The new BMW iX3 could be the thinking man's e-SUV
It seems the local EV sector is only now showing signs of life. But with big bruisers like the Audi e-tron, Jaguar i-Pace, and BMW’s own iX dominating the sales floor, those of us looking for something a little more rational seem to be out of luck.
That is, until the iX3 showed up. The all-electric version of BMW’s most popular model is aiming to bring guilt-free motoring to the masses. If the iX is lobster thermidor, then this is a nicoise salad – light, refreshing, cheap.
I’m placing emphasis on the latter. The smaller SUV is on average about half a million rand cheaper than the full fat iX, and that’s while being fully specced.
You’re probably thinking this all sounds too good to be true, and you’d be right until we delve into the details. Don’t get me wrong, the iX3 is still a relative bargain, but under the skin it’s riding on a much older platform. Yet you’d be hard pressed to notice as it rides like any other internal combustion engine X3 – refined yet dynamic.
It’s only when you punch the throttle that you notice the difference. The iX3 picks up speed swiftly and silently, creating a comfortable space in which to dart through traffic. It’s important to note this model is rear-wheel drive only, so if you need the extra traction look elsewhere – like the iX…
However, whereas the iX employs BMW’s latest generation battery technology, the iX3 makes do with a dated version – sans that swanky carbon fibre skeleton. This means that although it is a few hundred kilos lighter than the iX, it’s still quite portly. Yet it handles the extra weight admirably.
The suspension has been fine-tuned to support the batteries, so there’s minimal lean in the corners and the ride over rough surfaces is well composed.
It’ll take an eagle-eyed bimmer fan to spot the difference between this and a regular X3, though. The EV version ships standard with the M Sport package, meaning sporty body kit and interior appointments. The only visual giveaways would be the closed-off grille and lack of tailpipes. It also rides on model-specific 20-inch wheels that aid aerodynamics.
As another major selling point the iX3 is liberally specced with few-to-no optional extras. Standard features include a host of semi-autonomous driving tech that include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and auto park assist.
Inside you’ll get a lovely panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional and a Harman Kardon sound system. The list is quite extensive, so have a gander at the online configurator.
At a smidge under R1.3 million, the iX3 costs almost the same as its diesel stablemate, the xDrive30d M Sport, meaning the price disparity between these powertrains are finally equalising. So if you’re keen to “go green” and don’t necessarily need a car for longer journeys the iX3 makes a compelling case for itself.
It’s nice to see more conservative models joining the party. The iX3 represents a sensible alternative in a market of flashy and expensive EVs. We mustn’t forget that some people don’t like the limelight.