Electric Dreams

BMW’S IX3 TICKS ALL THE BOXES. BY JON THOMSON

BMW IS A FASCINATING CAR COMPANY THAT HAS BEEN ABLE TO POSITION ITSELF IN THE LUXURY CAR REALM, FROM SMALL SPORTY HATCHES ALL THE WAY UP TO SUPERCARS AND LUXURY LIMOS.

The Bavarian manufacturer has also been able to successfully embrace the ever growing SUV market and also the brave new world of electric drivelines with some degree of aplomb and Germanic mastery.

Beaches COVERED. had the chance to drive a new Bimmer recently, that not only addresses the demand for small urban SUVs, but also the burgeoning demand for electric zero emission cars.

Despite its price tag of around $115,000, the iX3 is surprisingly more affordable than similar electric SUV models from rivals Benz with its EQ and Audi’s e-tron, which are respectively around $10,000 and $35,000 more expensive than the iX3.

This makes the BMW iX3 one of the more affordable luxury electric SUVs on the market. Clearly there are less expensive electric cars, but the fact that this Bimmer looks pretty much the same as the conventional version and wears that iconic BMW badge adds to its allure with buyers. The question everyone asks with an electric car is, how far can it travel on a charge and what’s it go like?

The range is impressive with a claimed 440 kilometres on a full charge, thanks to an electric consumption rate of 21.6kWh/100km in Australian specifi cation. Given that the average Aussie car does about 260km per week, most people will be able to use the iX3 all week in urban situations without plugging in. With 440km of range, it would also enable most to travel to Melbourne with just one recharge around mid-way.

The iX3’s power comes from a singlemotor electric drivetrain boasting a 210kW/400Nm electric motor on the

The power delivery of the iX3 is smooth, torquey and refined... the iX3 also delivers synthesised engine noise through the speakers into the cabin.

rear axle fed by an 80kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

When it comes to off the line performance, the iX3 delivers 0 to 100km/h acceleration in just 6.8 seconds, which is impressive for an SUV.

Of course with an electric vehicle, another factor is how fast they can be recharged. BMW has made the iX3 compatible with single-phase AC charging at up to 7.4kW as well as threephase charging at up to 11kW.

Plug the iX3 into a DC fast-charging station at a rate of up to 150kW, and the batteries can be taken from 10 to 80 percent charge in around 32-minutes, while a 10-minute charge can add 100km of driving range. BMW also gives fi ve years of free charging on the Chargefox national charging network.

The power delivery of the iX3 is smooth, torquey and refi ned, but unlike other silent electric cars, which can be a little boring and uninspiring at times, the iX3 also delivers synthesised engine noise through the speakers into the cabin, which BMW calls ‘Iconic Sounds Electric’. It delivers a number of different sounds, which play at different intensities depending on driver preferences, throttle position, and other inputs.

Climb into the driver’s seat, and you sit behind the chunky BMW M leather steering wheel with an impressive dash and switch gear that feels just right.

Sitting in the electrically adjustable driver’s seat, you look directly at the dual 12.3-inch displays running BMW OS7.0 which is easy to use and boasts wireless Apple CarPlay.

Superb audio performance comes from a 464W 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system as standard, delivering superb sound that will have you bopping along without the burble of an engine in the background.

In the rear seats, there is plenty of room for two adults or three at a pinch. There are also air conditioning controls, map pockets, a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, USB-C charge ports, and large door bins with bottle holders.

Open the rear hatch and you have access to a substantial 510 litres of load space, which can be expanded to around 1560 litres if you fold down rear seats.

The BMW iX3 is one of the most convincing electric vehicles based on an existing combustion-powered model.

If you’re nervous about going electric and want something that looks and feels, ‘normal’ if you like, this is one for the shortlist. Where a lot of standalone or dedicated EV models can feel a bit ‘different’, the iX3 offers a familiar look and feel in all respects except its electric power.

In terms of handling and performance, the iX3 always feels assured and is never clunky or dull with its fl oor-mounted battery pack giving it a very low centre of gravity.

It gives the driver a great feel with communicative and fl uid controls, ensuring an engaging experience. It’s no sports car, but it is streets ahead of other electric cars we have driven.

There is plenty of safety tech; its lane keep assist and lane warning work particularly well, while the centre screen shows the lanes and vehicles around you.

It also has blind-spot and rear cross-traffi c assistance coupled with its already very good outward visibility and surround cameras. This ensures drivers are wellaware of everything around them.

Like all BMW models, the iX3 is covered by a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, while the battery is also covered for eight years or 160,000km – whichever comes fi rst.

The iX3 is one of the most surprising and engaging electric cars we have driven. When it comes to electric SUVs, it ticks all the boxes, particularly when it comes to price. •

COL CRAWFORD BMW // 497 PITTWATER RD, BROOKVALE NSW 2100 // (02) 9941 1290