BMW IX3 (2021) test: the electric X3 is one more rival for the Tesla Model Y

For the rest, the environment behind the wheel is similar to any X3. The finish is fired at four pins, the screens and the cockpit arrangement resume the same presentation. Except that when the contact button pressure, now blue, an engine that is snorted but a whistle of UFO inspiration. Here is the “auditory signature” of the electric BMWs, signed by the composer Hans Zimmer !

BMW IX3 test / test ! Technos, Autonomy, Carkey. Our full video test !

After our tests from the Audi e-tron, Mercedes Eqc, Jaguar I-Pace, We remain on the premium SUV segment with this BMW IX3 freshly out of the manufacturer’s Chinese factories. Despite a certain delay in ignition in the face of its competitors, you will see in this video that the brand takes advantage of its experience with the i3 (release in 2013) to offer a fairly efficient car on the electric shutter. Technologically, no IDRIVE 8 (reserved for IX), but the car remains Barded with innovations, starting with Carkey d’Apple, an ultra-complled head-up and up display Or some new functions such as the famous autoreverse, gestural orders or even a semi-autonomous driving of a very good level.

While this BMW IX3 is worth, especially against Tesla ? After more than 2000km at the wheel, here is our verdict ! And as always, the video was shot in 4K 60FPS, so do not hesitate to watch it on your high definition TV !

BMW IX3 (2021) test: the electric X3 is one more rival for the Tesla Model Y

New stage in the electrification of its range, BMW launches with the IX3 its very first 100 % electric SUV, based on the classic X3. By avoiding escalation of power and battery capacity, the IX3 almost manages to remain rational and to preserve a hint of BMW spirit. All the kept proportions.

Let us die in two points: its architecture of pure propulsion, and its power of 286 hp. The IX3 therefore shares the same business card as the BMW M3 E36 when it was launched ! The parallel obviously does not go any further, it was just a question of making smile to play down the arrival of an electric SUV at BMW. Some will rather cringe, maybe wrongly.

When the i3 arrived then the i8 seven years ago, they occupied a special place in the family, in a separate range of conventional or hybrid engines models. The approach is today more nuanced: since it is a question of making the electrification as generally public as possible (the objective of selling 7 million hybrid or electric models by 2030 is serious), as much to make it transparent and painless, as much as possible. And therefore, integrate electrical models transparently into the existing ranges.

Unlike its direct Mercedes EQC and Audi e-tron rivals which take care to hide their origins of GLC and Q5, the BMW IX3 is therefore a simple X3 decreased with a few coquetries. Same silhouette, same size (still 4.70 m long), it distinguishes itself by bluish inserts in terms of logos and grille, now full, shields and specific rims. Put on end to end, these elements improve its aerodynamics in a marginal manner (0.29, barely 0.02 won points).

Painless electrification

The thermal X3 platform has been planned from its design to receive an electric version, we can expect a rather successful result. For example, the batteries located in the bases make it possible to keep a space on board rigorously identical to the conventional X3: the same cabin, quite large on the back, and the trunk always displays 510 L under the tablet. On the other hand, the IX3 ignores the double bottom, reduced to a simple compartment allowing to store the load cables. Also a shame not to have a space under the front cover, as in some (Audi and Tesla in particular).

Blue everywhere: logos, start button, box lever. For the rest, the layout remains strictly identical to the cabin of a conventional X3.

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For the rest, the environment behind the wheel is similar to any X3. The finish is fired at four pins, the screens and the cockpit arrangement resume the same presentation. Except that when the contact button pressure, now blue, an engine that is snorted but a whistle of UFO inspiration. Here is the “auditory signature” of the electric BMWs, signed by the composer Hans Zimmer !

The first laps take place without surprise. Muscular accelerations from start -up, linear push and muffled operation as possible. as behind the wheel of any electric car. Nothing revolutionary on this point, the performances are flattering but does not stand out: 6.8 s from 0 to 100 km/h, an equivalent chrono at least powerful of the Audi e-tron and slower than a Mercedes EQC. Here, BMW has chosen not to play in the figure race. Recall that with 286 hp and 400 Nm of torque, its mechanics are significantly more modest than its two rivals which swap at 408 hp (313 hp for the e-tron 50 quattro), but benefit from two electric motors.

BMW retained a synchronous engine, devoid of magnets, which allows it to free itself from materials using “rare earths” often pointed out. An ethical precaution which at least allows the manufacturer to evacuate some reproaches.

