Though BMW was initially quick off the mark when it came to electric cars - introducing models like the popular i3 - it shortly fell behind as other manufacturers ramped up their own battery-powered offerings.
However, that’s changing as BMW turns its attention to producing more EVs, starting with this - the iX3. Effectively an electric version of its regular - and very popular - X3, the iX3 aims to provide a more subtle, understated electric car experience. It features some of the latest technology, mind you, so it’s certainly not lacking when it comes to innovation. Let’s take a look at some of the key things you need to know about this new EV.
What powertrains are available?
Things are kept pretty simple when it comes to the iX3’s powertrains - there’s just one. Here, we’ve got an electric motor sending 282bhp and 400Nm of torque to the rear wheels, equating to a 0-60mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 112mph. It actually feels more sprightly from behind the wheel, too, owing to the electric powertrain’s immediate delivery of torque.
All of this is hooked up to an 80kWh battery - of which 74kWh is useable - and allows for an electric range of up to 285 miles.
When it comes to charging, the iX3 can accept speeds of up to 150kW. Connected to an appropriate rapid charger, this means that an 80 per cent charge could be conducted in as little as 34 minutes. Hooked up to a 7.4kW home charger, it’ll take around 10 hours to fully charge the battery from flat - so quick enough that it can be charged completely overnight.
What trim levels are offered?
BMW has already facelifted its iX3, despite it having not been on sale for all that long. In the process, it has made the car’s trim levels easier to understand and closer in appearance to the ones you get on other BMW models. Previous Premier Edition and Premier Edition Pro models have now been replaced with more familiar M Sport and M Sport Pro trim levels.
M Sport - from £60,970
In keeping with the rest of the BMW line-up, M Sport trim on the iX3 brings a host of sporty-looking touches. These include redesigned side skirts, a prominent rear diffuser and a variety of gloss black accents. You also get 19-inch alloy wheels with this grade, fitted alongside adaptive suspension and a panoramic sunroof.
M Sport Pro - from £63,970
Move up to M Sport Pro and the iX3’s standard equipment becomes even more inclusive. Inside, you now get a head-up display, which casts key information onto the windscreen ahead of the driver, making it easier to see certain displays without having to take your eyes off the road.
However, one of the biggest changes with this grade is the inclusion of a more noticeable ‘electric sound’. It was made in collaboration with composer Hans Zimmer and gives the iX3 a really distinctive noise when accelerating.
What about personalisation?
There are several ways you can make the iX3 feel more like ‘yours’. The colour choices are reasonably condensed with four shades to choose from, but they’re all metallic and do give the iX3 a classy appearance.
Inside, you’ve got a variety of finishers to choose from alongside all manner of leather choices - the brown ‘mocha’ shade looks particularly good, in our eyes at least.
Enquire on a new BMW
