BMW has been on a roll during the last 12 months or so, introducing an ever-growing fleet of electrical autos (EVs) that fall under the posh automotive tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient autos.
One of many newest is the 2024 iX3 M Sport on take a look at right here. It’s nearly $16,000 extra reasonably priced than the top-spec M Sport Professional. The latter is kind of equal to the earlier singular fully-loaded iX3 variant.
The Chinese language-built BMW iX3 is predicated on the now outgoing-generation X3 and has minor exterior and inside adjustments to suggest it’s an EV. Nearly all of these altered design components are completed in blue, which is the BMW i Division’s signature color for EVs.
Given the iX3 is predicated on the outgoing X3, its infotainment system nonetheless runs iDrive 7 which is now principally two generations outdated. The digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system screens additionally aren’t related in a curved show like BMWs newer fashions.
There’s a new model of the iX3 on the horizon that will probably be primarily based on the German carmaker’s forthcoming Neue Klasse EV platform. The X3-sized electrical SUV has already been proven off in idea kind and is slated to enter manufacturing in 2025.
Within the meantime nonetheless, the 2024 BMW iX3 M Sport is at the moment one of many largest bargains within the premium electrical SUV market – learn alongside to search out out why.
How does the BMW IX3 evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the BMW IX3 in opposition to equally sized autos.
BMW
IX3
How a lot does the BMW iX3 value?
On take a look at right here is the entry-level iX3 M Sport that at the moment slides underneath the posh automotive tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient autos which suggests it’s exempt from fringe advantages tax (FBT) if you happen to plan to make use of the automotive for enterprise functions or acquire it by means of a novated lease.
It’s value noting the M Sport on take a look at right here is the one iX3 variant that’s underneath the LCT threshold for fuel-efficient autos, although BMW presents quite a few different electrical autos (EVs) which are exempt from FBT. These embody the iX1 and iX2 ranges, in addition to the i4 eDrive35.
To see how the BMW iX3 traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.
What’s the BMW iX3 like on the within?
Strolling as much as the BMW iX3 you actually should squint to note this isn’t a daily X3 and as an alternative an electrical car (EV) – some indicators nonetheless embody the blanked-out fake double kidney grille, the shortage of exhaust shops, in addition to the blue ‘i’ badges.
As you method loads of lights activate which helps make the automotive really feel particular. Notable ones embody puddle lights with a nondescript design, in addition to tiny lights contained in the door handles. The abundance of lights is nice if you could discover your automotive at the hours of darkness.
Hopping in you’re introduced with a really basic and conventional BMW inside. It’s primarily based on the now outgoing X3 which is under no circumstances a foul factor as a result of every little thing is laid out very logically and ergonomically.
The dashboard and inside format isn’t practically as display screen heavy and minimalist as newer BMW fashions nonetheless, although it nonetheless feels high-tech. The screens technically run iDrive 7 which is now two generations outdated in BMW world, however navigating across the menus is arguably loads simpler than in newer variations.
As customary the iX3 M Sport comes with chunky entrance seats that are tremendous snug and provide loads of help. Our tester’s seats had been completed in brown (or Mocha in BMW-speak) leather-based ‘Vernasca’ upholstery which fits the Phytonic Blue exterior paint superbly.
The driving force’s seat is electrically adjustable, although it lacks lumbar help. Nevertheless there’s an electrical aspect bolster adjustment, in addition to an extendable thigh help. The latter is nice for these with longer legs like myself.
Forward of the motive force is a very chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel which fills your fingers properly. In basic BMW fashion it’s nearly a bit too thick however I’ve grown to adore it over time.
Our M Sport tester doesn’t include a heated steering wheel. In order for you this function you’ll have to step as much as the M Sport Professional which is over $15,000 costlier.
All of the buttons on the steering wheel are logically positioned and have a clicky and satisfying suggestions when pressed. It’s good to have matte-finish bodily buttons quite than piano black touch-sensitive ones as a result of they don’t look soiled as shortly.
Behind the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that’s basic BMW affair by way of fashion and presentation. It’s clear and vibrant, with all of the introduced data being straightforward to learn.
You’re in a position to configure the content material on the digital instrument cluster in quite a few other ways, although you are able to do extra in a Volkswagen Group car for instance.
Disappointingly there’s no head-up show as customary on the iX3 M Sport. It’s one other function you could step as much as the M Sport Professional with the intention to obtain.
Unsurprisingly the centrepiece of the dashboard the iX3’s 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It sits proudly on prime of the dashboard and is separate from the digital instrument cluster.
