive quickly than the Model Y.   

The steering is spot on, too. It's light around town, but when you pick up speed it weights up reassuringly. It's also accurate and quick, without feeling nervous like the Model Y's over-eager steering.

That said, the iX3 isn't a full-on sports SUV like the Alpine A390 and Porsche Macan Turbo Electric. If you're after something even sharper to drive, have a look at those two instead. 

Is it quiet and how easy is it to drive smoothly?

The iX3's brake pedal feels natural and progressive, so it's an easy car to slow down smoothly. That's not always the case with EVs – the Mustang Mach-E's brakes, for example, are grabby and difficult to judge.

Why do some EVs have grabby brakes? Well, that's down to how the normal braking system works with the regenerative brakes, which are particular to electric cars. And the iX3 has three levels of regenerative braking that come into play when you lift off the accelerator: low, moderate and high.

There's also an adaptive option, which varies the braking effect automatically if the car in front slows down, or when you're approaching a corner or roundabout. No matter which setting you’re in, the braking effect feels predictable, gradual and smooth as you release the accelerator pedal. 

At motorway speeds, the iX3 is quieter than the Model Y, but there is still some wind and road noise at 70mph. There's very little suspension noise around town, though, and barely any motor whine when you put your foot down.

And you can add more noise if you want. If you activate the synthetic soundtrack – cooked up by BMW’s Sound Design Studio – it mimics engine noise as you accelerate. The idea is to stir up some added aural drama, but whether it does so is subjective.

What’s the range and efficiency like, and how quickly can it charge?

Every iX3 comes with a massive 108.7kWh (usable capacity) battery, giving the entry-level 50 xDrive an official range of up to 500 miles. Go for either M Sport or M Sport Pro trim and that figure drops to around 490 miles (mainly thanks to bigger wheels), but that’s still farther than most rivals can manage. 

In fact, no version of the Audi Q6 e-tron, MG IM6, Polestar 3 or Tesla Model Y can officially travel over 400 miles, in theory giving the iX3 a 100-mile buffer. But bear in mind that the likelihood of achieving the official WLTP range in any EV, including the iX3, is slim. When we tested a 50 xDrive M Sport (on optional 22in wheels) in cold conditions, we estimated its real-world range to be 315 miles – well under the official figure, yes, but still excellent next to its rivals. An iX3 with smaller wheels, tested on a warmer day, would undoubtedly go farther.   

And what about the iX3's efficiency during that test? Well, we saw an average 2.9mi/kWh displayed on that test car's trip computer in those chilly conditions. That's one area that the Model Y still has the edge; during the same test on the same day, a Long Range AWD averaged 3.4mi/kWh.

The iX3 is the first electric BMW to be built on 800V architecture, meaning that it can charge at a maximum rate of 400kW. That's fast. Providing you can find an 800V charger (they’re still quite rare in the UK) a 10-80% charge can be done in around 20 minutes. 

As you might expect, charging a battery as large as the iX3’s at home, from a 7kW wall box, will take a lot longer. A 0-100% charge at 7kW is upwards of 17 hours. 

“The iX3 is the first BMW to get its new ‘soft stop’ feature, which uses the motors to remove that fore and aft rock you often feel as you come to a halt.” – Dan Jones, Senior reviewer 

What does the interior look like and is it well made?

Like the exterior, the BMW iX3’s interior is an all-new design for BMW, and gives us the first taste of a design theme that we’ll see in future Neue Klasse-based models. Arguably, it's a very modern design, and completely different to the striped bare, minimalist feel of the Tesla Model Y.

It has a two-tiered dashboard, separated by the full-width air vents, and a floating centre console with a large storage cubby beneath.

Perhaps the biggest change, though, is the new Panoramic iDrive system. This comprises a huge, 17.9in trapezoidal touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard, plus a long, thin screen positioned between the top of the dashboard and bottom of the windscreen. It's so long that it spans the entire width of the car.

Build quality is good and, give or take, it's on par with the Model Y's. No matter which trim you go for, you’ll find plenty of soft-touch materials across the dashboard, doors and centre console. There are some hard plastics dotted around, but they’re generally hidden low down and out of sight. That is, except the buttons on either side of the steering wheel, which are covered in a clear plastic that looks and feels a bit cheap. 

