Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BMW iX3 review

Refined, spacious and good to drive, the BMW iX3 makes sense as an electric family SUV – but some rivals feel more special

Overall rating

4.0 out of 5

Pros

  • Practical
  • Well built
  • Clever regenerative braking

Cons

  • Rivals have stronger performance
  • Average range
  • Fidgety ride quality
Car typeRangeWallbox charge timeRapid charge time
Electric285 miles11hrs 45mins (0-100%, 7.4kW)27mins (10-80%, 150kW)

BMW iX3 verdict

Given the BMW iX3 is just a hurried rehash of the petrol-powered X3 SUV, it’s a remarkably capable electric car. There aren’t really any compromises to be made when it comes to practicality, and it remains one of the most engaging cars of its type to drive. The iX3’s cabin is showing its age alongside more modern rivals, but the layout is more logical and ergonomic than some of BMW’s latest products. It is a little pricey, but so are its main competitors; if you can charge at home, there are plenty of reasons to recommend BMW’s first electric SUV.

Range details, specs and alternatives

You can always tell BMW's bespoke EVs apart from the rest of its line-up from their futuristic styling, unconventional proportions or unique cabin designs. However, lots of buyers want their electric car to resemble something they're used to – and that's exactly what BMW has done with the iX3.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's essentially an X3 with electric power, built on the same platform and with broadly similar looks – save for some aerodynamic wheels and subtle detailing. The same way the BMW i4 is effectively a zero-emissions version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, or the new X1 SUV is available with electric power as the iX1.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The iX3 comes with a single 282bhp electric motor fed by an 80kWh battery (74kWh of which is useable), with power sent to the rear wheels only – there's no four-wheel-drive version. A claimed range of up to 285 miles is competitive with rivals like the Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes EQC, though recent updates for the Audi Q8 e-tron and Volvo XC40 see both of those cars comfortably surpass the 300-mile mark.

It’ll charge pretty quickly too; with a peak of 150kW, the BMW far surpasses the Jaguar and Merc for speed, though the long-range Audi and Volvo are faster still. BMW claims a 10-80% charge takes just 27 minutes, while a home wallbox charge is easily achievable overnight.

The BMW is a little down on power compared with those aforementioned dual-motor models, but a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds is nippy nonetheless. In fact, the iX3 feels very nearly as fast, with instant acceleration and plenty of grip – even on a slippery road. It’s actually pretty decent to drive, and if you can live with the slightly firm ride, it makes for a fantastic, practical family car that also has the ability to put a smile on your face when you want it to.

Advertisement - Article continues below

At the time of writing, there are just two specs to choose from: M Sport and M Sport Pro. All cars get heated leather seats, 19-inch wheels and LED lights, as well as a touchscreen infotainment system and connected navigation. That’s the version we’d go for – M Sport Pro costs £3,000 more and brings bigger wheels, head-up display, gesture control and a Harman Kardon stereo upgrade, but feels a little frivolous given how well-equipped the base model is.

All in all, the BMW iX3 is a really impressive electric all-rounder. If you can justify the £60,000-plus asking price, you get an SUV with plenty of toys, a decent real-world driving range and a pleasant – engaging, even – driving experience.

Click here to see why you can trust DrivingElectric reviews, or more a more detailed look at the BMW iX3, read on for the rest of our in-depth review...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is editor of DrivingElectric, as well as sister site Carbuyer.co.uk, and a regular contributor to Auto Express. An electric and hybrid car advocate, he spent more than five years working on the news and reviews desk at Auto Express and has driven almost every new car currently on sale.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MINI Aceman review
MINI Aceman - front tracking
In-depth reviews

MINI Aceman review

MINI’s all-electric small SUV is just as fun as the brand’s staple hatch, with an added layer of practicality
10 Dec 2024
New DS No8 promises a big 465-mile range and super-fast charging
DS No8 - front static
News

New DS No8 promises a big 465-mile range and super-fast charging

DS is targeting premium car buyers with its ‘serene’ No8, a car that signals a rebirth for the brand
12 Dec 2024
Top 10 best hybrid estate cars 2025
Best hybrid estate cars
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid estate cars 2025

The best hybrid estate cars you can buy right now save you money on fuel and still have lots of space inside. Here are our top picks
4 Dec 2024

More on iX3

New BMW iX3 to raise game with 350-mile range in 2024
BMW X3 render - front
News

New BMW iX3 to raise game with 350-mile range in 2024

BMW is preparing to launch an all-new version of its iX3 SUV, with a striking new look and a much longer range
27 Dec 2023
Triple test: Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs BMW iX3 vs Volvo XC40 Recharge
iX3 vs Ioniq 5 vs XC40
Reviews

Triple test: Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs BMW iX3 vs Volvo XC40 Recharge

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of our favourite electric family cars, but how does it stack up against the more premium offerings in the electric SUV clas…
29 Oct 2021
New 2021 BMW iX3 electric SUV: prices, specs and on-sale date
BMW iX3 facelift
News

New 2021 BMW iX3 electric SUV: prices, specs and on-sale date

BMW has given its iX3 electric SUV a facelift less than a year after it went on sale, with prices now starting from £60,970
10 Aug 2021