The touchscreen is crisp and clear which makes studying textual content very straightforward. It additionally seems to have loads of processing energy which suggests it boots up shortly upon startup and new pages load quick.
Contact enter responses are actually delicate. You don’t have to smoosh your finger on the display screen for it to register, and may as an alternative faucet flippantly. This feels very pure and nearly smartphone-like.
In case you’re apprehensive about getting fingerprints on the touchscreen you may alternatively use the iDrive rotary dial to navigate by means of the system. It’s fairly seamless to make use of within the native interface, although when you attempt to use it in Apple CarPlay or Android Auto issues generally is a little extra disjointed.
Talking of smartphone mirroring, the BMW iX3 M Sport comes customary with wired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With my iPhone 15 Professional Max related wirelessly the connection was okay, although toll cubicles and identified interference factors brought about dropouts. I discovered plugging in my telephone with a USB-A cable was extra dependable.
As customary there’s a wi-fi telephone charger which did surprisingly cost my giant telephone, although it slid round on the charging pad. It will be good if the wi-fi charger had a gripping mechanism just like the X1 and X2 to safe it in place.
The iX3 M Sport comes with a related satellite tv for pc navigation system which has a dated interface, however is nice if you could navigate dwelling from someplace the place you don’t have telephone sign.
Trying across the cabin the perceived high quality is incredible – very like each BMW I’ve skilled so far. One thing to notice is the iX3 is produced in China in contrast to different BMWs that are sometimes inbuilt Germany or the US.
It’s good to see the iX3 retains bodily local weather management buttons. I don’t perceive why BMW, amongst numerous different carmakers, have began burying these capabilities in touchscreens as a result of this bodily software remains to be glossy, elegant and simple to know.
The identical could be stated for the big selection of bodily buttons and controls on the remainder of the dashboard and centre tunnel. I notably like how the quantity dial is on the passenger aspect for straightforward entry and isn’t tucked away from view.
Regardless of technically being a base mannequin there are nonetheless loads of smooth touches across the cabin. Most notably on prime of the dashboard and the armrests. There are some tougher finishes down low nonetheless, together with the place your knee rests on the perimeters of the centre tunnel.
Up entrance there’s sufficient storage on your on a regular basis fine details, together with an honest centre console field, glovebox and door pockets. Disappointingly the latter isn’t lined in felt like some European carmakers do to minimise rattling.
The iX3 M Sport comes with an unbranded six-speaker sound system that undoubtedly punches above its weight. It’s sufficient to make me query why you’ll need to step as much as the M Sport Professional which will get a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Hopping into the second row of the iX3 is simple because the doorways open very extensive. It’s not fairly 90 levels although it would definitely make putting in baby seats loads simpler.
At a leggy 182cm I surprisingly solely simply had sufficient legroom behind my very own driving place to take a seat comfortably, although head-, shoulder- and toe-room had been nice. It’s additionally good to see the backrest reclines to make it much more snug for second-row passengers.
Surprisingly regardless of being an EV there’s a transmission hump within the ground which makes the center seat really feel a bit perched. This isn’t unusual in EVs which are primarily based on inside combustion engine (ICE) platforms.
By way of second-row facilities there’s a 3rd zone of local weather management, two USB-C ports, in addition to a centre armrest with cupholders.
Across the again the powered tailgate opens shortly and quietly which is one thing I can’t say for another mid-size SUVs. As soon as the tailgate is open you’re introduced with 510 litres of boot house which is an effective usable quantity. It expands to 1560 litres with the rear seats folded.
One function I like in regards to the iX3’s boot is there’s a vibrant gentle on the tailgate which makes loading objects simpler at nighttime. In case you’ve acquired lengthy objects as nicely the rear bench folds in a 40:20:40 configuration.
The iX3 has some underfloor storage that can be utilized to stow your charging cables, in addition to the cargo blind. It’s not an enormous house and the Tesla Mannequin Y presents extra.
There’s no spare wheel although BMW does embody a tyre restore equipment. That is sadly widespread with EVs and one thing to bear in mind if you happen to continuously do lengthy drives away from the town/city and tyre restore centres.
To see how the BMW iX3 traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The iX3 vary is powered by a single rear-mounted electrical motor – regardless of this there’s no ‘frunk’ like some EVs.
We achieved the noticed 16.3kWh/100km power consumption determine over 400km of combined city and freeway driving. It’s a reasonably good determine for a non-Tesla EV, although a Mannequin 3 and Mannequin Y are each extra environment friendly.
To see how the BMW iX3 traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.
How does the BMW iX3 drive?
