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If you’re after an all-electric mid-size, premium family SUV, the BMW iX3 should be on your shortlist. Rather than add an electric variant to its popular X3 SUV range, BMW has spun off the iX3 as a new model. But in reality, it keeps just about every feature that makes the X3 such a hit.
The iX3 comes in a choice of well equipped trim levels. There were two early models called the Premier Edition and Premier Edition Pro, which were loaded with features for the very first iX3 customers. However, they were released just before BMW gave the X3 – and therefore the iX3 – a cosmetic facelift. That means most used iX3s feature those tweaked looks in two new trims called M Sport or M Sport Pro. These feature a sportier exterior and extra supportive seats, but they’re for looks and comfort rather than indicating any extra performance.
The iX3 was launched in 2021, but it shares a lot of features with the X3 model introduced in 2017. You can tell an iX3 apart from the blue elements on the bodywork, which are meant to indicate the iX3’s electric power. BMW says the electric motor and battery will take you 285 miles on a single charge, and it’s got lots of oomph when you accelerate.
As well as having a cutting-edge electric motor, the iX3 is packed with loads of tech to keep you and your family informed, entertained and comfortable. All models get a panoramic glass sunroof and three-zone climate control, which means the kids can stay cool in the back while you stay toasty up front. Instead of traditional dials, there’s a screen behind the steering wheel, which you can configure to show the driving information you want. This works with the infotainment system, controllable using a big central touchscreen or with a dial and buttons between the front seats. We think it’s one of the best systems on the market in terms of features and being easy to use. The system connects to a smartphone app, which tells you essential information like how much charge is left in your battery, whether your car doors are locked and where to find the nearest public chargers. You can also program your phone to act as a key to lock and unlock the car, or even share that ability with up to five other people so they can use your car too.
Driving an electric car is likely to mean a big reduction in your day-to-day costs, because electricity is far less expensive than petrol or diesel. Charging your iX3 can be done at home using a wallbox, or at a public charger. At-home will cost you less, especially if you use electricity tariffs that give you lower-priced energy overnight. But because the iX3 is compatible with public rapid chargers, you can also give it a quick top-up when needed; just 10 minutes of charging can add 55 miles of range. Maintenance costs could also be lower than with a petrol or diesel car, because electric motors don’t have as many moving parts to service. The iX3 is exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) and low-emission-zone charges too.
If you’re looking at the iX3 you’ll also want to check out premium electric SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi Q4 e-tron and the Jaguar I-Pace. You can also add cars like the slightly smaller Volvo XC40 and the less-premium but visually striking Hyundai Ioniq 5. The BMW and the Jaguar are the most fun to drive, with an agility that most SUVs can’t match. The Audi and Mercedes are more comfort-focused, as is the Volvo, although it has a surprisingly powerful electric motor. The Ioniq 5 will probably turn more heads as you drive past, and it’s very nice inside, with lots of space and the potential to charge faster than the competition. More small electric SUVs are being released all the time, so this list of rivals will keep growing.
There’s lots of legroom in the back of the iX3 and decent headroom for tall adults. The boot is huge, which is great news if your family likes to carry around a lot of stuff, and you can fold the rear seats flat for extra load space. Cubby holes are plentiful and you can fit large drinks bottles in the front doors or use the central cupholders at the front.
The iX3 is the same size as the non-electric X3, which sits towards the middle of the BMW SUV range. The X1 and X2 are smaller, while the X4 is around the same size as the iX3 but sacrifices some interior space in favour of more exciting looks. The larger SUVs range from the X5 up to the seven-seat X7. If you’re set on an electric car, BMW’s line-up is much smaller than its petrol or diesel offerings, and the only other electric SUV (at the time of writing) is the iX, which is a bit larger than the iX3 and only available as an electric car.
Safety organisation Euro NCAP hasn’t yet given the iX3 a full test, but it has cast a close eye at its driver-assistance systems and rated them as ‘very good’. The suite of features included as standard includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and several other systems to help make long motorway journeys a bit easier and safer. While the iX3 hasn’t gone through all of Euro NCAP’s tests, the mechanically similar X3 was given a maximum five-star score in 2017.
All versions of the iX3 are electric-only. If you’re after a hybrid model, BMW makes several plug-in hybrids, including a version of the X3 called the xDrive30e.
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