2024 BMW iX3 electric car review

This premium electric SUV proves there is more to battery-powered machines than Elon Musk’s brand of motoring.

The electric BMW iX3 is becoming the vehicle of choice for many prestige cat buyers looking for a mid-sized SUV. It’s now the second-best seller in the X3 line-up.

VALUE

BMW has priced the made-in-China model to limbo under the $91,387 limit that allows buyers to qualify for the fringe benefits tax exemption for electric cars. You will have to get the dealer to come to the party regarding on-road costs, but word is they are wiling to do a deal.

The BMW iX3 starts rom about $125,000 on the road.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, leather, heated front seats, tri-zone airconditioning, smart-key entry, a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, ambient lighting and wireless phone charging.

There’s also a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.3-inch central infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. BMW also throws in a year’s worth of public charging with Chargefox.

COMFORT

The iX3 looks, smells and feels like any other X3 inside.

Nicely bolstered leather-clad seats set the scene, even if it’s not as spacious as some EVs.

BMW iX3

The 510-litre boot is 40 litres down on regular X3s, but a 40/20/40 split-folding back seat makes for a flexible interior. Programmable touch pads and a smattering of physical buttons make adjusting all the major controls easy.

And the iX3 is quiet and comfortable on the road. Suspension is firm but it suits the nature of the iX3. You’ll feel the bumps but it doesn’t jar or jolt.

SAFETY

The iX3 has seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, speed-sign recognition, blind spot-monitoring and tyre pressure monitors. Cross-traffic alert front and rear makes it easier to nudge out of parking spots and driveways.

DRIVING

The iX3 delivers BMW’s trademark responsiveness. Nicely weighted steering sets the scene for excellent cornering manners.

BMW’s iX3 electric SUV. Source: Supplied

With broader rear tyres it also does a great job of getting the power to the bitumen, while the low centre of gravity adds to the planted demeanour. It all makes for a fun and engaging driving experience.

The iX3’s single electric motor has a broad spread of usable grunt all the way up to freeway speeds.

The dash to 100km/h is claimed to take 6.8 seconds and there’s no shortage of enthusiasm when you want to get on with things. Additional oomph in reserve makes country running a snip.

From a standstill, there’s a purposeful jolt on brisk takeoffs. It’s more pronounced in Sport mode, which also stiffens the dampers. You can also engage more aggressive regenerative braking by selecting B mode on the drive selector.

The BMW iX3 is a sales hit. Source: Supplied

The 74kWh battery is claimed to provide up to 461km of range, although closer to 400km seems realistic in everyday driving.

Home charging can be done at up to 11kW for a full charge in about 7.5 hours. Faster DC charging takes about 32 minutes to juice the battery from 10 to 80 per cent.

ALTERNATIVES

Tesla Model Y Performance, from about $89,000 drive-away

Stupendous performance from two electric motors teams with a cleverly-packaged body to provide a tempting EV proposition. Minimalist cabin is not to everyone’s taste but the tech and trinkets are unmatched.

Lexus NX450h+, from about $105,000 drive-away

One of the best plug-in hybrids in the country is currently not available to order because Lexus can’t build many. Hopefully it’ll be back on sale soon.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Ultimate, from about $95,000 drive-away
It’s technically a compact SUV but will suffice for many chasing a slick-driving electric SUV. Google operating tech and a lengthy equipment list add to its appeal.

BMW iX3. Source: Supplied

VERDICT

Four stars

Sharp pricing makes the EV a tempting mid-sized SUV proposition.

BMW iX3 M Sport

PRICE: From about $97,000 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICE: 5 years, unlimited km, $2325 for 6 years, unlimited km

SAFETY: 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, rear auto braking, driver monitoring, speed-sign recognition

MOTOR: Single rear-drive motor, 210kW and 400Nm

RANGE: 461km

BOOT: 510 litres