The choice of moderation

This bias has virtues. In terms of consistency already: what good is it to take larger batteries, to make journeys most of the time reduced a few tens of kilometers per day ? In peri-urban use moreover. We will not return here the trial of the electric SUV. Here, BMW has chosen an 80 kWh (74 kWh useful) battery, one of the most modest capacities in the niche . A Jaguar I-Pace announces 90 kWh, the Audi e-tron 95 kWh. But as the IX3 ignores the all -wheel drive, it allows itself to display about three quintals less than its rivals. Always extremely heavy, of course, it accuses 2.260 kg but is not so far from an x3 xdrive 30D barded with options, for example.

This relative technical simplicity obviously benefits autonomy, announced at 460 km in WLTP cycle. Optimistic, but reaching 400 km is not unrealistic by standing out of the fast tracks (as always, when it comes to electric) and provided you keep the foot light. And to make the most of the energy recovery in deceleration, when the land lends itself to it.

By using the engine brake to the maximum, mode B allows you to drive without touching the brakes. We release the accelerator, we stop … effective in recovery, but the deceleration is muscular and requires an adaptation time.

This is also particularly well managed, and has three recovery levels depending on the driving mode chosen. More interesting: mode B, by tilting the auto gearbox lever to the left, maximizes the engine brake and allows to drive literally without touching the brakes, simply modulating the accelerator. The system is effective but requires a certain time to become familiar with it: deceleration, very strong, can surprise. Furthermore, recovery being the key to the autonomy of an electrical model, the GPS integrates the topographic data (relief, slowdown when approaching an intersection. ) to anticipate regeneration in deceleration. Others do it, nothing unpublished on this point.

All at the back !

The addition of all this technological armada allows the IX3 to claim a consumption of 19 kWh/100 km. Rather 21 kWh in practice, which remains a very interesting value for a machine of this weight and this size.

High -level comfort: the controlled suspension is rather firm but preserves a muffled road touch, the soundproofing is neat despite some high -speed noise. IX3 is a pleasant traveler to live.

Another good surprise, precisely: the car retains surprisingly healthy behavior. The batteries being located in the floor, the center of gravity is lowered by 7 cm from a classic X3, and the engine located at the rear offers it almost a distribution of the sports masses (47/53). All the kept proportions. Without electronics, a machine so heavy and if torqueux would be properly inconstable. However, let us recognize a certain agility, and a dynamic inclination more marked than its competitors. Even if his times are behind.

Prices

Business fleet managers will love it, since like any electric vehicle, the IX3 is exempt from TVS. For private customers, no surprise either: the “virtuous” X3 remains expensive even if its call price of 69.950 € is well placed in front of the e-tron and eqc (at least 10.000 euros more). Only, these are more powerful and have an all-wheel drive. The equipment is ultra-complete, that said: heated seats, on-board WiFi, level 2 semi-autonomous driving are standard, among others. The most serious threat should come from the future Tesla Model Y, expected around 60.000 euros at entry level.

On a 150 kW terminal, the IX3 finds 80 % load in 30 minutes. 11:30 am on a 7.4 kW wallbox, or … about 40 hours on a domestic socket. Simple calculation of elementary physics: the larger a battery, the longer the load is.

BMW IX3 technical characteristics (2021)

Model Try: BMW IX3 Impressing
Dimensions L x W x H	4.734 / 1.891 / 1.668 m
Wheelbase	2.864 m
Mini / maximum volume of the trunk	510/1.560 L
Unloaded weight	2.260 kg
Engine	Synchronous electric
Engine power	286 CH
Couple	400 Nm
0 to 100 km/h	6.8 s
Max speed	180 km/h
Battery	80 kWh
Announced / raised autonomy	460 km / approximately 400 km
Bonus 2021	0 €
Price	from 69.950 € (model tried: 76.€ 350)

Good to know: anticipate purchase and resale.

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• – Dynamic qualities, performance
• – Comfort and general approval
• – Preserved chest
• – Interesting consumption

• – Strong prices, as planned
• – Still high weight

The very idea of ​​an electric SUV is still as questionable. Nevertheless salute the IX3 approach not to give in to the flight forward or to the war of the figures. The first BMW jet on this niche niche is neither the most powerful nor the champion of autonomy, but the result is effective and successful.