Reviewing the BMW iX3

The BMW iX3 review

“Slow to start but quick to develop … “ is probably an apt phrase for one of the UK’s favourite German car manufacturers. In contrast to Mercedes, and Tesla, the BMW group did seem somewhat reticent to introduce a pure electric vehicle to replace some of their existing combustion platforms.

What was particularly strange was that their early innovations, the BMW i3 (which began production in September 2013) and the BMW i8 (which began production in April 2014) seemed to make a clear statement about the manufacturer’s future  -  battery electric vehicles were to be an integral part of the product suite.

And the i3, which was available as a pure electric or as an EV with a range-extending petrol engine, was somewhat popular having amassed worldwide sales of circa 220,000 by the end of 2021 (the i3 was discontinued in the Summer of 2022). But the i3 was what e-car lease would call a “unique” car; BMW did try to move their electric offerings away from the design, branding and approach of what has previously worked so well for them and instead created a product which was too divisive.

There was much to like about the i3, particularly when you think it was launched nearly 10 years ago, but BMW made the mistake which many early-adopters made - they tried to reinvent the concept and undertones of the motor car. This was unnecessary and both the i3, and the sports car i8, were a love or hate car which in some ways limited the uptake by those in the middle.

But BMW were slow to address this and somewhat acquiesced with their “i” sub-brand, moving more of their resources into hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology on their combustion mainstay cars. But in 2020, the situation did finally change, amidst the dominance of the Tesla Model 3, with BMW formally launching one of three key EVs - the BMW iX3 (followed by the bigger SUV iX and the Gran Coupe i4 in 2021).

So what is the BMW iX3 - what does it cost? Is it a full electric? What is the range?

While we will answer all of these key questions in turn, it’s probably worth confirming that the iX3 is essentially the same platform as the BMW X3 combustion option with only minor changes, including the replacement of a combustion engine for a fully-electric lithium battery configuration (i.e. it is a full electric).

So for a first-time EV customer this removes any concerns or fears about utilising an unfamiliar vehicle or having to re-learn the art of driving! And with the iX3 being an SUV, this appeals to many UK personal and business leasing customers, as this does seem to be the preferred type of car.

And it is no surprise that many other competing manufacturers also have alternatives to compare against the iX3 with the Audi Q4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mercedes EQC and upcoming BMW iX1 likely to appear on a typical wish-list. Over the last 10  years, many of us have transferred across to the SUV and 4x4 style of vehicle with this being a practical and comfortable option with space, style and substance.

For many families, or for those company car drivers with carrying requirements, these vehicles are just more desirable than traditional saloon and MPV vehicles. With BMW having an iX1, iX3 and iX in place for 2023, does suggest that BMW see this as the backbone of their EV offering. And BMW should be taking this seriously, with the incredible increase in electric car registrations in the UK. As per the SMMT  by October 2022, 175,614 EVs were registered, some 40% more than last year! Not only is there an environmental necessity to do this; there are good fiscal reasons for doing so.

What iX3 options are there?

To keep this a simplified option, BMW are offering just two key models including:

• M Sport - from £62,865 (as at November 2022) the entry-model includes the M Sport package, adaptive LED headlights, automatic tailgate, panoramic glass sunroof, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, air conditioning, ambient lighting, adaptive suspension, heat pump for increased battery efficiency, active protection, 19” alloys and leather upholstery; and
•  M Sport Pro - from £65,865 (as at November 2022) the Pro will add more equipment including the extended high-gloss shadow line exterior trim, 20” alloys, BMW IconicSounds Electric, driver seat lumbar support, Harman/Kardon sound, parking assistant plus, comfort access and front heated seats. 

In terms of colour choices, electric BMW fans can opt for the Carbon Black, Sophisto Grey, Mineral Grey or Phytonic Blue. In terms of upholstery, choose between the standard black Vernasca leather, the Macha with night blue contrast stitching or the Oyster with grey contrast stitching. For anyone looking for a towing solution, BMW do offer a towbar with trailer stability control for £708 plus VAT. 

How is BMW’s battery tech and engineering?

Without doubt the foremost consideration for any EV driver, PCH or BCH, now relates to the battery; this is really what you are paying for and why you are transitioning to zero-emission technology after all! Both the M Sport and M Sport Pro models have a usable 74 kWh lithium-ion battery which offers 0 – 62 times of 6.8 seconds, 112 mph top speeds and 210 kW (or 282 hp).

Expect a combined winter range of 200 miles with warmer weather allowing for 270 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 155 kW DC maximum allowing 31 minute 10 – 80% times. With a towing weight (braked) of 750 kg and a 510L cargo volume, this is also a practical family vehicle. The electric X3 also has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 131 mpg. 

What are the reviews like on the iX3?

Well, to start, this BEV was named the Best electric SUV to drive by What Car? in 2022! The What Car? team gave a 5/5 to the car with Auto Express at 4/5, Top Gear at 7/10 and Parkers at 4/5. While some review websites credit the car with its cost-effectiveness at launch, recent price increases does make this comparable to the competition.

Credited for robust range, great infotainment on the Pro and being quiet but punchy, the familiarity with the X3 does win over many of the trusted publications. However , media outlets do recognise this is not as fast on 0 - 62 compared to rivals, the DC / rapid charge falls below that of the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60 alternatives and the real world range is below the Tesla Model Y. Plus the signature blue highlights, as an “I” product, are a little too frequent for some tastes. 

But in summary, the iX3 is a great addition to BMW’s electric car offering and should be a product which is equally popular amongst personal and business contract hire customers, as well as salary sacrifice schemes. The issues surrounding stock, availability and delivery times have also seem less prevalent with this manufacturer compared to others who are quoting 6 - 12 month lead times.

The iX3 has been steadily appearing in retailer showrooms and ports across the UK during 2022, with many of our leasing “stock electric car deals” being focused  on either the M Sport or the Pro. And customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive on this option. 

BMW iX3-E ELECTRIC ESTATE 210kW M Sport Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle)

In terms of the car shown, the BMW iX3-E ELECTRIC ESTATE 210kW M Sport Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle), this is based on the following configurations:  

•  Phytonic blue Metallic paint
•  Vernasca leather - Black with blue contrast stitching
•  20" M aerodynamic alloy wheels in M bicolour style 890
• Type 2 charging cable (Suitable for Public charging and home wallbox charger – Fast charging) 

What is the range of the M Sport iX3 SUV? 

What is the battery capacity and charging speed on the M Sport iX3 SUV? 

How long does it take to charge the M Sport iX3 SUV?

Where can I charge the M Sport iX3 SUV? 

What is the company car tax on the M Sport iX3 SUV?