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A Bold New Direction
BMW has long been known for its cautious approach to electrification. When a model becomes a bestseller, the company typically sticks to incremental tweaks—new paint, a larger infotainment screen, or a refreshed headlight design—rather than a wholesale redesign. The 2020 iX3 followed that pattern. It was essentially a gasoline‑powered X3 with batteries tucked under the floor, a safe conversion that let buyers switch to electric without a dramatic change in feel or appearance. But the new iX3 breaks that mold. It is the first production vehicle to emerge from BMW’s "New Class" concept, a dedicated electric architecture built from the ground up rather than retrofitted onto a combustion‑engine chassis.
Exterior Evolution
Comparing the 2020 model to the current one, the differences are striking. The older version had a familiar, soft‑lined silhouette, while the new iX3 adopts a monolithic, almost sculptural look that echoes the concept car. Twin LED headlights and a distinctive nose give it a futuristic profile, and the iconic kidney grille has been reduced to a tiny, integrated light signature. This signals a departure from the traditional radiator‑intake aesthetic and a clear statement that the vehicle is an EV, not a hybrid of old and new.
Interior Innovation and Ergonomics
The cabin is where BMW takes the biggest gamble. The traditional instrument cluster has been replaced by a panoramic digital strip that runs the full width of the windshield, positioned just below the glass. Drivers see speed and critical data directly in front of them, while the center and right sections can display media, navigation, or other information. The design aims to keep the driver’s eyes on the road, but it also forces a higher gaze line and a different interaction pattern compared to conventional gauges.
At the center of the dashboard sits an 18‑inch touchscreen that replaces the long‑standing iDrive rotary dial. BMW argues that the combination of the large screen, improved voice assistant, and steering‑wheel buttons eliminates the need for a physical knob. However, the absence of the tactile dial introduces usability challenges. Adjusting settings such as lumbar support now requires navigating a menu on the touchscreen while driving—a process that can take several seconds and demands visual attention. The company’s decision to prioritize a clean, digital interface over muscle‑memory‑based controls has sparked debate among enthusiasts who value the quick, eyes‑free interaction the dial once provided.
Despite these concerns, the cabin materials have been upgraded. Fabrics and leathers offer a more premium feel, and the flat floor maximizes legroom. The rear seats comfortably accommodate five adults, though the middle seat is described as firm. The trunk holds 520 liters of cargo space, and a 58‑liter front trunk (frunk) provides a convenient spot for charging cables and other items.
Powertrain and Range
The new iX3’s battery is a 108.7‑kWh pack, delivering an official range of over 490 miles. This figure places it well ahead of rivals such as the Tesla Model Y Long Range and the Audi Q6 e‑Tron Sport Quattro, both of which fall short of the 400‑mile mark. The extended range eliminates the need for frequent charging on long trips, reshaping the vehicle’s value proposition.
Charging performance is equally impressive. The car supports up to 400 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10 % to 80 % charge in roughly 21 minutes at a suitable station. Home charging, however, is slower; a standard 7 kW wallbox would take about 17½ hours to fill the battery from empty. While overnight charging is still feasible, drivers may need to plan for partial top‑ups rather than full charges.
Under the hood, the 50 XDrive model produces 463 hp and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds—a performance level that rivals sports cars of the past decade. The vehicle’s weight, largely due to the large battery, results in a slightly lean handling feel, but the steering remains responsive and provides good feedback. The suspension has been tuned to absorb bumps smoothly, and a "soft stop" feature eases the final braking phase to reduce head bobbing.
Practicality and Family Use
BMW has positioned the iX3 as a family SUV. The spacious interior, flat floor, and generous cargo capacity make it suitable for everyday use. The frunk’s dedicated space for charging cables is a thoughtful touch that addresses a common EV inconvenience. The vehicle’s long range also means fewer stops for charging, which can be a significant advantage for families on road trips.
Pricing and Market Position
The starting price of £50,755 places the iX3 above the Tesla Model Y, which begins at around £45,000, but it is comparable to the Audi Q6 e‑Tron. BMW’s premium pricing reflects its focus on luxury, performance, and the substantial range advantage. Buyers who value the 490‑mile range and the brand’s heritage may find the price justified, while others might prefer a more affordable EV.
Final Thoughts
BMW’s new iX3 represents a decisive shift toward a fully digital, high‑performance electric platform. It delivers a record‑breaking range, fast charging, and a refined driving experience that outpaces many competitors. Yet the interior’s radical departure from familiar controls introduces a new kind of "interface anxiety." The question remains whether the convenience of a single, large touchscreen outweighs the frustration of navigating menus for simple adjustments. As the automotive world moves from mechanical to digital interaction, the iX3 forces buyers to weigh the trade‑offs between extended range and user‑friendly ergonomics.