Beginning up the iX3 is simple and acquainted if you happen to’ve pushed a BMW earlier than. The beginning button is on the centre tunnel and is vibrant blue to suggest this automotive is all electrical.
When the button is pressed a sound performs indicating the automotive is able to be pushed. At a standstill the iX3 is unsurprisingly quiet as there’s no engine chugging away underneath the bonnet – this may be actually weird if you happen to’ve by no means pushed an EV earlier than, however you quickly get used to it.
To set off you work together with the lovable and stubby gear selector on the centre tunnel. You push it backwards to have interaction drive and forwards to have interaction reverse. With the intention to choose park you could click on the ‘P’ button behind the shifter which is among the few piano black components within the cabin.
Like all BMW EVs, there are two methods to drive the iX3. There’s the everyday ‘D’ mode the place the iX3 creeps ahead like a combustion-powered automotive and you could press the brake pedal to return to an entire cease.
There’s additionally ‘B’ mode that may be activated by pushing again on the gear selector yet one more time as soon as ‘D’ is activated. That is extra like a one-pedal driving mode that permits the automotive to return to an entire cease with out touching the brake.
You do nonetheless want to make use of the brake pedal at factors to decelerate sooner, nevertheless it’s my most popular approach of driving an EV.
One disappointing factor is when you choose reverse after being within the ‘B’ driving mode, you’ll want to make use of your brake to modulate the pace and are available to an entire cease. There’s no one-pedal driving mode for reverse like a Tesla has.
One other irritating level is the iX3 doesn’t keep in mind you had ‘B’ mode activated when you return into drive. I keep in mind the i5 I drove late final 12 months did, which is so weird. This implies you’ll want to recollect to push the gear selector down twice to reactivate ‘B’ mode after doing a three-point flip, for instance.
The only rear-mounted electrical motor supplies loads of oomph to get you away from a standstill with ease. In case you’re liberal with the throttle software you’ll initially be smacked within the again with some pressure.
From there the acceleration is progressive and pure. For these , you’ll simply win the visitors gentle grand prix.
Even at decrease speeds you may inform this car is constructed on nice bones. The combustion-powered X3 is a fantastically dynamic SUV to drive and its rear-wheel biased dynamism could be felt by means of the iX3.
This electrical SUV can be stunning agile regardless of weighing over 2.2 tonnes. I discovered myself nook carving round city and within the metropolis with an enormous grin.
One thing to notice in regards to the iX3 is it’s solely out there in a single rear-mounted electrical motor kind. There’s no dual-motor choice that means no all-wheel drive. In case you continuously go to the snow for instance, this may rule the iX3 out for you.
Round city you’ll be in utter consolation because the iX3 M Sport comes with customary adaptive suspension that’s superb at absorbing street imperfections. The damping pressure varies relying on whether or not you’ve ‘Consolation’, ‘Sport’, or ‘Eco Professional’ driving modes chosen.
The iX3’s steering really feel is certainly on the lighter aspect however remains to be direct and confidence-inspiring. One draw back of that is you generally have to twirl the steering wheel a bit from lock-to-lock, particularly when navigating tight automotive parks.
As customary there are entrance and rear parking sensors, although disappointingly there’s solely a reversing digicam. Certain the digicam high quality is respectable, however if you would like a surround-view digicam you could step as much as the M Sport Professional.
There’s additionally a Parking Assistant which is a helpful function for whenever you need the automotive to deal with parallel or perpendicular parking for you, although in apply it’s not the brightest. I might do a lot better myself.
Increase pace within the iX3 M Sport is very easy. It doesn’t ever really feel just like the automotive is working too arduous which is usually the case with EVs as they rise up to increased speeds.
You possibly can inform this car has been designed to be used on Germany’s autobahns because it feels correctly rock strong at increased speeds. This possible as soon as once more comes all the way down to the iX3 being constructed on a incredible chassis.
Cruising alongside highways and freeways the iX3 is sort of whisper quiet with muted street and wind noise. It makes the cabin a quite serene place to be. Our tester’s panoramic sunroof nonetheless made some creaks whereas driving which was extra noticeable given how quiet it was.
Identical to at decrease speeds, the adaptive suspension soaks up nearly each freeway street imperfection. It pairs nicely with the direct steering really feel that makes even mundane sweeping bends a enjoyable expertise.
On the protection entrance the adaptive cruise management system is nice but additionally very European. What I imply by that is the system doesn’t enable endeavor which is irritating as a result of lane etiquette isn’t the very best in Australia.
