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This isn’t just a new SUV, this is the first of the ‘Neue Klasse’ BMW’s. Adopting a new look, a bold new interior and in the case of the iX3 a new pure electric architecture. With the core elements being applied to 40 models by the end of 2027, BMW needs to get this right.
The iX3 makes a strong start by adopting a state of the art 6th generation eDrive system which incorporates new cylindrical battery cells which are now a structural element (the battery pack is the floor) with an 800 volt electrical system and brand new motors. The results are impressive with BMW claiming that energy losses are reduced by 40 per cent, weight by 10 per cent and manufacturing costs by 20 per cent. The system is also capable of charging at a peak of 400 kW which means that if you can find a 400 kW+ Ultra Rapid charger you can add 231 miles of range in just 10 minutes and charge from 10% – 80% is 21 minutes.
In launch 50 xDrive configuration you get a usable 108.7 kWh battery capacity which enables an excellent official range of 500 miles. This is despite a duel motor set up delivering 463 bhp. In addition to the fundamentally efficient eDrive system, BMW’s decision to fit two different types of motor contributes significantly. The rear (EESM) motor is optimised to be the primary motor whilst a smaller front (ASM) motor pitches in when needed but cleverly can effectively freewheel when not required without needing a clutch.
To make it all work there is a new computer brain which BMW insists on calling ‘Heart of Joy’. Putting the name to one side we can see why they are proud, as it operates 10 times faster than conventional control units. This significantly improves efficiency, with one standout example being the ability to undertake 98 per cent of braking via the motors, significantly increasing energy recuperation. The system is also responsible for how the iX3 feels to drive, another area where having a powerful central control strategy is a good idea.
So does it work? Well yes it does. In combination with a surprisingly compliant suspension setup, the iX3 feels alert, responsive, and punchy, but at the same time can be serene, intuitive and cosseting. It is a very impressive set of seemingly contradictory requirements, and we have no doubt that the Heart of Joy is the key to BMW unlocking the full breadth of capabilities.
As well as the engineering developments, Neue Klaase also introduces a new look. For what its worth we happen to think that the iX3 looks good, but it is the interior where things get more radical. The new Panoramic iDrive (basically the dashboard) adopts a shallow screen which runs along the top of the dashboard stretching from A pillar to A pillar. The really clever bit is that the screen sits below the base of the windscreen so it doesn’t take up any of the view out. This is achieved by dropping the height of the dashboard.
The result is that key info such as speed, battery capacity and range are displayed in the field of view, with the remainder of the screen highly configurable. This includes an option to leave the configurable area blank so you just get the key essential ‘instrument binnacle’ display. It is an approach that we like, giving the diver the option of how much information they want at any time. The second ‘infotainment’ screen sits closer to the steering wheel and is also shaped so that you can actually see all of the screen and is bigger and slicker than before.
We still have a soft spot for the old iDrive controller, but the new Panoramic iDrive layout does have some benefits, namely it reduces the space taken up by the dashboard and contributes to an airy and contemporary feel. Thankfully physical controls have been retained for nearly all of the key functions but we would love to see manual control of air vents (you have to use the central screen to adjust) and physical controls for drive modes and temperature adjustment.
Using the Neue Klasse tag was brave, but it turns out BMW were serious about this. As the first example of the new breed, the iX3 has come out swinging. Technically advanced, it charges quicker and goes further than anything BMW has produced before, whilst introducing the Panoramic iDrive system and new design language. At the same time it feels like a BMW which is great as it could easily have been lost in the process. In short a triumph.
Read our full BMW iX3 xDrive electric review
Estimated real world range: 350 – 500 miles
Official range: 500 miles
Official electricity consumption: 151 Wh/km
Battery pack: 108.7 kWh (net) lithium ion; 8 year / 100,000 mile warranty
Recharge time: 7 kW charge approx 16 hours (0 – 100%); 11 kW charge approx 11 hours; Rapid CCS 50 kW approx 1 hour 30 mins (10 – 80%); Ultra Rapid CCS 400 kW 21 minutes (10 – 80%)
Please note that CO2 emissions quoted for electric cars are not directly comparable to diesel and petrol cars. This is because CO2 emissions quoted are calculated by Green Car Guide and include the emissions created at the power station turning fuel (e.g. gas etc) into electricity and in transmitting and distributing the electricity to an end user. They do not include the actual production of the fuel (e.g. gas extraction and refinery emissions). Petrol and diesel emissions are supplied by car manufacturers and are based solely on the fuel burnt in the engine (tailpipe emissions) and do not include the production of the fuel or distribution to a fuel station. In practice this means that electric car emissions are over-estimated relative to petrol and diesel. For instance if an electric car, a petrol car, and a diesel car are all reported to emit 100 g/km CO2, the electric car actually has lower emissions.
