BMW iX3 2023 review - why this electric SUV is so good | What Car?
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- Опубліковано 23 лип 2024
- #WhatCar #BMW #iX3
In this BMW iX3 2022 review we explain why this new electric car has already had a facelift, and we tell you exactly what makes this electric SUV so good.
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Which electric SUV would you pick instead of the iX3?🤔
I'd go for the diesel.
Model Y
If you ignore brand for a min - Kia EV6 ticks every box from cost, design, capacity to comfort, range and technology.
waiting for the ix1. the ix3 is a retrofit of an EV to an existing platform and it has that same afterthought feel as the volvo xc40 P8. better handling than that, and roomy for passengers, and boot space not sucked up by the motor. but: that engine compartment is wasted space, with 2WD it is underperformant, and that iDrive version is already obsolete. i'd also highlight the fact that it is made by Brilliance, in partnership with BMW, so I'd question the quality.
NIO
Had a BMW iX3 since September 2021, it replaced a BMW X3 diesel . We initially had the usual range anxiety compared to the diesel car but soon got to grips with planning stops that were mostly for coffee breaks or toilets and plugged in for the time it takes for a drink ad a pee. Overall we save approximately £180 a month in fuel bills, mostly charge at home but use rapid chargers on long trips. We love the car and can’t see it being replaced any time soon.
Hi. I'm considering one too. Any issues with the car and the recalls? Thanks
@@faradaycool4058
No issues - has been a great car
Hi Paul. Thanks for sharing. How many years do you anticipate to get your investment is return considering the initial price and battery life expectancy ? I have heard the battery itself costs about 30 - 40%. Surely you will save operational and maintenance cost though 🙂
@@ssudarso hello Darsono, I expect to keep the car for 3 years, we already save approximately £140 a month on fuel, coupled with no road tax to pay in the 1st year and no maintenance expected until 2023, I think we made a good choice
@@justifying6455lmao BMW undersold the range on the iX3, it goes further than advertised.
Picked one of these (M Sport spec) up a few weeks ago and have been absolutely loving it ever since. A really fantastic EV, quiet, comfortable, drives superbly, performance is easily ‘enough’ and range has been surprisingly good also. I would highly recommend - it’s also my very first BMW after many (many!) years being a very loyal Audi customer!
How is it doing now, has the battery degraded in a year
@@HarshalIndani Degradation is minimal
I bought the iX3 (in M Sport Pro trim) 3 months ago. Yes, it's 60K sterling, or in my case NZ$125K, but honestly, when compared to the other vehicles I was looking at, such as a decent spec Kia EV6, this car is in a different league for fit, finish, infotainment, equipment levels etc, and for not very much more money at all. I'd go as far as to say that it's actually good value for money, even with a 60K price tag.
Three months on and so far, it's been perfect. In my view, it's underrated model.
Just purchased an iX3 (equivalent to M Sport Pro trim) here in Wanaka, New Zealand and love it. First long trip and achieved over 350km (217 miles to you Brits). I have a friend with a Model Y who gets less than this on a trip.
It is better than my previous two BMW 320d's in a number of ways apart from range to the tank (battery). Drove over a very windy mountain pass last week (the Crown Range road for those who know it) and was seriously impressed with the handling and I wasn't even in Sport mode. It corners flatter and more directly than my M Sport 320d, rides significantly better and the torque is instant for overtaking acceleration. No downsides discovered after a few weeks of ownership and would thoroughly recommend.
Great to hear from kiwi owners!
One year on how are you finding the open road range, has it dropped (or improved at all? what about the ride quality on our roads?
19 months and about 15,000 kms into our ownership, and the car has been faultless. Range remains consistent at around 400kms summer, a little lower in winter. It’s a comfortable, well built car that meets all our needs. Only downside is the price. If we were looking to buy now, I would also be considering cars like the Skoda Enyaq, for $30K less.
Good review. Thank you
Ordered one after two test drives. It's streets ahead of Audi and Tesla when it comes to drive and ride quality, and the interior is a notch up - lots of soft materials and oozes quality. And it had proper buttons. This is the understated EV that is quietly brilliant
AND EXPENSIVE............Average working Man will never ride in one.............Paul
@@paulholterhaus7084 cheap compared to an Audi eTron or BMW iX or even the iPace (because BMW residuals are much better). There are VERY few affordable EVs that have 280+ mile range.
