Overview
BMW iX3 is basically the electrified version of the German automaker’s classic midsize SUV X3. It has a rear-wheel electric drive unit that produces 286 HP and 400 Nm torque. 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.8 seconds. Range of the vehicle is 460 kilometers when battery is full. Top speed is electronically limited to 180 km per hour. But because of its electric motor delivering the maximum torque instantly, BMW iX3 has a way better acceleration performance than similarly sized SUVs on the same price range.
BMW iX3’s production started in 2020, at the same BMW facility in Germany where ordinary X3 manufactured. BMW just swapped the combustion engine with an electric motor, put a battery pack on the floor and changed almost nothing from the X3. Exterior and interior design have not changed, only added some blue accent color (frozen grey in some color options) around the vehicle and bumpers to remind customers that this is a purely electric SUV.
Performance
Rear-wheel drive electric motor on the BMW iX3 can produce 286 horsepower and 400 Nm torque. It can go from zero to 100 km/h in 6.8 sec. Some road tests show even better results!
BMW iX3’s grip and traction on the road is phenomenal. Part of the reason for that is battery pack of the vehicle sits really low down, and it lowers the central gravity significantly lower than a standard SUV. As a result, iX3’s driving performance is very outstanding.
Design and Features
BMW’s classic kidney shaped front grille is almost fully closed in BMW iX3, the reason is that electric cars doesn’t need much air cooling compared to combustion engines. By closing front end of the vehicle, automakers can also make EVs be more aerodynamical and consume less energy.
One of the most sophisticated feature of the BMW iX3 is the acceleration, start/stop engine and other futuristic UI sounds composed by the famous artist Hans Zimmer. These special sounds will definitely increase the EV driving experience.
iX3 drivers can enjoy 10.2-inch full-touch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. BMW integrates its newest operating system into the iX3 which allows voice and gesture controls over the multimedia features. There is also a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster screen behind the steering wheel and an inductive charging pad in the lower part of the central console.
For seating setup, German carmaker does offer animal-free seats as a more environmentally friendly option. Passenger seats are pretty usual among BMW cars, two USB-C ports and climate controls are available to back row passengers. They can also recline their seats for a more comfortable driving position.
Range and Charging
BMW iX3 has an 80-kWh battery pack. Thanks to 150 kW DC charge support, charging the vehicle from 0 to 80 percent in 34 minutes.
Is BMW iX3 AWD?
No, BMW iX3 does not come with a dual motor, AWD option. iX3 only has a single motor rear-wheel drive setup available in 2021.
How Much Does BMW iX3 Cost and When Will It Be Available?
BMW iX3 costs around 59,730 pounds in the UK and 67,300 euros in Germany. In China, where iX3 also being built, price of the electric SUV starts from 399,900 yuan. It is available to order in almost all of the European countries. But BMW said iX3 will not coming to the United States.
Why Would You Buy BMW iX3?
BMW iX3 is very suitable for a customer who has fears switching to an electric vehicle. Because there is not much difference between electric iX3 and combustion engine BMW X3. Other than the lack of noise and smell of a gasoline engine, iX3 promises the same vehicle experience to its drivers.
