BMW iX3 review: Long range family-sized EV is classy game-changer

We get to grips with the car that heralds a new era for German car giant BMW

This mid-sized SUV is so much more than just the second-generation BMW iX3. It couldn’t be more different to its predecessor.

Don’t get me wrong, the original iX3 (unveiled in 2021) was a good EV version of the big-selling internal combustion engined X3.

However, the all-new iX3 has been developed an as EV from the ground up, so it’s more polished and grown-up.

Not only is it the first of BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ (‘new class’) era of models, complete with fresh design language and next-generation technology, it also boasts a world-beating electric range of up to 500 miles.

First impressions are excellent. The brutalist styling of recent BMWs would appear to be a thing of the past if the front end of the iX3 is anything to go by. What a difference smaller, vertical kidney grilles make!

That said, in profile, the iX3 is not unlike a smaller version of the huge iX, so even though it’s a massive improvement, the new iX3’s design is still divisive.

Inside, it’s less cluttered as BMW’s new two-tier Panoramic iDrive with its multiple screens debuts.

It features a 17.9-inch centre touchscreen, a projected strip stretching across the base of the windscreen (where key information is displayed), plus a 3D head-up display.

The epic infotainment system is daunting at first, but it’s intuitive and slick, so after a week or so of ownership it should become second nature.

However, far too much essential functionality is accessed via the centre screen. So, even with the voice assistant, I still think it’s safer to have more physical buttons and dials.

Elsewhere, out of sight, there’s more clever stuff, including efficient new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells and 800V technology, resulting in the impressive driving range, and peak DC fast-charging of 400kW (10-80% boost in 21 minutes).

At launch there’s just the one model available in three trim levels. The 50 xDrive features new, lighter dual electric motors, all-wheel drive and a massive 108.7kWh battery pack with a claimed efficiency of up to 4.1 miles/kWh.

In total, the iX3 50 xDrive produces 469bhp and 476lb-ft of torque, getting it from 0-62 mph in an estimated 4.9 seconds.

Priced from £58,755, it’s a direct alternative to other premium mid-sized electric SUVs such as the Audi Q6 e-tron, Polestar 3, Genesis GV70 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, plus high-spec versions of other models including the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The cabin is spacious and tall rear passengers will have no issues with head or legroom, while the boot is a healthy 520 litres (1,750 litres with the back seats down). There’s also a ‘frunk’ under the bonnet, which is perfect for storing charging cables.

Overall, the interior looks fresh and it’s well finished. However, the iX3’s cabin doesn’t quite have the premium wow factor of an equivalent Audi or Mercedes-Benz. And the less said about the oddly-shaped, chunky, four-spoke steering wheel.

On the road, the BMW iX3 is exactly what I’d hoped for from this family-sized electric SUV.

Considering its size (4,782mm x 1,895mm x 1,635mm) and weight (2.3 tonnes) it’s remarkably agile on the road. And BMW aficionados will be pleased to know that the rear-biased nature of the all-wheel drive system also gives the iX3 50 xDrive a suitably playful character.

The driving position is ideal for me because it’s possible to sit relatively low for an electric SUV (the batteries are mounted down in the chassis). If you prefer a commanding driving position, then there’s that option too.

The seats are comfortable and visibility is good for the most part, though there is a slight A-pillar blind spot.

The steering is quick and well judged, delivering excellent feedback to the driver, there’s a tight turning circle, and traction is superb.

The suspension set-up is on the firm side, especially at lower speeds, but overall ride comfort is good and it irons out the worst of poor road surfaces well.

It’s quiet, refined and relaxing, particularly on motorways, but it’s that agility on more twisty roads that’s super impressive with body roll kept well in check.

It’s more than fast enough for everyday driving, and if you push on it’s good to know that the well-balanced, progressive brakes will do the job, with strong regenerative braking taking a good portion of the load from the traditional friction brakes.

The are various regen settings, but sadly changing them requires prodding and swiping the touchscreen. Thankfully, B-mode (the most aggressive setting) can be selected by pulling back on the gear selector.

Of course, the iX3 is packed with tech. It’s probably easier to list what it hasn’t got.

There’s a full suite of safety and driving assistance aids. Some of the latter are as annoying as ever, but it is possible to switch them off.

Special mention for BMW’s latest Parking Assistant Plus which has moved on big time. It’s the first convincing self-parking function I’ve experienced.

It will manoeuvre into a space on your behalf, and there’s a remote function where you can even stand outside the car and guide it into a tight gap using your smartphone.

Just to be clear, I tested the top-grade M Sport Pro version with 22-inch alloy wheels. In order to stand a chance of achieving the 500-mile claimed range you’d need to opt for the entry-level model with 20-inch wheels.

I averaged around 3.4 miles/kWh in my test car on mixed roads during winter, but I would need at least a week to estimate its real-world range.

My guess is that it’s nearer 400 miles (still excellent) – more during hotter weather, or if much of its life is spent in lower-speed urban areas.

Verdict: The all-new, all-electric BMW iX3 is a game-changer, blending performance, practicality, premium quality and driving engagement with a class-leading driving range and state-of-the-art technology.

Review in association with AutomotiveBlog