Sure, but isn't every luxury brand EV expensive ? If you want cheap EV motoring you don't go looking at BMW. Its not a Dacia nor is it a Rolls Royce so I can't quite see your point (if there is one) Lets all be careful of the word 'cheap' here, EVs are still expensive due to the cost of battery manufacturing. There is absolutely no hiding from that until that particular cost comes down.
@@paulholterhaus7084The answer is don't be the average working man then 😊
Can we please have a video on the iX1? Anyone has practical information?
Is it something to compare to the ipace for example? Or is it different category?
Thank you 🙏
Just to be clear, when you compare it to the etron, I guess you mean the big etron 55. It'd be interesting to know how it compares to the new Q4 etron which is more comparable in terms of price and size. The Q4 is supposed to have quite a bit more range (reviewers say around 270-280 miles real world mixed usage)
A nice looking car (personally I prefer it to it IX. Don’t really like the front grills on the IX). However this IX3 for me doesn’t like as aggressive as the IX which I prefer. I’d have one.
Got one ordered, out the factory now and shipping to the UK. Due end Sept and can’t wait
400k Subs - Congrats What Car!
Just a thought BMW changed its motorcycle lights from LED to Halogen because of shortage is this the same for the cars?
Excellent presentation
Loving my iX3 M Sport Pro 💯 Superb vehicle
A shame I cant get this in the US... This looks a lot better than the IX that's available here
You would think they would have made an iX4 first, or at least in addition to this. It's shape is much more conducive for being an EV. Also, why aren't these available in the US? It would sell like crazy!
The lci preheats the battery. You should say that.
I’m getting one of these as a company car, tested it today and whilst it will be a bit of a come down from my own G31 3.0d it’s not a bad car.
Cool story bro
I’m driving a g31 520d and also eying this car. so I’m curious why you call it less. Just the power? Or refinement?
Becoming normal for £60k+ motors to become quoted as good value. Guess these days all that matters is the monthly cost. For many that will become impossible with energy costing £500 pm from next year.
And the worst of all. It’s all intentional to create a green environment
i find it hillarious that people get these 60k+ cars merely to do the school run and justify that its cheaper fuel wise when they could have done the same school run at 1/6th the price of this car
Missed out on showing the reclining rear seats :)
Getting 245 miles range in my ix3 the more u drive the more efficient the battery becomes
@Justifying Ive gone 105 miles either way without charging
Same monthly instalment compare to i4 I’m going for this, it is the final price for 62K well worth the money.
I picked the cheap IX3 - which with gov incentives is ~ 53kEur - some options and dealer rebate included. This is Skoda and Kia money (apparently) - so getting the BMW is a no-brainer. Hope I get the car on October.
Lucky you. Cars are so much more expensive in Ireland. IX3 doesn’t qualify for grants as it’s too expensive. It’s like 75,000 euro 😩 53k is unbelievable value. I just ordered the new face lifted 330e for January and it was 62k 🫣
I’m fortunate to be on a decent salary (~€100k pa), but there is no way I would pay this much for a car. I just can’t comprehend spending that much, even if it’s on a PCP agreement.
@@thecraigmachine69 Where are you based? 100K salary should be sufficient to get this car comfortably with the max deposit. iX3 is a very good electric SUV. I regred not getting the Pro one.
Which country are you in? iX3 is too expensive to qualifty for the governemnt incentive in Ireland.
@@seancotter4610 I regret not getting the Pro one... The heads-up display, Apple Digital Car Key and 360 camera (which can be turned into dashcam) on the Pro spec really sets it apart..
The car starts at 57.000€ just as the model y long range. why you compare it to the performance version?
Even the 'facelift' version has the same interior as a 3 year 330e. The interior already looks too dated, especially the driver display. Also, BMW don't line the door storage or central armrest/storage area with carpet or felt. Even Skoda door that.
Got mine on the Pre Order for the 72 plate. Can’t wait.
Same as me, collection in September. MSP
You’ll love it - fantastic EV!
Not much to think, just buy 🤩
Real world range I am getting 240miles. My son in law got 265mile plus. But it does depend on how you drive it of course
Nice car I bought two days ago really good and comfortable car
I also reviewed the BMW iX3 in my channel, I must say its far better than the BMW iX, GREAT value for money! More equipment!
