BMW iX3 revealed: new electric SUV gets 500-mile range
New tech-heavy SUV has the longest range of any electric car – and the brains to match...
On sale March | Price from £58,755
When Marvel’s Iron Man film came out in 2008, it reset the bar for what a superhero film could be. In the same vein, the new BMW iX3 is intended to not only showcase the best technology that the German car maker can offer, but also set the template for a new generation of models. The stakes, then, are high.
And straight out of the gate, the iX3 delivers a sucker punch to its electric SUV rivals, with an official electric range of 500 miles, measured on the official WLTP test.
That range, produced by the sole iX3 50 xDrive variant available at launch, with its 108.7kWh (usable capacity) battery, is more than 100 miles further than the Audi Q6 e-tron can manage, and 62 miles further than the Polestar 3. For context, it’s enough to get you from London to Edinburgh without stopping, and still leave you with enough charge to see the sights, and makes the iX3 the longest-range electric car on sale in the UK.
Other stats for the iX3 50 xDrive are equally impressive, with its dual electric motors producing a combined 463bhp, and being able to cover the 0-62mph sprint in 4.9sec – more than a second quicker than the fastest Q6 e-tron. As the xDrive name suggests, power is sent to all four wheels
At the core of the new iX3 is a new computer system which promises to be every bit as smart as Tony Stark’s Jarvis. It allows the iX3 to process data around ten times faster than in today’s cars – offering, its maker says, faster responses, deeper levels of customisation and a more efficient drive. Almost all of the car’s braking, for example, can be done using energy recuperation, sending precious energy back into the battery. That’s something which impressed us when we tried a prototype version of the car, where the iX3 was able to come to a stop far more smoothly than rivals.
When it comes to charging, a maximum rate of 400kW allows drivers to top up from 10-80% in just 21 minutes, but you might struggle to find a public charger capable of delivering that much power in the UK.
Inside, the iX3 features a bold new design and a complete reinterpretation of the brand’s iDrive infotainment setup. A slim digital display with customisable widgets spans almost the full width of the car, giving you key driving information. That’s joined by an optional head-up display, which projects information onto the windscreen in front of you, and uses 3D directions for the sat-nav, and finally there’s the traditional infotainment touchscreen. This is angled slightly so that, BMW says, drivers can reach almost every inch of it without moving their arm too much.
We’ve already had the chance to test the new iDrive system, and we were impressed both with its swish graphics and level of customisation – you can select which information is shown as part of the slim dashboard display, and this changes depending on which driving mode you’re in. Switching to a sporty driving mode, for example, will pull up different graphics and widgets relating to performance. We miss the rotary controller which set the standard for usability in previous BMWs, though.
Elsewhere, there’s a wireless charging pad for two compatible devices, plus two USB-C charging ports to keep everyone’s devices topped up.
Space for rear passengers is noticeably better than in the old iX3, meaning that a couple of six-footers won't struggle to get comfortable even on a longer trip. And in all of the places that you're likely to touch regularly, the iX3's interior quality impresses – we especially like the use of fabric on the dashboard.
The iX3’s 520-litre boot is less than you’ll find in the Q6 e-tron, but more than the Polestar 3, so your holiday luggage is unlikely to be much of a problem. If you do need more space, the rear seats split and fold in a handy 40/20/40 configuration. Plus, there’s a small storage space under the bonnet to store your charging cables. And if you’re a fan of towing, the iX3 50 xDrive is rated to tow 2000kg – the equivalent of a large caravan.
The new iX3 will be available in standard, M Sport and M Sport pro forms. Standard kit on the entry-level car includes 20in alloy wheels, heated front seats and cruise control. M Sport trim adds a sports steering wheel and more interior lighting, while M Sport Pro brings bespoke sports seats and a more muscular look.
With prices starting from £58,755, you won’t need to be as rich as Tony Stark to put an iX3 on your driveway. Indeed, the iX3 will cost you less than both the Q6 e-tron and Polestar 3. Plus, cheaper variants are expected to arrive before long, pushing that starting price down even further. No version of the iX3 will qualify for the Government’s electric vehicle grant, though.
The iX3’s new-generation template, including its efficient battery technology and smart brains, will be used in 40 new or updated models to come from BMW before the end of 2027. Among those will be a next-generation electric BMW 3 Series executive car, which will take the i3 moniker.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
