Test Drive BMW iX3: Multiple Surprises!

At first glance, the iX3 appeared to be another SUV stopgap solution à la Audi e-tron (with Q5 elements) or Mercedes-Benz EQC (which shares its base with the GLC). This means: very heavy with rather average range. However, although the X3 is only visually distinguished from its combustion-engine siblings by details and is thus the most conservative German electric SUV solution, it is still the most consistent because: This is where BMW's fifth generation of electric drives works for the first time and the latest battery pack sits under the body.

To put this into perspective, let's briefly look at the current i3: Compared to this, the e-machine works a hefty 30 percent more effectively and the energy density of the battery could be increased by 20 percent. This means that the package with a net capacity of 74 kWh could be stored well and space-savingly under the car. And since the new e-machine was integrated extremely flat between the rear wheels, the trunk of the rear-wheel driver, with 510 up to 1,560 liters, is almost as large as in the combustion engines – they lack 40 liters in the underfloor compartment.

Surprise: The electric X3 drives faster than the combustion engines

More importantly, however, since the center of gravity has shifted 74 millimeters downwards, weight could (almost) be kept in check starting at 2.26 tons, and the car could be designed with 57 percent rear bias on the rear axle, the iX3 somehow drives lighter and in any case more dynamically than the established combustion-engine siblings. And here comes the big surprise on country roads, where Upper Bavaria becomes very rustic and winding. Because there, we weave through the corridors fluidly and quickly with the iX3, encountering moped riders who protect their heads with fire helmets from the previous century as well as SUVs with game carriers on the rear or followers of Erdinger Weißbräu.

Comedienne Monika Gruber sends her regards and not far away are the Lower Bavarian BMW plants in Landshut and Dingolfing, where things are done "properly" or not at all. By the way, Dingolfing also assembles the drive for China, so the Asian iX3 at least has a Lower Bavarian heart. It is 286 hp strong and offers 400 Nm and enables swift overtaking maneuvers even in Eco mode. It doesn't accelerate from 0 to 100 angrily like a Tesla, one is very spoiled there, but it is inefficient. And: 6.8 seconds are fine, especially as the thrust is always adequate.

Relatively efficient: 18 kWh/100 km are possible

And so we fly through field and corridor and enjoy the sovereignty and lightness of the iX3, which puts all its siblings to shame because it also holds back on consumption: Those who stay in a moderate flow can manage with 18 kWh plus minus x, we ended up with 18.4 kWh/100 km and would have covered around 390 kilometers. Quick highway rides quickly push consumption above 20 kWh/100 km, but even so, one should easily stay below that in everyday life.

Otherwise, the iX3 also remains typically X3: Plenty of space, sovereign infotainment with smart connectivity, paired with good voice recognition. The CO₂ footprint is, according to BMW, also 30 to 63 percent lower from well-to-wheel thanks to careful sourcing of raw materials (this also applies to the battery cells) than the X3 20d, which also belongs to the economical ones but, unfortunately, carries the inefficient combustion engine under the hood.

There was no room left under the hood for an extra drive or a frunk, so you shouldn't bury the iX3 too deep in mud or snow, as it is not a traction master. You can switch off the sound completely, then you only hear the tires and the whistling of the wind (since the new e-machine has also become even quieter) or you can switch to "Sport", then a subtle roar sounds when accelerating. Adaptively, the iX3 finds something in between, but why would you want that?

Clever: Adaptive Recuperation

The adaptive recuperation is also very clever, which made the brake pedal practically unnecessary on our 140-kilometer long urban Bavarian tour. It works camera- and map-based and supports you almost magically. And this, combined with (unfortunately perceived as old-fashioned) clear operation, makes the tour a pleasure.

Charging can be done with DC at up to 150 kW, reaching 80 percent battery level within 34 minutes. At the wallbox, it takes 7 hours and 30 minutes with 11 kW to fully charge the battery to 100 percent. In the end, we were thrilled by the intelligence and efficiency of the seemingly unremarkable program enhancement. Prices start at 66,300 euros gross (just over 55,700 euros net), from which up to 7,500 euros of subsidy can be deducted.

Oh yes, and very important in Lower Bavaria and the adjacent Upper Bavarian districts: The iX3 is also allowed to tow a trailer, but unfortunately, it may only weigh 750 kilograms when braked.

What does this mean?

The iX3 surprises with efficiency and intelligence and is likely to quickly increase the share of pure electric cars at BMW. We are all the more excited for the iNext and i4. And perhaps in the future, an even more compact and dynamic electric vehicle.