Greetings from Belgium!
and having a diesel X3 you can charge it from empty to full in just 4 minutes
Great review, What Car? Team! As good as this car is, £65k for an ‘SUV’ that doesn’t have AWD and cannot even tow an MX5 - that’s stretching the definition of an SUV
Who needs AWD? And who actually tows with cars like this.... basically no one
@@MCJC96 why buy a 2wd SUV? Even Teslas have AWD
I have a Jaguar awd and Sport mode. I have not used them for last 4 1/2 years. Since new, I have always used car or eco mode which is good enough. I have bought iX3 M Sport Pro which is being delivered end Nov/start Dec. I am really looking forward to it.
RWD feels better - a selling point. It's got plenty of grip. Are you planning to do off-road? This is an urban SUV and cruiser. It's perfect
@@bodrulm1 A rear wheel drive SUV is an oxymoron
Interestingly, they sell the iX3 in Mexico but not in the United States or Canada.
They like their gas guzzlers 😂
@@letter1014 I see they have electric cars too. Ford launched an electric version of US and Canada’s best selling vehicle the F-150 called the F-150 Lightning.
There is a big X5 sized iX. Not the smaller car.
@@dongidongi Correct, but the iX in my opinion is uglier compared to the iX3.
I don’t think Americans and Canadians are missing out on the iX3 anyway, considering that it doesn’t have AWD.
Would love one but won't fit through driveway gates and wouldn't even consider leaving this parked on the street.
I have been a BMW driver for 20+ years and was really hoping iX3 would have decent mileage and not have that annoying universal transmission tunnel hump. Such a shame I have to move off BMW.
Not AWD!?? WTF were BMW thinking? 🤦♂️
Boot underfloor storage for charging cables is ridiculous IMO.
You will need to recharge the car with the boot loaded with your suitcases and equipment, so each time you need to recharge, you have to unload the boot.
Yes that is quite the omission. They should have provided a frunk for the cable.
@@alladin1314 You can get an aftermarket frunk kit for about £250 by WOKEBY. Not ideal to have to buy such a thing just coz BMW were too bloody lazy but possible if you feel you can't do without it. Personally I'd just carry any cable I need on top of my luggage on a trip. Doesn't excuse this omission by BMW tho
@@paolocoletti3424 Thanks, I will look into it, once my car arrives (hopefully next month).
@@alladin1314 You and me then, mines due first week October 🤞only issue I see (other than more £) is that it probably would need removing pre every service as it of course blocks the (engine) bay. But hey, small price to pay perhaps.
@@paolocoletti3424 I'm planning on getting one as well - heard from a bunch of users over here (Germany) that they just left the aftermarket frunk installed when they took the car to BMW and had no problems or complains so far at all... so I wouldn't worry about it too much!
Too bad can’t get in the US. Too bad this is just a bandaid ev mod to the X3.
Nah.... IX3 is too yesteryear... going with the IX for my first EV. Just seems to be more cutting edge.
Just a tad short on range and price, for me to consider it. But not a bad effort from BMW to be fair!
Could have cleaned the dirty steering wheel for the review lol... Seats also had crumbs on them 🤔
You Sir are the reason for the current mess in my undergarments.
One obvious downside for anyone with more than two kids: the hangover "transmission" lump in the rear floor. The review here claims it's small but that's really not true: it reduces the middle passenger's comfort significantly and makes long distance travel questionable.
The new Mercedes EQS is good
This makes the iX redundant.
Still a rich Man's car.........But if I were rich, I would yet find something with AWD.........Should be able to buy the Coming Chevy Equinox with AWD for half the Money.................Paul
Why the Crack is it two wheel drive thou
Meh. Old fashion exterior body design etc. BMW needs to up their game and produce a proper new ix3 imo.
Model X is double the price and looks the same since 2014 and no one is complaining.
Model X is consistently unattractive too. Looks like a cheap Chinese knock-off of a Toyota or something. Awful design. Even worse interior dash. It's like a fridge on wheels
Sorry but 65k for that no way ,may as well buy a X3 hybrid or even a year old X5
Kind of a strange comparison. The vast majority of iX3s will be had on leases or as company cars. With tax, fuel and other price reductions, the iX3 is quite a strong value proposition. In sweden, leasing an iX3 works out as cheaper than a regular 20d
It’s got a good PCP price tho, but anyway it’s 20k cheaper than an etron with more range and drives better
@@xanderveal ok on a lease but as a purchase no thanks as depreciation would outstrip the lease over 3 years
@@paulscott1759 yeah so just buy it on PCP
@@xanderveal but the depreciation hit could be over 3 years prohibitive as a final payment price is what?
