BMW iX3 Electric Impressive [74 kWh] (A) First Drive Review
07 Aug 2021|16,456 views
What We Like
Easy to drive
Usable range
Minimal reduction in boot space
Cheaper than the entry-level petrol X3
What We Dislike
Artificial sound could still be improved
With a full suite of petrol-powered variants as well as an impressive plug-in hybrid already available, the much-loved BMW X3 is now getting yet another option added onto its range with the arrival of this new all-electric iX3.
So, is the electric option now the way to go with your X3?
All-electric


And by punch, I mean all 282bhp, coupled with 400Nm of torque, and a century sprint time of just 6.8 seconds. Those are figures that already have the 2.0-litre variants of the X3 firmly beat, and which will still give its 3.0-litre sibling plenty to worry about.
And sure, that's plenty of power on Singapore's roads but the iX3 is still very approachable for anyone thinking of making the switch from a petrol-powered car. Call for a quick burst of power from the electric SUV and you'll find that it is delivered in a linear fashion, so even with sloppy footwork you won't be throwing your passengers back and forth.


Acceleration is quick, effortless, and, as BMW states, the new generation electric motor does not ease off on power delivery even at high rpms, translating into strong acceleration even when you're already up to highway speeds.
User-friendly
Once up to speed you'll also find the BMW iX3's adaptive recuperation a real treat. I found it worked remarkably well to slow you back down to a safe distance whenever a car cuts into your lane, handy for any half-conscious trips home after a tiresome day at work. As per the power delivery, braking force from the system is applied in a smooth and linear manner.


Fully loaded
But that's enough about the drivetrain. Slow down for a bit and you'll find that this iX3 is generously specified. On the inside, you get a panoramic sunroof, Vernasca leather seats, as well as a Harman Kardon sound system. And the iX3 also is equipped BMW's Driving Assistance Professional suite of safety systems, all standard with the 'Impressive' trim the car is sold as here.
Also added for the 'Impressive' trim is the drive sound from BMW's IconicSounds Electric system, which plays a rather charming little whine that gets just a touch of bass the harder you accelerate. And even if you don't quite like the note, BMW states that more soundtracks will be added via over-the-air updates in the future so there's a whole new experience to look forward to.


And from the impressions of this initial drive, I'd say you shouldn't let the fact that the iX3 is manufactured in China put your off purchasing one either. Everything in the cabin still feels as assuredly well-built and well-screwed together as in any other X3.
Totally affordable
So, it's all good for the BMW iX3 yes? Well, here's the final highlight that will surely convince you to make the switch to electric: At $251,888, this iX3 can be had for $2,000 less than the 2.0-litre entry-level X3 sDrive20i (all prices as of 6 August 2021).
And at that price, I think the BMW iX3 should be your default option of the range, so long as you have convenient access to a wall charger, of course.
What We Like
Easy to drive
Usable range
Minimal reduction in boot space
Cheaper than the entry-level petrol X3
What We Dislike
Artificial sound could still be improved
With a full suite of petrol-powered variants as well as an impressive plug-in hybrid already available, the much-loved BMW X3 is now getting yet another option added onto its range with the arrival of this new all-electric iX3.
So, is the electric option now the way to go with your X3?
All-electric


And by punch, I mean all 282bhp, coupled with 400Nm of torque, and a century sprint time of just 6.8 seconds. Those are figures that already have the 2.0-litre variants of the X3 firmly beat, and which will still give its 3.0-litre sibling plenty to worry about.
And sure, that's plenty of power on Singapore's roads but the iX3 is still very approachable for anyone thinking of making the switch from a petrol-powered car. Call for a quick burst of power from the electric SUV and you'll find that it is delivered in a linear fashion, so even with sloppy footwork you won't be throwing your passengers back and forth.


Acceleration is quick, effortless, and, as BMW states, the new generation electric motor does not ease off on power delivery even at high rpms, translating into strong acceleration even when you're already up to highway speeds.
User-friendly
Once up to speed you'll also find the BMW iX3's adaptive recuperation a real treat. I found it worked remarkably well to slow you back down to a safe distance whenever a car cuts into your lane, handy for any half-conscious trips home after a tiresome day at work. As per the power delivery, braking force from the system is applied in a smooth and linear manner.


Fully loaded
But that's enough about the drivetrain. Slow down for a bit and you'll find that this iX3 is generously specified. On the inside, you get a panoramic sunroof, Vernasca leather seats, as well as a Harman Kardon sound system. And the iX3 also is equipped BMW's Driving Assistance Professional suite of safety systems, all standard with the 'Impressive' trim the car is sold as here.
Also added for the 'Impressive' trim is the drive sound from BMW's IconicSounds Electric system, which plays a rather charming little whine that gets just a touch of bass the harder you accelerate. And even if you don't quite like the note, BMW states that more soundtracks will be added via over-the-air updates in the future so there's a whole new experience to look forward to.


And from the impressions of this initial drive, I'd say you shouldn't let the fact that the iX3 is manufactured in China put your off purchasing one either. Everything in the cabin still feels as assuredly well-built and well-screwed together as in any other X3.
Totally affordable
So, it's all good for the BMW iX3 yes? Well, here's the final highlight that will surely convince you to make the switch to electric: At $251,888, this iX3 can be had for $2,000 less than the 2.0-litre entry-level X3 sDrive20i (all prices as of 6 August 2021).
And at that price, I think the BMW iX3 should be your default option of the range, so long as you have convenient access to a wall charger, of course.
Car Information
BMW iX3 Electric
CAT B|Electric|5.2km/kWh
Horsepower
210kW (282 bhp)
Torque
400 Nm
Acceleration
6.8sec (0-100km /hr)
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