With the new BMW iX3, the BMW Group is heralding a new era of emission-free driving pleasure. Fully electric mobility celebrates its premiere in a BMW X model. We followed the invitation of BMW and experienced the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAC) with an all-electric drive system.

Let’s speak about the exterior and interior design first. The BMW iX3 has a modern, elegant appearance. It perfectly combines clean, puristic design with familiar BMW i accents. The front of the iX3 is very impressive with its BMW i specific kidney grille. The typical blue colour of BMW i runs through the exterior and interior. New are the 20" aerodynamic wheels available in the optional equipment line ‘Impressive’. The door sill panel, the iX3 in the center console and the model designation badge indicates that it’s a BMW i.

Inside, the iX3 looks like a normal BMW. Thus we were quickly familiar with everything. As usual the handling is simple, easy and self-explanatory. You get the usual good comfort, the iX3 is spacious and with its panoramic glass sunroof that comes as a standard, if gives the vehicle an even greater sense of space while offering a great and maximised view outside. The BMW iX3 is equipped with premium levels of connectivity and assistance systems such as Driving Assistant Professional, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, Parking Assistant and Connected Package Professional in the standard equipment ‘Inspiring’. More features are available in the model variant ‘Impressive’. For a detailed overview of all features, head over to the BMW website.

What is revolutionary about the iX3 and sets itself apart is the range. According to the WLTP, you can travel up to 460 kilometres with a power consumption (NEDC) of 17.8-17.5 kWh/100 km. Driving in pure electric has never felt so natural, easy and comfortable before while still keeping the familiar dynamic driving experience of BMW. The iX3 is the first model equipped with the fifth generation of BMW Group’s eDrive technology. The electric motor produces a maximum output of 210 kW/286 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm. From 0 to 100 km/h the iX3 accelerates in 6.8 seconds.

The IconicSounds Electric – a completely new developed soundscape for electrically powered BMW models makes its debut in the iX3 adding an extra emotional depth to the driving experience. The BMW IconicSounds Electric is available in the model variant ‘Impressive’.

When starting and deactivating the e-drive system, the iX3 makes a distinctive sound that has been developed in collaboration with Hans Zimmer. In the following video you not only get to know the sound, but also a deeper understanding of the iX3. So now experience with us the first-ever BMW iX3.

Another great feature that has been perfectly and cleverly integrated is the recuperation. As standard, the BMW iX3 drives recuperatively. That means the vehicle analyses parameters such as typography, traffic flow or the course of the road. Based on these data, the vehicle decides when it makes sense to recover energy and when it’s better to use the existing kinetic energy by sailing. What is new in the BMW iX3 is the option to choose between the driving level D (Drive) and the new mode B (Brake). While in the D mode you will have the familiar driving experience, in mode B you will get to know the ‘one-pedal-feeling’. Maybe you already know this from the BMW i3. If not the ‘one-pedal-feeling means: as soon you you take your foot off the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerates with a permanently high level of recuperation until it comes to a complete standstill.

With up to 460 kilometres of range, you do not have to think too often about charging. And thanks to the various charging products and services, it’s from now on easier, faster and more efficient than ever. When charging in public, the BMW Charging Card gives you access to currently more than 450.000 charging points worldwide. Included are high-power charging stations, that means in approx. 34 minutes you can charge the iX3 up to 80% and you continue your journey. Besides you have the option to charge the vehicle with the new Flexible Fast Charger at home or with the already known Wallbox.

Conclusion: the BMW iX3 impresses with its modern, puristic appearance paired with BMW i typical accents such as the stately kidney grill. The driving dynamics is really good as well as the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The iX3 brings along a lot of driving pleasure while travelling emission-free. We can highly recommend the ‘one-pedal-feeling. The iX3 doesn’t pass on comfort premium ambience and functionality. The price starts at 66.300 (incl. 19% VAT, excl. state funding). Deliveries in the EU will start at the end of January 2021.

Pictures: BMW for ellectric
Text: Britta Reineke