Power cuts this winter so the government has warned. Why are EV’s still being sold?
EV's are still being sold because it's a free market. If power cuts do materialise, then it may also be difficult to get fuel for an ICE car too, because oil refineries use electricity....as do petrol filling stations.... Also Victor, some electric car owners are able to charge - or at least partially charge - their cars using solar panels. You view seems an odd one. If your logic was applied across the board, and all big energy consumers were restricted or capped, then the UK's oil refineries should also be shut down, as they use enough electricity to supply millions of homes.... Carpet manufacturers should be shut down, because not everyone needs carpets every day etc etc..... Relatively few electric car owners charge in the daytime, as it usually costs much more. Why would you pay anything from 30p per kwh, up to 70p per kwh (or even more) to charge through the day, if you were able to charge through the night for 7.5p per kwh, at a time when the grid has massive spare capacity?
May be you guys should clean the car before reviewing it.
GL
BMW is plagued with battey problems with numerous recalls, and on top of that they are bringing in a subscription model, were you have to pay in the near future a monthly fee to unlock things like heated seats.
That’s for cars that don’t already have it, so this won’t be included
No, you won't, you can permanently buy it, if it doesn't come as standard already from the higher trims, that is.
Strange how people pretend if heater seats was free or something.
@@acz88 bruh, "it's built into the car so it should be free", is so annoying.
Everything about this is good, except the tow rating at 750kg… A SUV that cannot tow, just saying 🙃
I think that over 90% of suv's never have and never will tow anything.
Electric cars aren't great for towing. Range goes down the toilet
It is nice that iX3 keeps the traditional BMW good look. But Model Y is still way better IMO. More roomy inside with more available storage (e.g. the large frunk) in Model Y. Acceleration of iX3 is also a bit too low as an EV. Also the ability to watch UA-cam and Netflix in a big screen in Model Y while charging is a big plus.
Model Y doesn't drive nearly as well, and both the interior/exterior are below standard for a premium car. Teslas are more like white goods - functional, but no emotion because they were designed by accountants.
Model y looks better christ your joking arent ya
It's not exactly a looker though, is it? No thanks.
For 60K you can get a fully loaded Model Y which: a) has a much better infotainment system, b) is incredible more efficient and c) does 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. And I would go further to argue that maintenance cost is more expensive with these BMWs than Teslas, after all, BMW dealers still gotta survive providing maintenance for these cars. Tesla on the other hand doesn't even have dealers.
Yes but that Model Y has crap driving dynamic, much stiffer ride - is not comfortable, is ugly. The interior is minimalistic but with the aim to save money - and this is very obvious. All car controls on a single screen is not a +, is not fun, is not futuristic - is cheap, that's what it is. Also you have apparently no idea how expensive is to do bodywork on a Tesla - way more expensive than BMW. Tesla Service has a monopoly on fixing your car, Tesla has a monopoly on spare parts. But fanboys all rave about Tesla. For me? - No thank you. My BMW dealer replies to my e-mails within the hour, and is a 15 min drive away - if my car brakes down or is hit by an idiot - service is always close by and fast.
Tesla 1) build quality is horrible 2) it's a somewhat ugly or unattractive car - this is really important for most 3) the single screen user interface is horrible. You can't even open the glovebox without navigating the menu 4) straight line speed is for kids, and it's actually irritating in EVs due to instantaneous torque
The BMW is an incredible place to be. It's a pleasure to drive
I own a Tesla Model Y, similar spec to the IX3 is £62k for long range dual motor which is 4.8sec 0-62 (not 3.7 secs 😁). I've driven the IX3 and where it beats the Tesla MY hands down is in the ride quality. So if that's important to you, and if you can live with less range, then the IX3 is a great alternative.
@@vincentohanlon Thanks for this, I am trying to make a decision between model Y and IX3 .. what do you think?
