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The move into EVs has brought about an introduction of new, and unfamiliar, car manufacturers.
While pre-COVID brands like Audi, Mercedes and BMW were fairly dominant in the UK’s new car buying / leasing market, the onset of electrification and the post-COVID era started a new swathe of new brands which were unfamiliar to many of us; Tesla, Polestar and BYD for example.
As at 2025, these are household names and represent a big part of what we drive in the UK but at the time of their inception there was a reticence to move across to these vehicles. However, with growing company car tax incentives, as well as Government grants of up to £5000, we soon saw many of these options being driven around.
So in a recent article by Drive the submission is that technology companies are now gaining an advantage over the traditional engineers, with the Gartner Digital Automaker 2025 showcasing that Tesla, Nio and Xiaomi are in spaces 1 to 3 on their list for best technology.
In the same list above, brands like Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda and Renault appear at the bottom with the lowest scores. With metrics like software, connected technology, infotainment and integration being overviewed, those vehicles which are being produced by large Chinese conglomerates and technology / battery organisations are making significant inroads into the automotive industry.
Even brands like Nio, Xpeg, Rivian and Geely are becoming well-known for vehicle architecture, autonomous driving and battery robustness. As a BEV is fundamentally assessed on the basis of its battery charging times, range and efficiency coupled with the actual driver experience, those brands with the economies of scale for their options and technology are making UK personal and leasing customers seriously consider their choices.
In the UK for August 2025 a number of these brands featured in the SMMT top-selling list such as BYD (1,759 units), Jaecoo (1,367 units), Leapmotor (258 units), Omoda (1,085 units), Tesla (3,243 units) and Xpeng (55 units).
So, while these new entrants are very much in the minds of the British consumer, with BMW posting 5,200 registrations in August 2025, it is clear that the adoration for German engineering still remains.
That does not mean the group are resting on their laurels, especially as they launch a remodelled version of their popular iX3. Described as the “first of the Neue Klasse era” the new iX3 will launch in 2025 and replaces the 2020 model which had previously been in circulation.
However, the previous 2020-2025 was very much an all-electric copy of the combustion X3, whereas the upcoming model is now based on the dedicated electric architecture. The “first of a new era” the new iX3 has very much targeted the battery and technology with the headlines focusing on the range, charging power and driver orientation. Indeed, with a real-world range of 375 miles on a full battery and a maximum DC charging capability of 400kW DC, this really is an eye-opener.
The new iX3 is very much on the lines of the current iX (large SUV) as opposed to the predecessor X3. The exterior features elements like invisible door handles, the immediate detection via the digital key, BMW kidney Iconic Glow and aerodynamic silhouette.
Digitally speaking, the new BMW Panoramic iDrive display and control system is centred around customer experience bolstered with the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which is designed to learn and adapt to the driver. With safety in mind, the vehicle has an array of sensors, cameras and radars as part of the assistance systems.
But luxury and comfort haven’t been ignored, with the crafted interior and space described as being elegant yet functional. For UK families, needing space and practicality the 1,750 litres of space (with the boot down) and the 58 litres in the front are testament to the engineering team at BMW.
As at September 2025, you can choose between:
In terms of colours choose between Alpine White, Space Silver, Polarised Grey, Black Sapphire and Ocean Blue. A whole host of 20” - 22” alloy upgrades are available but do note the impact on range and vehicle efficiency. In terms of additional packages, consider the Technology Plus Pack (3-zone air conditioning, 3D HUD and Harman/Kardon surround sound). Other options include sun protection glass, panoramic glass sunroof, Iconic Glow, heated steering wheel and the towbar (which includes Trailer Stability Control). Create a bespoke option yourself on the BMW website.
Head to our dedicated BMW iX3 special offers section, or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]
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