Table of Contents
A Bold Departure from the Past
When a car brand has a best‑selling model, the usual rule is to keep it unchanged. The 2020 BMW iX3 followed that playbook: a conventional X3 chassis fitted with batteries, a quiet electric drive that looked and felt like the original. It was a safe, low‑profile transition for buyers who wanted electric power without a dramatic visual shift.
Today’s iX3 breaks that pattern. It is not a retrofit; it is a brand‑new vehicle built from the ground up on a dedicated electric architecture. BMW calls the underlying platform “New Class,” a term that signals a clean break from the legacy X3 and a commitment to a future where the car’s design, software, and powertrain are all optimized for electrons, not pistons.
Design That Signals a New Era
Externally, the new iX3 looks almost unrecognizable next to its 2020 predecessor. Twin LED headlights, a sharp nose, and a dramatically reduced kidney grille give it a distinctly electric silhouette. The tiny grille is no longer a radiator intake; it is a design statement that the vehicle is no longer a gas‑powered shell.
Inside, BMW has taken a gamble that could polarize buyers. The traditional instrument cluster has been replaced by a panoramic digital strip that runs the full width of the windshield. The driver’s primary information—speed, range, and critical alerts—appears in the center, while the right side can display media or navigation. The strip sits high enough to avoid interference from a raised steering wheel, a layout that mirrors the controversial design of some modern Peugeot models.
Inside the Digital Cabin
The centerpiece of the cabin is an 18‑inch touchscreen that replaces the long‑standing iDrive rotary dial. BMW argues that the combination of a large touch interface, voice assistant, and steering‑wheel buttons eliminates the need for a physical knob. However, the change forces drivers to either reach for the glass or use the wheel buttons, both of which can be distracting compared to the muscle‑memory of the dial.
Ergonomics become a concern when settings that used to be a quick tap—such as lumbar support—now require navigating a menu, selecting a slider, and dragging it while driving. The result is a longer, eyes‑down interaction that could frustrate users accustomed to instant, tactile adjustments.
Despite these usability questions, the cabin is built with premium materials: high‑quality leathers, refined fabrics, and a flat floor that maximizes legroom. The rear seats comfortably accommodate two six‑footer drivers, and the third row, while firm, offers adequate space for a child or a short trip. The trunk holds 520 liters of cargo, and a 58‑liter front trunk provides a convenient spot for charging cables and other gear.
Performance, Range, and Charging
The new iX3 is powered by a 108.7‑kWh battery that delivers an official range of over 490 miles—an unprecedented figure for a compact SUV. This leap places the vehicle well ahead of rivals such as the Tesla Model Y and the Audi Q6 e‑Tron, which top out below 400 miles. The high range eliminates the need for frequent charging on long journeys, addressing the core anxiety that has long plagued electric‑vehicle owners.
Charging speed is equally impressive. The iX3 accepts up to 400 kW, allowing a 10‑percent to 80‑percent charge in roughly 21 minutes at a compatible fast‑charger. At home, a standard 7‑kW wallbox would take about 17½ hours to fill the battery from empty, a realistic expectation for overnight charging. The large battery also means that topping off the pack during a trip is often sufficient, reducing the frequency of full charges.
On the road, the iX3 delivers 463 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds—a performance that rivals sports cars of the past decade. While the heavy battery adds weight, the suspension is tuned to absorb bumps smoothly, and a “soft stop” feature eases the final braking phase to prevent a jarring head bob. The cabin remains quiet, with minimal wind and road noise, and the electric motor provides a silent, refined driving experience.
Practicality and Pricing
Practicality is a key selling point. The flat floor and generous cargo space make the iX3 suitable for families, while the front trunk offers a tidy place for charging cables and other accessories. The vehicle’s size and weight are comparable to the original X3, but the dedicated EV platform allows for better packaging and interior space.
Price-wise, the iX3 starts at £57,755, with higher trims such as the M Sport and M Sport Pro pushing above £61,000. This places it well above the Tesla Model Y’s £45,000 starting price but in line with the Audi Q6 e‑Tron. BMW justifies the premium with its superior range, charging capabilities, and the perceived luxury of a fully electric platform.
Reliability data is still emerging, but BMW ranks sixth out of 30 manufacturers in recent surveys, suggesting that owners can expect a solid ownership experience.
Balancing Innovation and Tradition
The new iX3 represents a decisive shift toward a fully digital, electric future. Its record range and fast charging make it a compelling choice for those who value long‑distance capability. Yet the interior redesign—particularly the removal of the iconic rotary dial—introduces a new set of usability challenges. Buyers must decide whether the convenience of a large touchscreen outweighs the tactile familiarity of a physical control.
In a market where range anxiety has long dominated the conversation, BMW’s 490‑mile figure offers a powerful counterpoint. The question now is whether the trade‑off of “interface anxiety” is worth the freedom of a longer range. For some, the answer will be clear; for others, the learning curve may prove too steep.
Ultimately, the iX3 is a bold statement: BMW is willing to abandon the comfort of legacy design in pursuit of a new, electrified identity. Whether that gamble pays off will depend on how well the brand can reconcile cutting‑edge technology with everyday usability.