We’re yet to see the cloth seats that come with the entry-level iX3 trim, but the faux-leather/suede mix in mid-spec M Sport trim looks classy. Top-spec M Sport Pro gives you sportier 'bucket' seats. Natural leather is an option. 

Is the driving position comfortable and is it easy to see out?

While we’re on the topic of seats, they are really comfortable in the front. They offer plenty of all-round support, and it's easy to tailor them to your liking thanks to standard electric adjustment with handy memory settings.

However, given the iX3’s price tag, it is a little stingy that you have to add lumbar support as an option on anything other than the top M Sport Pro trim. Even then there's no physical button to adjust the lumbar; the adjustment is done through the touchscreen, which is a bit of a faff.  On the plus side, the lumbar-adjustment option includes a relaxing massaging feature as well.

The fact that you sit high up in the iX3, and the front windscreen pillars are relatively thin compared with the Tesla Model Y's, gives you good visibility at junctions. The only issue is that the super-wide panoramic display, which sits across the top of the dashboard, obscures your view out over the bonnet slightly; it's tricky to pick out the car's front corners when parking. 

Meanwhile, the view directly rearwards through the rear screen is decent, and the view over your shoulders is also good thanks to huge cut-outs in the rear pillars. To help you out in tight spots, every iX3 comes with front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. 

For some extra assistance, you can also add the optional Parking Assistant Plus or Parking Assistant Professional packs; the first one adds a 360-degree camera, and the second gives the iX3 the ability to park itself. You can use the self-parking feature even if you aren’t in the car, by using a smartphone app.

Is the dashboard and infotainment system easy to use?

On first impression, the iX3 appears to have a similar number of screens to the TV aisle at Currys. But it's not as bad as it first seems, because your main way of interacting with the infotainment system is still via the large, highly stylised central touchscreen. 

Naturally, it comes with the latest iDrive software, and it’s a definite step up from the software found in the previous iX3. There are still loads of options within the menus, but they’re laid out in a much friendlier manner than they were in recent versions of iDrive. Better still, the display is particularly crisp and it responds really quickly to your requests. 

It’s a shame that the physical rotary controller that helped make iDrive easier to use is absent from the iX3, though. In fact, you'll find hardly any physical controls on the iX3's dashboard, meaning you have to tap icons to control pretty much everything, including the climate controls. That’s far more distracting than just having some simple, physical buttons and knobs, but it's the same scenario in many of its competitors. 

At first, the panoramic display seems like a bit of a gimmick, but it's actually a useful bit of kit. It’s made up of three sections: one is the digital instrument display directly in front of the driver; the other two (in the middle and lefthand side of the screen) can be split into smaller, customisable chunks.

It means you can see important elements, like your speed and sat-nav instructions, high up and within your eye line. It's so good that it makes the optional head-up display feel a bit pointless in our opinion. You customise what you want shown on the rest of the panoramic display (by delving into the main touchscreen), then cycle through what's there using the buttons on the right side of the steering wheel. 

The infotainment system comes with lots of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and a seven-speaker stereo. An upgraded Harman Kardon system, with 13 speakers and 365-watts, is part of the optional Technology Plus Pack.

“While you mainly adjust your seats using physical buttons on the door, it’s quite annoying that you have to delve into the touchscreen to use adjust the lumbar support (if you have it fitted).” – Will Nightingale, Reviews editor

How much space does it have for people?

As you might have guessed, given the size of the BMW iX3, there’s loads of space in the front. Six-footers will have no issues with the generous head, leg and shoulder room on offer. 

There’s a good amount of storage in the front for all of your belongings, too, including door bins that’ll take a big bottle of water, a pair of cupholders, two slots for phones (one is a wireless phone charger), a cubby within the centre armrest, and that large space beneath the centre console we mentioned earlier. 

Rear space is where the iX3 really comes into its own, though. The limo-like leg room and generous head room (even with the panoramic roof fitted) mean that if you're six-feet tall or above, you'll have the space to lounge in the back. There's actually more space on offer in the iX3 than there is in the Audi Q6 e-tron and Tesla Model Y, and the shape and positioning of the outer rear seats (the seat bases are higher relative to the floor than they are in the rear of the Model Y) makes them comfortable and supportive, too. 

