BMW iX3: price, range, and features of the electric SUV

Second model and the first electric SUV from the brand, the BMW iX3 launched in 2020 has an approximate range of 450 kilometers.

Presentation of the Electric SUV

The history of the electric car did not start at all with this model. The small BMW i3 had already blazed the trail with its youthful look, though quite expensive for widespread adoption. Nevertheless, with 250,000 units produced, it provided valuable experience and paved the way for the launch of the first SUV, the BMW iX3. Unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show in 2018 as a concept, this model eventually reached dealerships at the end of 2020 in France.

Dimensions and Interior of the BMW iX3

The iX3 is derived from the thermal X3 model, which previously only had petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines. Sharing a common platform, it also largely adopts the bodywork. Some differences include the full grille with the i logo and more aerodynamic bumpers. In this regard, it maintains dimensions close to the X3, with a length of 4.73 meters, a width of 1.89 meters, and a height of 1.67 meters. Like its combustion cousin, the BMW iX3 is a five-seat vehicle and does not lose trunk volume. The German SUV offers 510 liters under the cover and up to 1,560 liters in a two-seat configuration.

In 2021, the BMW iX3 underwent a modest update, tied to the restyling of the X3. It now also includes a standard M exterior pack, featuring 19-inch rims or LED headlights. The interior was also revised, with a cleaner center console, a wider 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a M three-spoke steering wheel.

Motors and Performance of the iX3

Whether at launch or after the 2021 update, the BMW iX3 features the same electric motor. Like all respected BMWs, the motor drives the rear wheels, giving the iX3 a rear-wheel-drive transmission. There is no all-wheel-drive Xdrive version available for this model.

With a power of 210 kW or 286 horsepower, the motor is also mounted at the rear. It develops 400 Nm of maximum torque and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h. It is therefore not a speed demon, especially compared to the Mercedes EQC (408 hp), which is 1.6 seconds faster, or the Tesla Model Y Performance, which completes the exercise in 3.7 seconds.

Battery, Charging, and Range of the BMW iX3

Similar to the engine, the electric SUV also does not offer a choice of battery. It features a single, integrated battery in the floor of the vehicle with a gross capacity of 80 kWh and a usable capacity of 74.3 kWh, like in the BMW i4 sedan. Its size is comparable to what rivals offer, and it weighs approximately 525 km. Although the platform was not originally designed for electric use, it provides excellent range thanks to the efficiency of the so-called “fifth-generation” motor. The BMW iX3 claims a range of 459 km on the 2020 model and between 453 and 461 km on models after autumn 2021. This is based on the theoretical WLTP cycle, so your actual range will vary depending on many factors: driving style, highway dominance, etc.

Regarding charging, the on-board charger accepts alternating current up to 7.4 kW in single-phase and 11 kW in three-phase. Good news for charging time: a full charge takes about 7 hours and 30 minutes at 11 kW, 11 hours and 30 minutes at 7.4 kW (wall box), or 23 hours on a reinforced 3.7 kW socket. In rapid charging, the Combo connector supports power up to 150 kW. The battery can go from 10% to 80% in about 34 minutes on a compatible charging station, according to the brand.

Price and Versions of the iX3

At launch in September 2020, the BMW iX3 had a starting price of €69,950. Initially, it did not qualify for any ecological bonus. Prices have varied several times since then; as of January 1, 2023, the base price was €72,100. This version is the iX3 Inspiring, while the second version, iX3 Impressive, offers many additional features: 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, colored head-up display, gesture control, Park Assist Plus, and Harman Kardon Hi-Fi audio system.

Note that the BMW iX3 offers a minimum legally mandated warranty of 2 years, with an additional 8-year or 160,000 km battery warranty.

Technical Data Sheet of the BMW iX3

Photos of the BMW iX3 2020

Photos of the BMW iX3 2021

Read also: Mercedes EQC 400 : performance, price, and range of the electric SUV