New BMW iX3 in-depth review: the electric X3!

The new BMW iX3 is essentially a fully electric version of the regular X3, offering the same upmarket interior, similar technology, excellent practicality and plenty of safety features. The iX3 comes with a single electric motor and rear-wheel drive, managing around 280 miles on a charge, a figure that puts it close to the Audi e-tron and Mercedes EQC. But with a much bigger price tag than the regular X3, is the iX3 good enough to justify the switch to electric power? Nicola puts it to the test to find out.

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00:00 - Introduction
01:46 - Design, trim levels and specifications
02:37 - Interior and technology
03:42 - Range and charging
04:35 - Driving and performance
07:28 - Practicality and boot space
08:39 - Rear seats
08:53 - Dealmakers and dealbreakers
09:45 - Verdict

[jacktyler]

Interesting alternative, especially for those with badge or performance biases whom we still hope will move to an EV. You may/may not be aware how helpful you UK reviewers are to those of us over here in the States. You've adopted EVs quicker and drawn the manufacturers to you sooner, so reviews like this helps us lead the target, so to speak. Thanks!

[drink]

Great review as always, Nicola! Nice video, excellent work

[wolverinepl]

if you think about it. charging using rapid charge is more expensive then using diesel or petrol

[GazVanDyk]

put an i before or pro after and your onto a winner no matter what it’s like

[CreRay]

The iPhone was certainly not ‘just another phone’ and cool because of the ‘i’ in its name. It was nothing less than a revolution in mobile phones. In fact, it is the iPhone that made it cool to use the ‘i’! Nothing wrong with this BMW, but a revolution it certainly isn’t…

[rogergrufferty]

Very informative. Knew nothing about i x 3. Will order for 2023.
Roger

[shashediri]

Very good presentation ! but I think It's good you mention starting prices of cars.

[schunkelperser]

The car is mhh. The host is fantastic.

[seanhennessey]

Love your presentation style Nicola, fun & entertaining . Attractive intelligent lady who knows about cars & holds your attention ! Who can complain about this😊

[mrmichaelmann]

Looking cool in the black belt cargo multi-purpose combat gi.

[Delvis]

Great review. 280 bhp seems adequate, especially with instant torque. Rear wheel drive is a nice, driver-oriented touch too. I’d consider one of these!

[davidkuinov]

"i" used to mean injectors in bmw, what's the meaning now?

[Beorn.]

Nice looking car and I'm pleased it is based on the ice chassis that way it doesn't look like the suspension has collapsed. One thing I have to say though, "family family family" what's with that! To be honest it's probably people who don't have one that can afford it so less of the family :-)

[MukiMuki]

Unlike the Netflix Cowboy Bebop adaptation, this is gonna be... an average suv...
At least Yoko Kanno, the music composer, came back.
Made a guitar cover video for the ending theme, The Real Folk Blues.

[davidperry]

Just 2 minutes watching the video is enough for me from this presenter.

[ISuperTed]

Great review as always. I did think about one of these as my new company car a couple of months ago and it ticked all the boxes apart from cost TBH. It’s just a little above what I wanted to pay (as a monthly amount on my company scheme) and went for an Audi Q4 E-Tron instead as it offers the same space for quite a lot less (even specced up to what is standard on the iX3). Preferred the Audi interior and exterior looks too. Might be a different story in a few years if and when BMW bring out a fully electric platform successor to this.

[ormgordon]

This car got refreshed months ago. It's a significantly differently one from the one being reviewed here. What is the point of this review?

[jonathanrichardson]

60K 😖😡 So perfect for the average professional person. I think not.

[hoagy_ytfc]

The iPhone analogy is massively flawed. It wasn’t about branding but about being totally different - and better - to all phones before. I guess this presenter is too young to get why the original iPhone was so revolutionary.

To be clear, I think she’s a good presenter, it’s just that that particular analogy didn’t work.

[X-boomer]

I don’t know why you’re even acknowledging the idea that “normal is boring”. It’s completely stupid.