If you wish to undertake with adaptive cruise management lively within the iX3 you could maintain the accelerator down. It’s slightly totally different to how Volkswagen Group autos sort out the identical scenario. In these autos you may faucet the accelerator as soon as and it’ll undertake the automotive for you.
The lane centring system referred to as ‘Steering + Lane Management Assistant’ is excellent at holding the iX3 inside its lane at increased speeds on well-marked roads with delicate changes. I discovered at decrease speeds nonetheless the system nearly has an excessive amount of time to make changes and meanders throughout the lane as an alternative.
Lastly, the iX3 M Sport nonetheless comes with a incredible set of adaptive LED headlights. A lot of these headlights are nice for driving in rural and regional areas at nighttime the place you could always be looking out for animals on the aspect of the street.
What do you get?
On take a look at right here is the entry-level iX3 M Sport.
BMW iX3 M Sport highlights:
M Sport packageM Excessive-Gloss Shadow LineM Roof Rails Excessive-Gloss Shadow Line19-inch alloy wheelsAdaptive LED headlightsLED tail lightsPanoramic glass sunroofPowered tailgateAdaptive suspensionHeat pump12.3-inch digital instrument cluster12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment systemWired and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android AutoDAB+ digital radioSatellite navigation6-speaker sound systemWireless chargerTri-zone local weather controlInterior ambient lightingAnti-dazzle inside and exterior mirrorsAluminium M footrest and pedal coversIlluminated door sill finishersGalvanic embellishers for controlsAnthracite headlinerLuggage compartment netM leather-based steering wheelLeather ‘Vernasca’ upholsterySensatec leatherette instrument panelElectric entrance seat adjustmentDriver’s seat backrest width adjustmentHeated entrance seats
All six paint finishes, together with the metallic ones, are freed from cost. There are additionally three totally different leather-based upholstery and three inside trim decisions.
Is the BMW iX3 protected?
The BMW iX3 did have a five-star ANCAP security score from 2017 nevertheless it has now expired that means the automotive is unrated.
Commonplace security gear contains:
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with crossroads warningLane-keep assistBlind-spot monitoringFront and rear cross-traffic alertEvasion assistantAdaptive cruise management with cease/goSpeed restrict assistSteering + Lane Management Assistant (Stage 2 autonomous mode)Entrance and rear parking sensorsReversing cameraParking AssistantTyre strain monitorTyre restore equipment
How a lot does the BMW iX3 value to run?
The iX3 has the identical guarantee because the broader is BMW vary in Australia.
BMW features a 12-month complimentary Chargefox subscription with the iX3 M Sport, although the top-spec M Sport Professional will get an extended five-year subscription. In case you’re somebody who continuously quick expenses this is likely to be one thing to think about, although if you happen to get the automotive by means of a novated lease you may sometimes get charging included in your funds.
I did one session at a 150kW DC quick charger throughout my time with our tester and disappointingly wasn’t in a position to get the cost fee over 80kW. For reference, the iX3’s most DC charging fee is 150kW. After wanting on the charging historical past of the actual charger on Plugshare I discovered this charging fee wasn’t unusual.
I additionally famous I hadn’t turned on the battery preconditioning function on my strategy to the charger which can have bumped up the charging fee. It’s hidden in a menu on the touchscreen which isn’t the best to search out on the transfer.
CarExpert’s Tackle the BMW iX3
The electrical BMW iX3, just like the combustion-powered X3, is a right-sized car for many individuals, together with smaller households.
There’s sufficient cupboard space, although the combustion platform underpinnings limits the storage capabilities relative to different electrical SUVs.
In entry-level M Sport guise as examined right here, there are only some notable omissions by way of customary gear, although the automotive is essentially feature-filled.
In order for you options like a surround-view digicam or branded stereo system, for instance, you may step up the iX3 M Sport Professional if you happen to’d like – however be ready to splash out an additional $15,800 for the privilege.
What doesn’t really feel entry-level in regards to the iX3 M Sport is the best way seems to be, feels and drives. The X3’s stellar rear-wheel drive dynamism and chassis tuning shines by means of within the iX3, making it a rewarding automotive to commute in and drive on the open street.
In case you can reside with the iX3 being rear-drive-only then this automotive is certainly value contemplating if you happen to’re taking a look at an electrical SUV with a premium badge. Even higher, the iX3 M Sport at the moment slides underneath the posh automotive tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient autos making it exempt from fringe advantages tax (FBT).
If the iX3 M Sport doesn’t essentially float your boat, there are many different BMW EVs at the moment underneath the LCT threshold which are value contemplating – considered one of my private favourites is the i4 eDrive35 electrical liftback.
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