Why BMW’s China-built iX3 electric car is a winner

Fast, fun to drive and loaded with technology, this luxury car encourages people to reset expectations for luxury cars.

BMW iX3 represents an easy transition to electric life.

BMW went back to the drawing board for its new iX3 electric car.

Quite simply, this is an electrified version of BMW’s most popular vehicle, the X3 prestige SUV.

It looks just like a BMW X3, but for a new grille, wheels and liberal application of bright blue trim.

The BMW iX3 costs more than petrol rivals, but is loaded with equipment.

That’s because the German brand got burnt by slow sales for adventurous electric “I” models, the tiny BMW i3 hatchback and outlandish BMW i8 supercar that brought impressive technical solutions for eye-watering prices.

BMW’s iX3 could easily be mistaken for petrol or diesel siblings.

This iX3 is a much simpler proposition.

Priced from $114,900 plus on-road costs (about $124,000 drive-away), the iX3 costs a fair whack more than the basic X3 priced from about $81,500 drive-away.

But it is around $10,000 less than the entry-level Mercedes-Benz EQC electric car, and at least $20,000 cheaper than Audi’s e-tron – rivals with more power and all-wheel-drive.

Critics loved the electric BMW i3 hatchback, but customers struggled with a price that can top $85,000 drive-away.

Alternatives within BMW showrooms include a plug-in hybrid X3 that brings all-wheel-drive and 41 kilometres of electric range for $110,500 drive-away, or the more luxurious (if conspicuously beaver-faced) iX electric SUV that costs about $20,000 more.

The BMW iX is clever, but confronting to look at.

Customers who choose the iX3 get a punchy electric motor delivering 210kW and 400Nm to the rear wheels, along with an 80kWh battery offering a claimed 460 kilometres of range.

It looks sharp on 20-inch wheels, and you get free metallic paint, plus the option of black, brown or light grey leather at no cost.

BMW’s iX3 plays it safe inside and out.

BMW’s full complement of driver aids are standard, as is an M Sport cosmetic pack, matrix LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, heated sports seats, a powered tailgate and more.

Infotainment elements include a head-up display and customisable digital dashboard, a 12.3-inch widescreen central display with wireless smartphone mirroring and inductive charging, plus digital radio connectivity, hands-free ‘gesture control’ and a 16-speaker harman/kardon stereo.

BMW says sources some battery metals from Australia, hoping to avoid mines with questionable human rights.

The only thing missing is a five-year warranty, as BMW refuses to budge from its three-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Maintenance is affordable – for a BMW – at $1650 for six years. A five-year subscription to the Chargefox electric vehicle network is complimentary. Customers should give it a go, as 150kW fast chargers will zap the iX3 from 10 to 80 per cent range in 32 minutes, adding more than 300 kilometres of range.

Like other electric cars adapted from petrol models, the iX3 doesn’t capitalise on packaging advantages offered by battery tech – there’s no storage under the bonnet.

Australia’s BMW X3 models usually come from Spartanburg in South Carolina. But the iX3 is built in Shenyang, China, where the brand has a joint venture with Brilliance Auto.

Near-silent electric motors often expose squeaks and rattles in new cars, but we’re pleased to say this wasn’t the case for our well-built iX3 demonstrator.

Like the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, the BMW iX3 is made in China.

It’s a spacious, practical and well-appointed machine that’s requires zero adjustment from BMW customers.

There’s a little bit of Hollywood in sci-fi start up sound effects produced by silver screen composer Hans Zimmer, before you get underway using the same steering wheel, gearstick and pedals as ‘normal’ BMWs.

You can drive the iX3 in one-pedal mode, treat it like a regular car, or let clever sensors automatically choose when to ramp-up regenerative braking at intersections or in traffic.

Spritely enough off the mark, the IX3’s instant torque delivers a 6.8 second dash to 100km/h. A top speed limited to 180km/h might be a deal-breaker on German autobahns, though it won’t be a problem in Australia.

The iX3’s huge battery sits low in the car, reducing its centre of gravity and propensity for body roll.

The iX3 is great to drive, with firm suspension that returns quick reflexes.

But the 500-plus kilos of additional mass blunt the X3’s inherent athleticism, and the combination of a lower ride height and rear-only traction mean customers shouldn’t go off-road in search of adventure.

It’s still fun to drive, with accurate steering and well-controlled body movements that highlight the shortcomings of wayward electric rivals.

Verdict:

The iX3 is exactly what it looks like – an electrified version of BMW’s best-seller. Well-equipped and great to drive, it represents an easy transition into green motoring.

4 stars

BMW iX3

Price: About $124,000 drive-away

Engine: Electric motor, 210kW and 400Nm

Warranty/Service: 3-year / unlimited km, $1650 for 6 years

Consumption/Range: 21.6kWh/100 km, 460km

Safety: 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert

Cargo: 510 litres

Spare: Repair kit