The iX3 is the all-electric version of BMW’s popular executive SUV, the X3. We took it for a quick drive in Gauteng to see if it is as good as the ICE derivatives in the range.
The South African X3 portfolio is one of the most comprehensive executive-SUV line-ups in the country; it seems there is a derivative for everyone! If you want a frugal premium family car, the excellent xDrive20d and xDrive30d fit the bill. If you’re after some performance, there are some great turbopetrol-powered options, such as the M40i and the hardcore M Competition.
Now, the X3 family has been joined by an all-electric derivative that’s claimed to retain the best qualities of the X3 in combination with an advanced battery-electric powertrain.
What is the BMW iX3?
It’s going to take a keen-eyed spotter to tell the iX3 apart from its X3 siblings.
The BMW X3 is one of the more successful models in the Munich-based carmaker’s line-up. Plus, there’s a strong South African connection, because the model is made right here in South Africa – at BMW’s facility in Rosslyn, near Pretoria. The X3 models that are assembled in Mzansi are for the local as well as export markets, but the iX3 is a little different… It’s the first product in BMW SA’s range to be imported from China.
Visually, you can distinguish the iX3 by its closed-off grille, variant-specific wheels, as well as subtle touches such as BMW logos surrounded by blue bezels and small i logos on the nose and rear of the vehicle. Under the bonnet is a 210 kW/400 Nm electric motor that drives the Chinese-made derivative’s rear wheels. The motor is mated with a 74 kWh battery, which gives the iX3 a claimed range (WLTP) of up to 460 km.
The closed grille, blue-rimmed BMW logo and subtle i logo are unique to iX3.
Performance-wise, BMW claims the iX3 can accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 6.8 sec and go on to a top speed of 180 kph. The vehicle supports 150-kW DC fast-charging, which is said to add 100 km of range in about 10 minutes.
Inside, there are very few details that set the iX3 apart as an all-electric derivative, other than a blue-tinged start button and blue detailing on the transmission lever. Once you’ve switched the vehicle on, specific graphics are displayed to show you the available range (in km) and average energy consumption.
Features of the iX3?
There’s just one derivative on offer – the BMW iX3 M Sport. Given the iX3’s positioning in the upper echelon of the X3 family (at a whisker under R1.3 million), it comes fitted with a comprehensive array of features and on-board technologies.
Subtle touches such as the blue start button and similarly accented transmission lever are the only clues that this is an all-electric X3.
Standard features include adaptive suspension, a panoramic sunroof, 3-zone automatic climate control, Harman Kardon audio system, electrically adjustable seats, sporty leather steering wheel, BMW Live Cockpit Professional (with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity), over-the-air updates, as well as a host of semi-autonomous driving technologies, including active cruise control, steering assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic parking and so forth.
What’s it like to drive?
The iX3 is one of the most refined offerings in the segment.
Our driving route took us through an urban area, which, to be fair, is likely the most common habitat for this electrified X3. Interestingly, this version of the X3 is rear-wheel driven, unlike its siblings, which come with xDrive (all-wheel drive). It is something to keep in mind if you plan to venture off-road now and again (not that you’re likely to).
The behaviour of the BMW’s electric powertrain is quite unlike those of other battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) we’ve piloted recently (the Audi e-tron range comes to mind). Previously, we’ve been entertained (and, sometimes, astounded) by BEVs’ instant on/off power delivery, but in the iX3 it feels more measured/easy to modulate. If you flatten the iX3’s accelerator pedal, the vehicle will speed off hastily, but its general driving experience is more akin to that of an ICE car.
These trick aero wheels look cool!
As for refinement and comfort, the G01-generation X3 belies its age (it was introduced overseas in 2017). The suspension of the G08 (that’s technically the iX3’s designation) ably absorbs ruts and bumps, despite the sizeable (20-inch) alloys.
The car’s happiest when (quietly) cruising along a highway. Like the BMW i4 M50i we also drove on the day, the iX3 comes with synthesised sounds playing through the speakers – it’s a novelty, which you can deactivate if you get tired of it.
Being a BMW, there’s at least a modicum of driving dynamism on offer and, thanks to its low-mounted battery pack and weighty steering setup, the iX3 manages to hide its 2.2-tonne kerb weight and resist body yaw more than most SUVs.
Summary
If you’ve been considering “going electric” with your next new-vehicle purchase and by that, we mean “all-electric” (as opposed to hybrid electric), we think the iX3 is well worth a look. For those who find the BMW iX‘s appearance a little too futuristic or flashy, this offering is more conservatively styled (besides, the entry-level iX derivative costs a notable R400k more than the iX3 M Sport).
Although the iX3 offers all the benefits of electric motoring (such as instant full torque delivery), its general driving experience is not too dissimilar to that of petrol- and diesel-powered X3 derivatives. The claimed range of 460 km (from a fully charged battery) is credible and range anxiety should be less of a factor now that there are almost 300 DC chargers in South Africa that are spread throughout nearly all of the country’s main urban areas.
At R1.3 million, the iX3 costs only slightly more than its xDrive30d M Sport sibling and it’s great to see price parity between ICE and electric vehicles in the same class. If you’re not planning to venture on many long trips (at least not ones that have to be planned based on the locations of specific fast-charging points) and want all the features and functionality of an X3, this iX3 may be of interest to you.
We’re keen to spend more time with the all-electric iX3 and we’ll be compiling a comprehensive assessment of the differences in cost of ownership between the newcomer and its ICE siblings
How much does the BMW iX3 cost in South Africa?
The BMW iX3 M Sport costs R1 290 000 and it’s sold with a 2-year unlimited kilometre vehicle- and 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty. A 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan is also standard.
Some BMW dealerships regularly offer great deals. See our New Car Specials!
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