BMW iX3: The Electric SUV That Finally Makes Sense (We Think)

Oh good, another electric SUV. Just what the world needed. But wait—before you roll your eyes harder than a teenager asked to do chores, BMW's new iX3 might actually deserve your attention. Yes, really.

The "Neue Klasse" Revolution (Yes, It's German for "We're Trying Really Hard")

BMW has declared this the first of their "Neue Klasse" generation, which sounds fancy because German words always do. But credit where it's due: they've actually built this thing from scratch on a dedicated EV platform instead of just ripping out an engine and shoving batteries where the transmission used to live. Revolutionary? In 2025? Apparently so.

The iX3 rides on an 800-volt architecture with a 108.7 kWh battery pack that's actually structural—meaning it doubles as the floor of the cabin. Efficiency through laziness? We'll take it.

Configurations: Pick Your Poison

iX3 50 xDrive (The "We Launched With Only One Model Because Planning" Edition)

This is currently your only option, starting at £58,755 in the UK or around $60,000 in the States. It features:

Dual motors (one asynchronous at the front making 165 hp, one synchronous at the rear pumping out 322 hp)
Combined output: 463-469 hp (depending on who's measuring) and 442-476 lb-ft of torque
0-62 mph in under 5 seconds (because of course)
Up to 500 miles WLTP range or 400 miles EPA (we'll believe it when we see it)
400 kW charging capability—10 to 80% in 21 minutes if you can find a unicorn 800V charger

Standard kit includes 20-inch alloys, automatic tailgate, heated front seats, LED headlights, and all the tech BMW could cram in there.

M Sport (The "I Like My SUVs Sporty Despite That Being an Oxymoron" Trim)

Same powertrain, sportier styling, leather seats, and an upgraded interior. Prices stretch to around £61,000. You know, for when your electric crossover needs to look angry.

M Sport Pro (The "How Much Sport Can We Sport?" Edition)

Top spec at £62,755, featuring even sportier seats, a special steering wheel, bigger brakes, and enough M badges to make your neighbors think you drive a race car. You don't, but perception is reality.

Coming Soon: Single-Motor Variants (The "We Realized Not Everyone Has £60K" Models)

BMW promises more affordable single-motor versions arriving in early 2027. Specifications TBA, but expect less power, more range, and the ability to actually afford one.

The Tech Overload

Panoramic iDrive: BMW has mounted a display across the entire base of your windshield like some sort of heads-up fever dream. It replaces the traditional instrument cluster because apparently looking at a dashboard is so 2024. Does it work? Reviewers say yes. Are we skeptical? Always.

The New iDrive Tablet: A uniquely hexagonal central screen that will be reversed for right-hand drive markets. Because nothing says "premium" like designing screens that work in only one orientation.

No More iDrive Knob: BMW killed the rotary controller. Pour one out for the old friend who never failed you. Now you just poke at screens like a commoner.

Soft Stop Feature: The motors eliminate that awkward rocking motion when you brake to a stop. Finally, someone solved the problem of looking like you're bad at driving every time you park.

Interior: Actually Spacious for Once

With 520 liters of boot space (expanding to 1,750 with seats down), plus a 58-liter "frunk," the iX3 offers X5-levels of room in an X3-sized package. Rear legroom is genuinely impressive, which means your passengers might actually thank you instead of complaining about cramped knees.

The seats are comfy, the materials are premium, and there's even an optional green interior for those who want their eco-credentials visible from space.

Range and Charging: The Numbers Game

Range: 500 miles WLTP (UK/Europe), 400 miles EPA (US)
Charging Speed: 400 kW maximum—add 200+ miles in 10 minutes
Home Charging: 17+ hours on a 7kW wallbox (so overnight, like everything else)
Bidirectional Charging: Coming in the future, because why launch complete features now?

The Competition

The iX3 squares off against the Audi Q6 e-tron, Tesla Model Y, Mercedes EQE SUV, Polestar 3, and approximately 47 other premium electric SUVs that all look vaguely similar. BMW's trump cards? That 500-mile range claim and 400 kW charging capability—both of which are legitimately impressive if they work in the real world.

The Verdict

Is the iX3 revolutionary? Not really—it's still a premium electric crossover in a market drowning in them. But has BMW actually delivered a solid, well-engineered EV with legitimate range and charging capabilities? Surprisingly, yes.

The starting price of £58,755/$60,000 isn't cheap, but it's competitive with rivals that can't match the range. And for once, BMW has built something that doesn't require you to explain away obvious compromises with "but it's a BMW."

Launch is summer 2026 in the US, with UK deliveries starting March 2026. By then, there will probably be 12 more electric SUVs to consider, but at least this one can actually go 500 miles. Maybe.

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