BMW is betting big – 18 billion Euros big – on a massive wave of new-generation electric vehicles that start with the iX3 medium SUV.
It’s the first example of a second wave of Neue Klasse – German for New Class – BMWs, following the original Neue Klasse sports sedans that revived the company in the 1960s.
The skinny kidney ‘grilles’ hark back to the styling of those models, though the retro touches finish there.
The iX3 is a thoroughly modern electric SUV, utilising an advanced 800-volt platform for up to 400kW fast-charging, boasting ‘superbrain’ computing power, while it has a bag full of other tech tricks.
Chasing Cars attended the iX3’s Australian launch to get our first driving impressions on local roads and find answers to some of the key questions for this pivotal new BMW.
IS THIS HIGH-TECH ELECTRIC BMW SUV EXPENSIVE?
Well, you will need to find $109,900 before on-road charges for the 50 xDrive dual-motor model that, for now, has the most impressive stats of any iX3 (more on which later). But there’s also a single-motor, rear-drive 40 – due later this year – that has been deliberately priced at $89,900.
That conveniently positions the entry variant below the $91,387 Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold, ensuring that buyers are eligible for novated-lease fringe benefit tax (FBT) exemption.
Drive-away prices are approximately $98,000 for the 40 and about $119,000 for the 50.
The iX3’s pricing looks well placed when considering key rivals.
Mercedes-Benz’s new GLC Electric – due later this year – will be priced from $112,200 for the GLC400, the only spec offered (at least initially) and the closest to the iX3 50.
The entry version undercuts the Audi Q6 E-Tron (from $99,818) and the closest variant to the iX3 50 – the SQ6 – is priced from $156,318.
BMW’s iX3 50 is also notably cheaper than both the Genesis GV70 Electric (from $132,718) and Porsche Macan Electric (from $129,700).
The Lexus RZ is slightly more affordable, from $84,500, as is Volvo’s upcoming EX60, priced from $86,990.
WHAT IS STANDARD EQUIPMENT FOR THE iX3?
The 40 and 50 models are differentiated by battery size and powertrain only so share equipment highlights such as:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Cabin ambient lighting
- Full-length glass sunroof
- Electric front seats with heating
- Heated steering wheel
- ‘3D’ head-up display
- Panoramic iDrive with Panoramic Vision wraparound projection
- 17.9-inch media touchscreen
- Harman Kardon audio system
- ‘Veganza’ artificial leather upholstery
- Wireless device charger
Pictured: iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro interior
AND WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR THE iX3?
All exterior colours command a premium outlay with except of the no-cost Alpine White. Paint options cost from $1539 up to more than $7K for Individual ‘special request’ hues. Most interior colour choices are free; two Individual options add just over $3000.
An M Sport Pro package brings M Sport seats, M steering wheel and seatbelts, red brake calipers instead of the blue on the standard M Sport package, as well as some gloss-black exterior trim.
Pictured: the iX3 50 xDrive M Sport interior
There are no fewer than seven alloy wheel choices, starting with two no-cost 20-inch rims. In the middle sit three 21-inch options, while a couple of 22-inch rims are split between aerodynamic and sporty looks.
IS THE BMW iX3 50 xDRIVE GOOD TO DRIVE?
A big affirmative. Head out onto country roads and you will not believe this SUV weighs nearly 2.3 tonnes (or about 300kg more than a regular X3).
Exceptional body control, alert steering, and intuitively controllable strong, instant torque provide a reassuring drive for regular motorists, while also leaving keen drivers hoping for corner sequences to keep coming.
The latter group will particularly enjoy the Sport mode that brings extra urgency to the powertrain and extra weight for the steering (though this may still be on the lighter side for some driver preferences, while feedback is limited).
Four regen braking levels can be selected via the touchscreen if you’re fussy about how quickly the car slows after lifting off the throttle. Or just flick the transmission toggle between D and B settings.
We found the B mode especially effective on country roads, its strong regeneration effect making the actual brake pedal almost redundant by judging the timing of lifting off the throttle.
While there was minimal low-speed driving possible on the chosen routes, we did try the Soft Stop feature that uses the rear electric motor in the last couple of metres of coming to a standstill to smooth the braking process.
And it works, keeping occupants’ heads remarkably still rather than nodding forward slightly as weight transfers forward.
Another potential gimmick that became our favourite feature of the iX3 during the launch: the Panoramic Vision digital projection that wraps around the bottom of the windscreen.
