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Strong start


Our iX3 is already making an impression.


Martyn Collins


After spending almost six-months behind the wheel of the futuristic Audi Q4 e-Tron, I have moved into the first and smaller of the BMW iX electric SUV models – the iX3. However, you might have noticed our iX3 is a 21-plate and looks a bit different to the recently facelifted version. Well, that is simply because this Premier Edition Plus launch version was released before these updates were applied and with Covid-19, plus the current chip crisis with new car supply, I have this pre-facelift version instead. I am not worried as the facelift was cosmetic, made up mainly of a new bumper and lights. In fact, I see the fact that it is a Premier Edition Pro is a bonus, as this quickly superseded £61,850 range- topper seems to have all the options fitted as standard. However, its replacement the iX3 M Sport Pro retails at £63,970. Finished in metallic Mineral White, apart from closed front kidney grilles, unique 20in alloy wheels and blue highlights, our car looks just like a standard X3. I only got to choose between this and Carbon Black, and neither are particularly good at staying clean at this time of year, although I have been pleasantly surprised at how muck-free it has stayed, despite what has seemed like a torrential February. The same is true of the inside; the iX3 does not benefit from the same, curved display as the i4 and iX. In my opinion, this is a better solution, as you get proper physical buttons for the climate control and the instruments are much easier to read. The rest of the iX3 cabin is spacious, the driving position comfortable and the seats supportive. The 510-litre boot, which is 40-litres fewer than the diesel X3 thanks to the electric drivetrain, is still a good shape. Another benefit of the iX3 is the iDrive infotainment system, which works well and is easy to understand. I have been spoiled with the Harmon Kardon sound


BMW iX3 Premier Edition Pro


P11D price £61,795 As tested £61,770 Official range 260 miles Our average consumption N/A Mileage 2,300


WEBSITE Please visit www.businesscar.co.uk/tests/long-term-test/ for previous reports on our fleet Why we’re running it


To see how BMW’s all-electric iX3 works for fleet.


Standard equipment on the Premier Edition Pro:  20in aerodynamic wheels, automatic tailgate, adaptive suspension, panoramic sunroof, Vernasca leather trim, power, heated sports front seats, power tailgate, wireless phone charging, BMW Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant and BMW Live Cockpit Professional, head-up display, Harmon Kardon surround sound, gesture control, Parking Assistant Plus.


system, which certainly has the measure of the previous Audi’s impressive SONOS system.


On the road, the iX3 follows the big power and torque formula of other electric vehicles. With 286hp, and 399Nm of torque, and a 0–62mph acceleration time in 6.8 seconds, we’re a bit down on power compared with the Audi and we haven’t got four-wheel drive. However, like the i4, the iX3 still feels more like an ICE-powered BMW, which equates to far more involvement in the drive than I had in the Q4 E-Tron. On top of this, despite the 20in wheels, this BMW has a more comfortable, composed ride, too. It is still early days, but so far, the BMW is serving


“The Driver Assistance Professional system has already proved its worth.”


up more driving enjoyment. Although there is some body roll as this is a tall car, yet there is plenty of grip. I think more steering feel would, however, make this driving experience more perfect. Range-wise BMW quotes 279 miles, which is similar to the consumption of the Audi before the colder temperatures took hold. Talking of temperatures, I wish spring would hurry up, as the range has dropped to a reliable 180 miles. This range I am currently getting seems realistic, and I’m making the most of the regenerative braking in “B” mode, which also equals impressive “one pedal” driving. I have a couple of long trips planned over the coming month, so it will be interesting to see how this reduced range will affect these.


Of more importance, when I need to find a charger, the iX3’s 400v battery can use single-phase and three-phase charging at up to 11kW. It can also be rapid charged at up to 150kW, meaning I should be able to go from 0% to 80% capacity in just 34 minutes. With enough power for 62 miles added in just ten minutes.


So far I have only done one long trip in the iX3, but the Driver Assistance Professional system has already proved its worth. An adaptive cruise control system with more, when enabled, the centre of the instruments turns into a screen that registers the cars, vans and even trucks around it. You can set the speed and space around the car and the iX3 will maintain the set distance from the next vehicle, speeding up and stopping if need be. It can then autonomously drive at speeds up to 40mph – although I have not tried this function yet.


The iX3 is an interesting car that I feel has rather been overshadowed with the launch of the iX and i4. I am certainly looking forward to spending more time with it.


www.businesscar.co.uk | March 2022 | 45


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