I drove the next-gen BMW iX3 and it’s a turning point for electric SUVs

Introduction

I’ve tracked the development progress of BMW’s ‘Neue Class’ models closely and this, the BMW iX3 all-electric SUV is the first of these new arrivals, with a BMW i3 saloon following closely behind to get the range-changing line-up ball rolling. Designed to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ SUV and the Tesla Model Y, the BMW iX3 has some distinct pull factors, with a range of up to nearly 500 miles being the major headline.

However, the brand new platform it is built on packs an all-new drivetrain and battery technology, which includes charging up to 400kW. Inside, there is lots of space, plenty of comfort plus a whole stack of new tech, topped with the much-publicised Panoramic iDrive system. This features a graphical interface that is projected along the base of the windscreen, supplemented by a slanted central infotainment screen along with a function-packed steering wheel.

As you’d expect from BMW, there’s a big emphasis on driver appeal too, with the twin-motor model I’ve just been driving providing a very dynamic experience that lifts it above being just another humdrum EV. Options for tweaking drive settings are plentiful so there’s plenty of opportunity to drive this car enthusiastically. That beefy range also makes this car a realistic option, which often isn’t the case for other performance electric cars. Adding to the appeal is the keen pricing, which starts at £58,755.

The styling

BMW has attracted its fair share of criticism in recent years for some of its designs, but things have really come together with the iX3. Sure, this is presented in the much-used SUV format, but the execution of the design is excellent. I really like the smoothed lines of the body shape, which also helps it cut through the air and help boost its range appeal. Up front, the grille design is more restrained than some previous BMW models we’ve seen, and, combined with striking headlight units, is a success. The rear end, too, tends to promote more of a reaction from folks who see it for the first time, but as I followed another iX3 on part of my test drive, I got to like it a lot.

I got to experience the BMW iX3 50 xDrive in Polarized Grey, but there was also the chance to drive one in Spacesilver too. Both colours are well suited to the design of the SUV, although its size looks bulkiest when seen in profile view, especially in the lighter colour. It’s a similar success story on the inside, however, with a cockpit that felt very spacious both front and rear, with a generous boot topping off the cavernous feel.

I also loved the panoramic glass roof, that gave the cockpit a very enjoyable lift and the other noticeable aspect inside is the minimalist feel of areas like the door cards. Mainly because of the focus on touchscreen controls. The seat coverings help deliver plenty of BMW premium appeal, and adjustments were super easy thanks to door-mounted adjustment controls. The absence of dials to look at on the dash is different, but thanks to the Panoramic iDrive array and head up display, it’s all really easy to live with.

The drive

I tend to drive EVs in a reasonably restrained fashion, mainly because I’m normally thinking about range. However, with that headline-grabbing almost 500-mile range I could certainly relax. And, driven sedately the BMW iX3 offered up a super smooth experience behind the wheel. This is most notable when I tried the ‘soft stop’ capability of the car, which works like most one-pedal driving setups and brought the car to a satisfyingly gentle halt at lights during urban driving.

The BMW iX3 is even more impressive when its power gets tapped into though. The all-wheel drive BMW iX3 50 xDrive I tried clearly had plenty of power on hand, with the distribution of said power being deliciously tempting to try and exploit. On mountain roads, for example, the upright SUV would get around corners without any problems at all and with very little roll for good measure. Again, that’s impressive considering all the weight it’s lugging around.

Accessibility to drive modes could have done with being a little easier though, I thought, but even with an everyday setup in operation, there was more than enough power for tackling all manner of driving scenarios. The level 2 hands-free driving functionality was impressive too and, on the motorway, I especially liked the way it was possible to glance into my side mirror and have the car indicate and carry out a lane change to overtake a slower vehicle without any kind of fuss.

One of the best things about the BMW iX3 was its range, which even when I was pushing it meant this sizable SUV, which weighs 2,300kg, was delivering around 4 miles per kilowatt. This efficiency, combined with the cylindrical cell structure of the battery design and the 800-volt architecture, means that drives of 300 miles-plus in one go seem easily achievable. The BMW iX3 can charge at speeds of up to 400 kilowatts too, which means 200 miles are on tap in around 10 minutes at a premium, high-powered outlet.

The technology

I’d seen the BMW Panoramic iDrive setup previously, but getting behind the wheel to drive the iX3 for the first time, the feeling was different to having static demos. Initially, I thought it was all quite busy what with the expansive graphics that run the entire width of the lower windscreen area. There was also a head up display, and that steering wheel with its multiple control options to contend with, all boosted thanks to BMW’s slab of beefier computing power, dubbed the ‘Heart of Joy’.

However, as with any new setup, growing familiarity with the features and functions made the BMW iX3 much less intimidating, even though there is a big emphasis on controls that sit inside the infotainment screen. This is cool to look at, mind, with a display that is angled toward the driver, which somehow feels like it improves the usability a smidge. There’s added practicality from the tech setup too, with vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) all being available that help boost the versatility of the BMW iX3.

That’s not to say the BMW iX3 isn’t without its foibles as a result of the focus on touch tech. The climate controls, most notably the vents, have to be controlled using the screen, which isn’t something I’m a big fan of. There are quick access buttons on the home screen that reduce the labour-intensiveness of some tasks, but it wasn’t always as easy to use as I’d hoped for. The same went for the multi-function steering wheel, which I think I’d need more time with to feel truly acquainted with its capabilities.

Of course, the highlight of the interior is the Panoramic iDrive, with an array of customisable graphics that are wonderfully crisp and clear projected on the bottom section of the windscreen. Drag-and-drop functionality via the infotainment screen allowed them to be tweaked to suit my own preferences, although there was no option to add third-party content, so I was stuck with all things BMW. I think it’s a success though, and one can only wonder why nobody did this before. My only gripe was with the average voice assistant tech, which wasn’t too quick on the uptake.

BMW iX3 verdict

I was so glad to finally get behind the wheel of the BMW iX3 and, while there is plenty of choice when it comes to big all-electric SUVs, I think this variation on the theme delivers a really refreshing new approach. Full marks to BMW for the generous range, the decent efficiency and the rapid charging capability. There is oodles of drivability appeal here too, topped off with the tech and that wonderful Panoramic iDrive system.

With pricing keen too, I think BMW could be on to a winner with this and also the lower-slung BMW i3 saloon, which I reckon is going to be even more up my street.

BMW iX3 technical specifications