You often see that brands first electrify an existing model, possibly with plug-in hybrid technology, and then develop a fully electric car. BMW goes against the grain and comes years after the i3 with the iX3, the electric version of an already existing SUV.
It is 2013 when BMW introduces the i3 to the world. The first fully electric production car from the Germans is a special appearance for various reasons. The car is full of exotic materials from top to wheel hub and the design is miles away from the conventionally motorized BMWs. It seems that BMW wants to launch the i-label almost as a separate brand and immediately takes it seriously. And then it gets quiet on the electric front. While other brands are suddenly starting to accelerate, BMW is suddenly focusing on plug-in versions of existing models. The all-electric sequel is only now coming, in the form of the iX3, which is pretty much the opposite of the i3 in everything. No exotic materials, no wild design, just an X3 with a battery pack and an electric motor. In any case, BMW has not been idle in the intervening years. The brand claims that the lessons it has learned from the i3 lead to a much higher efficiency. In the bottom of the electric X3 is therefore a battery pack of only 73.8 kWh net capacity, good for a WLTP range of 459 kilometers for the iX3.
Silence and flexibility
The iX3 needs 27.3 kWh to travel 100 kilometers under rather wintery test conditions and fitted with winter tires, which translates into a range of 270 kilometers. The above is partly due to the iX3 being smart about its energy management. By giving the shift lever a little to the left, you can always switch to maximum recuperation and the BMW comes to a clean stop without using the brake pedal. Driving with one pedal is therefore very good. In addition, the iX3 can regenerate in three different positions in D mode and there is an adaptive mode that adjusts the degree of engine braking to data from the various sensors, the navigation data, but also, for example, the direction indicator. In this way, the car predicts how much should be slowed down. It takes some getting used to and not everyone will feel comfortable with it, but it works well. In addition, the single electric motor on the rear wheels with 286 hp and 400 Nm has enough punch. BMW apparently prefers not to interfere in the electric horsepower race and sticks to ‘more than sufficient’. Also fine. The silence and flexibility of the electric powertrain are extremely pleasant for the daily kilometers. The lack of a second electric motor, with which the iX3, together with the basic diesel, is the only X3 without an integral drive, does not play a significant role. Even on winter tires, the SUV has enough traction to limit wheel spin to a few exceptions.
Smoothly
The iX3 proves to be very all-round when it comes to handling, partly because of the standard adaptive shock absorbers. Even in the Sport mode, the BMW remains comfortable and that is good in practice. The iX3 never really comes to life on a cloverleaf, and oversteer occurs despite rear-wheel drive only when excessively provocative, but in all other cases it is a fine, trouble-free car.
Also for the passengers in the back by the way, who enjoy a lot of head and legroom. Unfortunately, BMW did not provide the iX3 with a luggage compartment in the nose. Where other versions house the combustion engine and transmission, in the iX3 there is only a large gaping hole, covered with a plastic plate. This choice can be explained in the light of compatibility in the production process, but it is still a shame. In practice, such a frunk turns out to be a handy place for charging cables. They do not roam through the trunk and the car can immediately be parked tightly against a wall or crash barrier because you no longer have to be in the back.
The luggage compartment itself is not disappointing with 510 liters and there is a compartment under the luggage floor where, with some puzzling, a charging cable fits without pushing the loading floor up. From the driver’s seat, it’s hard to tell the difference to other versions of the mid-sized SUV. The blue start button catches the eye the most. That means the use of neat materials, a good finish and, above all, a lot of ease of use. Both the physical part and the iDrive system work extremely well.
Complete
The BMW iX3 as we drive it costs € 74,800 but is very fully equipped. Fully electric seat adjustment, adaptive cruise control, a blind spot sensor, more extensive LED lighting, a head-up display, adaptive shock absorbers and a panoramic roof are on board. There is not much choice though. There is only one version and it can only be flavored with a High Executive package and some additional options. Yet you get relatively good value for money and that is, certainly in our country, a smart view of BMW.