It’s funny that people believe what manufacturers are saying, all cars including Tesla require service. Heating systems and hell of electronics also breaks and lack of service centres for Tesla is one of core negative side for long term owners ship for me, not much happy to wait for service several months because there is a queue even if the service is made on warranty. In Finland model y is the most sold new electric car and we have around 5 Tesla services through the whole country where the rest brand has 4-5 in each city.
Without 4x4… thanks but no thanks
And it is slow by any means for an electric car.
Mmm…slowish and not 4WD
not that brilliant then 🤔
only 62000!
The list price is pretty much an irrelevance now that many new cars are acquired via PCP agreements......
Mines doesn't work and BMW are not interested. DO NOT BUY one
Cannot believe in 2023 the range is only 280 miles for a £70K EV (likely less in the real world). Awful tech progress by BMW.
Its not that bad, I would say: It is only 74KW pulling a 2.3 tonnes tall SUV on 21"s. I think that is pretty darn good, actually. Also BMWs miles is trustworthy - many other carmakers exaggerate their WTLP.
Disclaimer: I have this car.
Wtf
62k what the f cost of living crisis
Over £60,000 simply makes it a bad car as awful value for money.
It's fully loaded with every option that's why - panoramic roof, adaptive speed control, adaptive high beam, reverse camera, parking assist, heated seats, adaptive dampers...list goes on. Add the same spec to the Audi Q4 eTron or Skoda and they cost more
Why do you film a dirty car? All i can see is the muck and the mud, and it looks like someone sneezed on the steering weel. Please do better!
Not their car? Sometimes owners don’t want their stuff touched
Welcome to the real world, crybaby.
74 kwh……👉💩
This is a good EV, but you can't keep comparing it to an i-pace. The i-pace feels like a sports car, has incredible response and power, still has almost as much boot space, and the main thing....you will look at the i-pace every time you get out, every time you pass a window and it's outside on your drive. It really feels and looks like a piece of Italian exotica, and turns heads everywhere, not a boring German SUV.
You'd buy the iX3 with your head, the Jag with your heart. I followed my heart....I may regret it, but for now I don't care. I'm in love with my i-pace like I was when I owned Porsche and Alfa sports cars.
To save others time it’s a SUV that costs 60 grand and is good - So a nss review as expected
The diesel version is the best...
Be pretty useless when it snows ,, especially being a big heavy suv without 4wd
Weird, just came back from snow covered mountains in the alps.. zero problems
Boring combustion engine car with fitted with just one electric motor instead .
Quick fix dinosaur 🦖
👎👎👎
What’s the point of any EV that has to rely on 3rd rate charging networks. Tesla is still the best option.
So Ian, if you see the UK's EV charging network - which currently has 30'000 public charging connections, and a further 30'000 being installed this year alone - as 3rd rate, how would you describe the UK's petrol station infrastructure, with just 8000 places to get fuel? You appear to have completely overlooked the fact that 60 to70% of UK electric car owners charge at home...and are perfectly happy doing so. Despite your slightly biased view, there are many thousands of EV owners out there who didn't choose to drive a Tesla, and guess what? They manage perfectly well most of the time..... The World doesn't always revolve around Elon Musk and his take on everything. What floats *your* boat, may not necessarily float everyone else's..... I looked at a Model 3 over 2 years ago, and was frankly shocked at the iffy quality. Orange peel paintwork, uneven body panel gaps, awful fit and finish internally. Plus the car just didn't seem practical enough for my motoring needs. I walked away, and went with a Kia eNiro instead. And 2+ years on, I haven't regretted my choice one bit. Not a single issue, and still almost 5 years warranty left to run.... When the time comes, it will be replaced by the present Niro EV model....
Tesla build quality vs price ratio is garbage.
clown
Another f'ing SUV 🙄
Which means what? It’s got the same footprint as a 5 series with less emissions. Plus most people want SUVs now
@@xanderveal both are grossly oversized. All they are is more dangerous to pedestrians, take up more raw material to manufacture, take up more space, heavier (contributing to faster degradation of roads and more traffic noise), etc., etc. There’s no pluses to buying these vehicles over an equivalent smaller car, other than for the ape who wants to show off how much debt they are in to a car manufacturer’s finance company.
@@thecraigmachine69 grossly oversized… it’s an x3, I want to see your face when you see an x7
Did you delete the comment anyway 😂
@@xanderveal Lol - I've seen it. A face only a mother could love. It's awful looking.