BMW iX3 ELECTRIC ESTATE 210kW M Sport Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto

With the iX3, BMW stakes a claim for a prominent position in the luxury EV market. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the revised version.

Ten Second Review

The BMW iX3 marks a new phase of electric vehicle development from the Munich maker. The brand's '5th generation' electrified tech delivers a very competitive 285 mile range and it's all been built into the X3 floorplan in such a way as to minimise the usual EV handling downsides of extra bulk and weight. Here's an electric car that someone used to a combustion model might be able to adapt to remarkably easily.

Background

The iX3 is only BMW's second ever full-electric model, but it claims to move the EV genre on in various important ways. Its importance for the Munich maker lies in the fact that this is the first car from the brand to be produced in China for export to world markets. Production takes place at the joint venture factory in Shenyang, Liaoning operated jointly by BMW and Chinese manufacturer Brilliance. Much is shared here with the new '5th generation' EV technology that BMW has developed for its new i4 saloon and iNEXT SUV models, said to use battery charge more efficiently. And the iX3's arrival means that the brand's familiar X3 mid-sized SUV becomes the first of the Munich maker's models to be offered with a choice of combustion, plug-in or full EV power options.

Driving Experience

You tend to have higher expectations of the handling of any BMW, even a fully electric one, and the Munich maker didn't want this iX3 to disappoint. Hence the clever way that the battery here has been integrated within the floorplan, lowering the centre of gravity by up to 75mm over the standard X3 for what BMW describes as 'noticeably enhanced lateral dynamics'. Which is just as well because like other EVs, this one has a bit of a weight problem, tipping the scales at nearly 2.2 tonnes. That's despite the fact that it has a slightly smaller battery than some rivals - it's 80kWh in size, though only 74kWh of that is usable. The quoted WLTP driving range figure of up to 285 miles is class-competitive though. The iX3 is exclusively rear-driven, power coming from a rear-mounted electric motor producing 286hp which revs far higher than any of BMW's earlier motors - up to 17,000rpm, compared to the 14,000rpm of the brand's existing i3 EV hatch. As you'd expect, it's mated to a single-speed auto gearbox. 62mph from rest occupies 6.8 seconds, which is just 0 4s slower than the conventional X3 sDrive30i 2.0-litre petrol turbo model. But top speed is limited to 112mph in order to protect the range. Adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers is standard.

Design and Build

If you know the BMW X3, you'll recognise this one by its now-re-styled blanked-off front grille, which features blue trimming and vertical air ducts at each corner. A few small styling changes now feature. That grille is flanked by slimmer LED headlamps and sits above a larger lower air intake. Further blue elements feature on the revised door sills and the revised rear bumper, which has been restyled to reduce turbulence. There are also aerodynamically-optimised 19-inch wheels, which BMW says contribute significantly to a sleeker drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd. Inside, the dashboard, switchgear and centre console of the ordinary X3 are all unchanged here, though in this case are trimmed with blue highlights. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard, plus there's a 10.25-inch central display which can be controlled either through touch or via the usual iDrive rotary controller. The iX3 features that infotainment set-up in its latest 'iDrive7' form, in which guise it can take over-the-air software updates and the latest version of the BMW 'Intelligent Personal Assistant' voice control system. Passenger space in the rear is the same as in an ordinary X3, but boot space has fallen by 40-litres over the regular model - down to 510-litres. If you need more room, the rear seats are split 40:20:40 for extra flexibility.

Market and Model

Asking prices for the iX3 start from around £65,000 for the 'M Sport' version of the car most will choose. There's also a plusher 'M Sport Pro' variant costing around £68,000. With both derivatives, all the usual executive niceties are standard, but of course there's plenty of opportunity to spend more. If, for example, you want to upgrade the Adaptive Suspension set-up, you'll be able to specify a sportier Adaptive M Suspension system. Also standard is the BMW 'IconicSounds Electric' package, which is a system of subtle synthesised noises which are pumped into the interior to match braking and acceleration inputs. These sounds have been created in collaboration with the famous film composer Hans Zimmer. Standard interior kit includes a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25 inch central display. Plus there's wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. As with any EV, you'll need to keep aside some budget for a garage charging system if you haven't had an electric car before. BMW has partnered with Smart Solitions to offer what it calls a 'Personal Wallbox'. This is able to monitor energy usage and cost, as well as keeping a historic record of home-charging energy expenditure, making it very convenient for company car users.

