New or Used Electric Car Leasing with the BMW iX3 SUV - which is best?

Which is best New or Used electric Car Leasing - BMW iX3 SUV?

The growth of the electric car transition (new and used)  isn't just happening at car dealerships, leasing brokers or via salary sacrifice schemes through an employer.

There are more subtle introductions for UK residents to enjoy zero-emission driving. This is probably no better illustrated than the recent BBC report on the Forest of Dean electric car sharing initiative.  A non-committal pay as you drive scheme delivered by the Hiyacar app, residents in the local area can book the EV for several hours or for up to 10 days.

Identifying that some residents are not offered a bus service and with walking / cycling routes many miles from major towns and cities, the local council looked into the possibility of a zero-emission solution for this temporary transport solution. Also noting that -  "Ownership of an electric vehicle can be a significant expense and that's out of reach for a lot of people” - the local council wanted to ensure it was a cost-effective and pragmatic solution.

After a successful bid to the Western Gateway Sub-national Transport Body, the Gloucestershire residents were awarded £20,000 to help procure the EV and deliver this programme. At e-car lease we are advocates for this style of support, as this not only introduces the benefits (and rewards) of driving electric to the local community, but it also raises the profile of the BEV in a more positive light. Moving battery vehicles into the hearts and minds of UK drivers is a key part of helping our ambitions become reality.

Cost-analysis of electric vehicles is something which our electric car and van experts take seriously; even more so with the new v used debate for BEVs. A great example is the upcoming BMW iX3 SUV, which re-launches in March 2026 (you can order this today at. As we have covered in one of our definitive BMW leasing guides on this upcoming EV  UK personal and business leasing customers are being offered an incredible solution.

As we detail below in our key overview, the new iX3 will offer a sizable 108kWh battery capable of sub 5 second 0 - 62 times yet deliver a 375mile combined range (real world). Without question, this is true testament to German engineering and a noticeable increase in the capability of the next generation of all-electric transport.

While there are many pros to the iX3 - the design, the functionality and the improved technology - the obvious downside is the cost. Specification and model dependent, you are looking at a £60,000 vehicle. On the basis that BMW electric car deals, purchase or lease, are more heavily supported for business users, the reality is that the competitive rentals will be focused on small and medium businesses upgrading their fleet.

But that is not to say it will be cheap; this is likely to be good value taking into account the amazing tax benefits for companies, like the Corporation Tax offset, charge points as tax deductible, electricity not being considered as fuel plus the low Benefit In Kind (BiK) position for employees / directors

The reality is that consumers / retail customers do not benefit from these "add-ons". The whole notion for a personal lease, or purchase, is underpinned on the concept of cheaper running costs (fuel and servicing), better driving experience and the reducing acquisition costs of battery vehicles for 2025 and beyond.

While these are indeed true statements, it is fair to say that the real benefits are still being afforded to companies and more needs to be done for individuals to access the benefit of going electric with their next car or van. However, economics and politics aside, there is a robust solution which may become a big part of the used electric sector. Via one of our leading finance companies, Lex Autolease, the e-car team are able to offer used EVs which are essentially ex-fleet cars.

During 2025, their team has worked hard to deliver better and more diverse stock; many vehicles are 2 - 3 years old, sub 40,000 miles and include small hatchbacks, SUVs, luxury and even performance cars. A key car appearing on their stock list is the previous iX3 SUV. With a mix of M Sport and M Sport Pro, we are typically seeing Vat inclusive rentals of circa £325 - £400 per month (contract dependent). When you consider this is more than half the price of the new version, rational economics quickly steps in, you can review these used-EV deals 

Before the naysayers and anti-EV rhetoric commences, the "concerns" surrounding older EVs has been addressed by Lex. Each car will arrive with a funder-maintenance package, so that the cost of all servicing, maintenance, tyres and breakdown are covered. Even the MOT is taken care of (and associated costs in that process). A customer needs only to organise a charge point (and charging tariff) and the motor insurance.

Any vehicle issues or concerns are readily taken care of by the funder thereby addressing the absence of the manufacturer warranty (which typically expires after 3 - 4 years) and the battery warranty (which expires after 8 years). To bolster this moving forwards, there are plans to work with a battery health business, like ClearWatt, who provide a robust overview of the vehicle's performance and battery health.

While many of the PCH customers taking used EVs from our e-car team are covering less than 10,000 miles per annum, the range and battery performance are still a consideration. Education is key for a used EV in the same way as a new one; real world range, AC charging, DC charging, towing capacity, vehicle performance, energy tariff costs, motor insurance costs and charge point locations should be clearly identified.

While the industry awaits the Government’s response to help the used electric vehicle market, businesses remain responsible for their own solutions. For customers looking at the BMW iX3, we feel there is now an abundance of choice, flexibility and finance options to choose from to ensure that personal and business customers have their needs and requirements satisfied. 
          

Comparing the New BMW iX3 vs a Used BMW iX3

• iX3 - this RWD SUV will have a 74 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 6.8 seconds, 112 mph top speeds and 210kW (or 282hp). Expect a combined winter range of 200 miles with warmer weather allowing for 270 miles – a 240 mile combined. On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 8 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 155 kW DC maximum allowing 31 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 510L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 131 mpg. You can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 750kg (Braked). The old (2022 - 2024) iX3 has no Bidirectional Charging. The Heat Pump is available as a standard option.

50 xDrive - this AWD SUV will have a 108.7 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 4.9 seconds,130 mph top speeds and 345kW (or 463hp). Expect a combined winter range of 315 miles with warmer weather allowing for 430 miles – a 375 mile combined. On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 11 hour and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 400 kW DC maximum allowing 21 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 520L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 140 mpg. You can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 2000kg (Braked). The new iX3 has Bidirectional Charging - it also has V2L capabilities via an external 3.7kW AC type 2 adapter. The Heat Pump is available as a standard option.

Want to know more about new or used electric vehicles?

Head to our dedicated special offers section or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]