The middle-rear seat is firmer and not as comfortable to sit on for a long time, but the iX3's rear bench is so wide that three adults can fit relatively easily. And thanks to the flat floor, everyone will have plenty of foot space as well.

How much room does it have for luggage?

The iX3's rear boot is 520 litres, which is almost the same size as the Audi Q6 e-tron's, and should be plenty for the family's holiday luggage or a couple of buggies. Indeed, we managed to fit eight carry-on suitcases in the back of the iX3. That said, the Model Y’s rear boot is even bigger and swallowed nine cases in total.

You can also fit another carry-on case in the Model Y's front boot, which is something the iX3 can't match. Nevertheless, the iX3's 58-litre 'frunk' under the bonnet is still useful. The charging cables, for example, can be stowed there, so they're not taking up space in the main boot.

You can't get a height-adjustable boot floor for the iX3's rear luggage compartment, but there's an extra storage compartment underneath the boot floor. That's handy in itself, but you don't have to use the space as a separate compartment. The boot floor can be fixed vertically, and doing so increases the overall height of the boot to accommodate taller items, like a pot plant. 

As is the case with the Q6 e-tron and Model Y, the iX3 comes with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, allowing you to load long items in the boot without having to sacrifice the outer rear seats. 

“I find it very useful that you get 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats in the iX3. Even better, they fold completely flat, making one large, smooth floor area, so it's really easy to slide longer items in.” – Doug Revolta, Head of video

How much does it cost and what equipment do you get?

You can only buy the BMW iX3 in 50 xDrive guise at the moment (that's a powerful, all-wheel drive variant with a big battery). And that's available in three trim levels: the entry-level is called simply ‘iX3’, followed by M Sport and M Sport Pro. As a cash purchase, the entry-level trim will cost you less than the entry-level Audi Q6 e-tron, but it's more expensive than nearly every version of the Tesla Model Y – the exception being the top-of-the-range Model Y Performance. However, the iX3 range will soon expand to include cheaper versions, too.

If you're buying on PCP finance, the iX3 is also more expensive relative to the Model Y. However, at the time of writing, Tesla were offering a deposit contribution and 0% interest, while BMW weren't offering any finance incentives. That situation is likely to change in the near future, so check what deals are available when you're ready to buy. On the plus side, the iX3 should have a competitive resale value in a few years' time. 

While it's more expensive than the Model Y, the iX3 comes with less equipment. That said, the equipment tally isn't bad: you still get 20in alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, two-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, heated front seats, LED headlights with automatic high beam, and the other bits that we’ve already mentioned, including the infotainment kit, electrically operated front seats and wireless phone charging. 

Opt for M Sport and you get sportier M Sport styling inside and out with blue brake calipers, an upgraded interior, and a sports steering wheel. Then there’s the M Sport Pro, which comes with even sportier styling cues, M Sport brakes with red calipers, M Sport steering wheel, and M Sport 'bucket' seats. 

Is it reliable, and how long is the warranty?

The iX3 is too new to be included in the 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey, but BMW as a brand came in 6th out of the 30 manufacturers included. That put it just above Tesla and way above Audi. 

BMW’s warranty is pretty par for the course, though, offering you cover for three-years/unlimited mileage. The car's battery, meanwhile, is covered by a separate eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. 

How safe is it, and is it easy to steal?

The safety experts at Euro NCAP haven't tested the iX3 yet, but you get plenty of standard safety equipment included. 

That list includes automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane change and departure warning, and steering intervention. M Sport and M Sport Pro add some extra safety technology, too, including cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. 

“While the iX3's standard equipment is good, there are lots of options to pick from. I’d be tempted to add the adjustable lumbar and massaging function for the front seats, and the Harman Kardon surround sound system for a great sound on longer drives.” – Claire Evans, Consumer editor

Buy it if...

-You want an electric SUV with a really long range and fast charging

-Generous interior space is important to you 

-You want one of the better-handling electric SUVs 

Don’t buy it if…

-You're after the cheapest electric SUV of this size

-You want the most standard equipment for your money

-You prefer more physical controls rather than always using the touchscreen 

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