Cost of Ownership

Let's start with charging. There are a number of options, including 150KW DC rapid charging for an 80% charge in 34 minutes. AC single-phase and on-board three-phase charging at 11KW is standard-fit. We've already briefed you on the driving range - WLTP-rated at 285 miles. BMW claims that this range will be more achievable than is the case with rivals because of the density of this car's 80kWh battery pack, which is also slimmer and more compact than the norm, so therefore also lighter. The brand reckons that this greater range efficiency will be particularly noticeable on longer trips with plenty of motorway driving where this model's range will hold up better than with heavier rivals. But optimised aerodynamics will also help, added by little touches - the sleeker wheels for example, are worth an extra 6 miles of range on a full charge. Use of regenerative braking will also help with range maximisation. You can manage this manually via the drive selector. Choosing 'D' gives you three levels of recuperation - 'high', 'medium' and 'low', while moving the selector to 'B' enables maximum recuperation and means that you effectively only have to drive with one pedal - you'll hardly ever have to use the brake, such is the retardation when you come off the throttle. The iX3 can also manage brake recuperation itself using location data from BMW's latest cloud-based navigation system, autonomously altering the level of brake energy harvesting according to road conditions. For example, if there's a stop sign ahead, full recuperation will be engaged without the need for manual selection.

Summary

The need to develop more sophisticated '5th generation' EV technology and to create a purpose-designed manufacturing base in China has meant that BMW has given its rivals a head start in the luxury EV market. But with the iX3, there's every chance for the Munich maker to recover this lost ground. It's a fraction smaller than potential competitors like Jaguar's I-PACE and the Mercedes EQC - and can't go quite as far on a single charge either. But the iX3 is more affordable and, after a test run, you might well decide that it drives a bit better too. Expect many more Chinese-made BMW's in the years ahead, but few will be more significant than this one.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated washer jets

Variable front intermittent wipers

Sun protection glass

Acoustic windscreen

Green tinted heat protection glazing glass

Acoustic front side windows

Rain sensor and automatic driving lights control

Electric windows with trap release and convenient opening/closing feature

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

DSTC-Dynamic Stability and Traction Control

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Electromechanical parking brake

Brake energy regeneration

Front and rear brake discs with interior ventilation

Recuperation system

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats in velour

Chassis/Suspension

Double joint spring strut front axle

Multiple control arm rear axle

Communication

Enhanced bluetooth with wireless charging

Wi-Fi hotspot

Apple car play and Android auto

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Servotronic system

Cruise control with brake function + speed limiter

Attentiveness assist

Reversing assistant

Lateral parking aid

Parking assistant plus with 360 degree surround view camera system and remote 3D view

Active guard plus incl speed limit assist, lane departure warning with steering impulse and front collision warning with brake intervention

Park distance control with front and rear parking sensors

Driver Convenience

Comfort access system with smart opener

BMW gesture control

Driving experience switch

Start/stop button in blue

Closing system incl. 2 keys: remote, automatic, windows and roof closing, mirrors folding

Driver Information

Check control system

Head up Display

BMW Online services

Personal Profile

BMW Teleservices

iDrive touch controller with shortcut buttons

ConnectedDrive Services

Brake pad wear indicator

BMW Drive recorder

BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3" instrument display + 12.3" high resolution centre display nav function and Intelligent Voice Assistant

Condition based service - BMW service history, electronic service booklet, integrated owner's handbook

Widescreen display

Language version English

BMW iDrive

Driving Mirrors

Exterior mirror housing finished in body colour

Exterior mirrors electrically adjustable, foldable, heated with memory, auto-dimming drivers side and aspherical on passengers side

Integrated direction indicators

Mirror base in black matt

Embellishment Trims

Sensatec instrument panel

Galvanic embellisher for controls

Sensatec dashboard

Sensatec upper front and rear door trim panels

Engine

eDrive exterior sound

Safety battery terminal clamp

Entertainment

2x USB sockets in front

DAB radio

BMW iconic sound electric

Harman/Kardon surround sound audio system

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Body colour door handles

Body coloured bumpers

High gloss black shadow line roof rails

Visible VIN plate

Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements

BMW Individual high gloss shadow line with extended contents

Extended high gloss shadow line exterior trim

High gloss shadowline exterior trim

Panoramic glass sunroof, two parts, electric actuation, sliding function, wind deflector, sun protection with floating headliner

M aerodynamic exterior

M design rear apron with high-gloss black inlays with Frozen grey trim panel

Black kidney frame

BMW i badge on the kidney grille

Blue ring around BMW logos

M badging on the front side (left and right)

Model logo on left tailgate

Air breathers with BMW i logo

M Sport front bumper with iX3 specific design with blue contents

Rear side wing doors

M Sport entry door sill strips

Exterior Lights

Reversing light

Automatic headlights

High beam assistant

Welcome lighting

Dynamic brake lights

LED third brake light

Headlight beam throw control

Follow me home headlight function

Full LED rear lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Luggage net

Anthracite headlining

Heated steering wheel

Rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders

Glove compartment

Centre console storage tray

2 cupholders in front centre console

Front and rear door pockets with bottle holders

Vernasca leather upholstery

Height and length steering column adjustment

One 12V power socket in luggage compartment

Through loading system

Front armrest integrated in door trim with centre console includes storage compartment