The positioning puts it at a natural level for eyes, the information is customisable via the touchscreen, and the key driver info directly ahead meant we were happy to keep the standard head-up display switched off. (The HUD adds augmented-reality nav.)
And despite all the BMW’s various ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), we didn’t notice any intruding on the driving experience. Sadly, it’s becoming increasingly rare to say this when reviewing modern cars.
You can ask the iX3 to take over for parallel and perpendicular parking, activating requests via the so-called ‘Shytec’ buttons – on the left side of the steering wheel – which illuminate only when the functions are available.
For example, at super low speeds the auto-parking functions become visible; at higher speeds, auto-cruise controls appear.
Buttons on the right side of the steering wheel are focused on infotainment and communication functions, including a central slider that we didn’t find intuitive on first acquaintance.
WHAT’S NOT SO GOOD ABOUT THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE?
The iX3’s ride is firm, and the 22-inch wheels can get particularly busy, though you mostly hear the suspension working rather than feeling anything unpleasant.
Standard 20s are slightly calmer and quieter, though this is ultimately not a luxury SUV that does ‘soft’. Perhaps surprisingly, there’s no adaptive suspension option available for the 50 xDrive to give the driver a choice of damping response.
Seat cushioning is also on the firmer side, and the front-seat squabs will feel short for those with longer legs. Electric seat adjustment isn’t as extensive as you’d expect.
Heating and massage functions are standard, but ventilation will be missed on a hot Aussie summer’s day.
Changing the gap to the vehicle ahead when on cruise control can’t be done via the steering wheel, an adjustment that must be done inconveniently through the touchscreen.
Australia also misses out on a Motorway Assistant function that permits hands-free driving if it’s confident the driver is paying sufficient attention.
HOW FAR CAN THE iX3 TRAVEL ON A FULL BATTERY?
In 50 xDrive form, the farthest of any EV currently on sale in Australia – based on its official WLTP figure of 805km. That’s 55km further than the next-best electric car, the Tesla Model 3 RWD Long Range.
You’ll need to stick with the standard 20-inch wheels to have the best chance of getting close to that 805km figure, combined with a conservative driving style and ideally speeds that are not constantly high.
The launch drive, with credit to BMW, was set up to test the iX3’s all-round abilities rather than just efficiency.
For what it’s worth for now, we had an indicated best of 17.6kWh per 100km when driving an iX3 on 20s, equating to a maximum distance of about 618km. On 22-inch wheels, the indicated average was 18.8kWh/100km.
Chasing Cars will undertake a range test with the iX3 50 soon.
The iX3 40 model comes with a smaller battery – 82.6kWh versus the 50’s 108.7kWh (useable figures) – and consequently a short WLTP maximum range of 635km.
WITH AN 800-VOLT BATTERY THE iX3 MUST BE QUICK TO CHARGE?
There’s no benchmark here but it’s still just 21 minutes for a 10-80 percent battery recharge, whether you have the 400kW-capable 50 or the 300kW-rated 40 model.
Or for a relative “splash’n’dash”, BMW says up to 372km of range can be added in 10 minutes.
Both models are equipped with 22kW three-phase AC home charging, with the 40 taking less time simply due to its smaller battery.
IS THE BMW iX3 A PRACTICAL MIDSIZED SUV?
A slightly longer wheelbase than the petrol-powered BMW X3 means rear legroom is very good.
The standard full-length sunroof brings extra light to the cabin and BMW says the ‘Comfort Glass’ offers 100 percent UV-A/UV-B protection and reduces cabin heating in hot summer.
An opaque sun blind is also available as an official accessory.
BMW quotes 520 litres for the iX3’s boot capacity, 50 litres less than X3 20 and M50 petrol models but more than the 460 litres of the X3 plug-in hybrid’s cargo compartment.
However, the iX3 adds a useful 58-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet.
WHAT IS CHASING CARS’ HONEST FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE BMW iX3?
The Neue Klasse iX3 is not only superior in almost every measure to the original iX3 but it brings battery efficiency that puts it in a different league to its direct rivals, including equally new competitors such as the Mercedes GLC Electric.
There are a few misses in the details, but with its satisfyingly poised driving experience, genuinely innovative technology, and impressive EV specs, the bigger picture is that BMW’s premium midsized electric SUV has all the potential to be best in class.