Lashing eyelets in luggage compartment

12V power socket in front centre console

M sport leather steering wheel

Blue accent around the logo on the steering wheel

Presetting of ambient lighting in BMW iblue

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

LED ambient lighting

Ambient centre stack lighting

Front and rear ambient footwell lighting

Contour lighting front and rear door trim panel

Ambient light design projected onto the left and right entering and exiting area

6 pre-defined selectable light designs in various colours with contour and ambient lighting

Ambient instrument panel lighting

Packs

Non-smoker package

Extended storage pack - iX3

Connected pro pack - iX3

Driving assistant professional package - iX3

Interior and exterior mirror pack - iX3

Safety

Warning triangle

Side impact protection

Two tone horn

Driver and passenger side airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

BMW emergency call

Head airbags for first and second row seats

Child proof locking system in rear door

Three point seatbelts to all seats with front and outer rear pyrotechnic belt tensioners and seat belt force limiters

Airbags - driver and front passenger

Active protection

M Sport seat belts

Crash sensor - Activation of airbags, hazard warning lights, battery safety cut-off and interior lighting + deactivation of fuel pump

Seats

Front and rear headrests

Isofix rear child seat preparation

Driver and front passenger heated seats

Seat backrest adjustment for rear seat

Multifunctional sport seats for driver and front passenger

4 way electrically adjustable lumbar support for driver and front passenger seats

Driver seat backrest width adjustment

Front Sports electric seats with Driver's side electric backrest width adjustment and memory

Single front passenger seat

40:20:40 split folding 3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Security

Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment

Electronic vehicle immobiliser

LED to indicate anti-theft alarm is active

Alarm system with interruption of battery voltage, acoustic alarm, activation of hazard warning lights

Alarm system with emergency power siren

Alarm system with tilt sensor, monitoring doors, bonnet, interior movement and tailgate

Transmission

Gear selector switch with toggle operation

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors with ticket holders + vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 charging cable 22kW

Wheels - Alloy

20" M aerodynamic alloy wheels in M bicolour style 890

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit (including Tyre sealant and 12V Compressor)

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2400

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 1380

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 450

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 34

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 150

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 80

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Low: 575

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Low - TEL: 575

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Low - TEH: 558

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Medium: 580

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Medium - TEL: 580

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Medium - TEH: 565

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - High: 517

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - High - TEL: 517

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - High - TEH: 505

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Extra High: 363

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Extra High - TEL: 363

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Extra High - TEH: 354

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 578

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City - TEL: 578

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City - TEH: 562

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 464

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 464

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 460

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low: 14.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low - TEL: 14.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low - TEH: 15.3

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium: 14.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium - TEL: 14.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium - TEH: 15.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High: 15.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High - TEL: 15.9

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High - TEH: 17

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High: 23

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 23

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 24.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 14.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City - TEL: 14.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City - TEH: 15.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 17.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 17.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 18.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 4.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City - TEH: 4.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City - TEL: 4.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.5

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High: 2.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High - TEH: 2.6

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High - TEL: 2.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High - TEH: 3.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High - TEL: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low: 4.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low - TEH: 4.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low - TEL: 4.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium: 4.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium - TEH: 4.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium - TEL: 4.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Extra High: 225.6

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Ex High - TEH: 220

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Ex High - TEL: 223.1

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 359.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City - TEH: 349

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City - TEL: 359.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 288.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 285.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 288.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - High: 321.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - High - TEH: 314

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - High - TEL: 321.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Low: 357.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Low - TEH: 347

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Low - TEL: 357.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Medium: 360.4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Medium - TEH: 351

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Medium - TEL: 360.4

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 73.8

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 250

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: HA0001N0

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: M Sport Pro

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

EURO NCAP Pedestrian test - Star Rating.: N

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 44E

Service Interval Mileage: 12000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 286

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.8

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - BHP: 286

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 210

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 295

Engine Torque - NM: 400

Engine Torque - MKG: 40.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 275/40 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: M Aero Style 890

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4734

Width: 1891

Wheelbase: 2864

Width (including mirrors): 2138

Height: 1668

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2180

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2725

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 545

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 510

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1560

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive M suspension preparation

Embellishment Trims

Aluminium fine cutting with pearl chrome interior trim

Exterior Body Features

Replacement of blue model specific design elements by Frozen Grey kidney ring and rear diffuser panel, Pearl Chrome strip in doorcladding

Exterior Lights

BMW Laserlights

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Carbon black

Metallic - Mineral white

Metallic - Sophisto grey

Metallic - Phytonic blue

Towing

Towbar with trailer stability control

Trim - Leather

Vernasca leather - Black with blue contrast stitching

Vernasca leather - Oyster with grey stitching

Vernasca leather - Mocha with blue stitching

Vehicle Charging

Mode 2 flexible charger