2024 BMW iX3 Review

The iX3 recipe is simple: take everything buyers have come to love about the regular X3’s midsize luxury crossover SUV and transplant a new electric beating heart at its core.

Even better news for Aussie buyers is that BMW has a new variant that slips in under the Luxury Car Tax threshold and the Fringe Benefits Tax exemption, making for the most affordable iX3 we’ve seen yet.

Just how well does the BMW iX3 stack up against its rivals? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

BMW iX3 Competition

Starting Price: $89,100

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How Much Does It Cost?

The BMW iX3 range is priced from $89,100 for the entry-level iX3 M Sport, with prices rising to $104,900 for the range-topping iX3 M Sport Pro.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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BMW iX3 (M SPORT) Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the BMW iX3 Have?

BMW’s entry-level iX3 M Sport comes riding on a set of 19-inch alloys and receives adaptive LED headlights, keyless entry & start, adaptive suspension, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, M Sport styling package, Vernasca leather upholstery with power-adjustable and heated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, three-zone climate control and aluminium pedals.

Stepping up to the iX3 M Sport Pro adds a set of 20-inch alloys, a head-up display, UV glazing, a gesture control system, Shadow Line exterior highlights, a five-year Chargefox subscription, surround-view monitor and an upgraded 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system.

BMW iX3 Features

• 19-inch alloys

• Adaptive LED headlights

• Adaptive suspension

• Vernasca leather upholstery with heated seats

• M Sport styling package

• Adaptive cruise control

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

• 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• 20-inch alloys (M Sport Pro)

• Head-up display (M Sport Pro)

• 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system (M Sport Pro)

• Five-year Chargefox subscription (M Sport Pro)

How Big is the BMW iX3’s Infotainment System?

Both members of the iX3 range receive a large 12.3-inch infotainment system sitting atop the dashboard that comes packing BMW’s iDrive 8.5 operating system.

Does the BMW iX3 have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

The latest iX3 lineup offers both wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity, as well as DAB+ digital radio, allowing you to use your native smartphone operating system over BMW’s stock iDrive system.

Is the BMW iX3 Comfortable to Drive?

While purists may have been concerned about bringing the X3 platform into the electrified age, the new powertrain proves nothing but complementary to the already refined platform.

Both iX3 variants come powered by the same single electric motor sitting over the rear axle that maintains BMW’s favourable rear-wheel drive platform and more dynamic driving experience.

The electric motor kicks out 210kW of power and 400Nm of torque, which is enough to propel it up to 100km/h from a standstill in 6.8 seconds.

On the road, that proves to be more than enough kick thanks to the e-motor’s instant power response, while the rest of the package feels very familiar to the existing X3.

That’s a particularly good thing, considering just how adept the X3 is as an urban runaround thanks to its relatively compact proportions, and while the steering might be heavier than you’re used to, it’s super user-friendly at low speeds around town.

Pick up the pace and you’ll be impressed with just how smooth the iX3 feels, even on some of the rougher Australian road conditions.

The suspension is set up on the firm side, as we’ve come to expect from premium European packages, though not uncomfortably so, while this also allows it to handle its weight in the corners and outshine a number of its rivals as a driving package.

On the highway, the iX3 confidently glides at higher speeds that make it an absolutely effortless grand tourer, with BMW’s attention to sound deafening making it a super quiet and comfortable driving experience.

All up, the iX3 is a fabulous package in a wide range of driving conditions and proves that an electrified X3 platform hasn’t lost any of the hallmarks buyers have come to love about BMW.

Is it Energy Efficient?

BMW says that the iX3 range has an energy consumption rating of 18.9kWh/100km on a combined cycle. 

Power for both variants is supplied by an 80kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be DC-fast charged at speeds up to 150kW, offering a 0-80 per cent charge in 32 minutes, or at speeds of 7.4kW and 11kW, respectively with an AC wall box or three-phase charger.

How Far Can the BMW iX3 Drive on a Single Charge?

BMW’s energy consumption figures of 18.9kWh/100km for the 80kWh battery pack means buyers can expect to see maximum driving figures of 460km per charge, according to testing on the WLTP test cycle.

• Range: 460km 

• Energy Efficiency: 18.9kWh/100km (WLTP cycle) 

Is it Practical and Spacious?

While there might be a new electric beating heart at its core, the iX3 retains a familiar and impressively spacious cabin for a midsize SUV.

Tall front occupants will be pleased to know headroom is abundant, while BMW’s layout keeps things very similar to the regular X3 in terms of the layout and quality switchgear in the front of the cabin.

Admittedly, buyers hoping for some special touches unique to the iX3 might be a little underwhelmed, but the overall fit and finish of the cabin is excellent and very much up to expectations for a BMW.

The front of the cabin houses a pair of large digital displays, one for the driver and one for the infotainment system that tops a set of physical climate inputs and media controls.

Underneath you’ll find a small storage tray behind the gear lever for smartphones and a pair of cupholders that can be covered by a retractable tray, as well as added storage inside the armrest and bottle holders in the door bins.

Move to the second row and things are equally as premium and spacious for rear passengers, with acres of legroom and no issues for headroom or cabin width, while light and visibility are excellent thanks to the tall window lines.

The second row also picks up a pair of ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts for child seats, as well as a dedicated climate control zone, a pair of USB-C ports, bottle holders and a folding armrest with cupholders.

How big is the BMW iX3’s Boot?

The iX3 range has a boot measuring in at a very healthy 510L with the rear seats standing.

Fold down the rear seats and you’ll find 1560L of cargo storage on offer to help swallow up sports gear and bulky items without much of a problem, making for a practical midsize SUV boot offering.

Is it Safe?

The BMW iX3 range comes jam-packed with active safety gear that makes it extremely competitive as a safe, battery-electric midsize SUV.

As standard, the iX3 lineup receives autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, front and rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, a rear-view camera with front & rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and traffic sign recognition.

Stepping up to the range-topping iX3 M Sport Pro means you’ll also receive a surround-view monitor as well as a semi-autonomous parking assistance system.

Does the BMW iX3 have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The BMW iX3 range has an expired five-star safety rating after tests on its twin-under-the-skin, the X3 back in 2017.

As it stands, the 2024 BMW iX3 range is untested by ANCAP.

What Warranty does the BMW iX3 Come With?

BMW offers the 2024 iX3 range with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

The iX3’s battery and high-voltage components are packaged with an eight-year/160,000km warranty. 

The company also offers the iX3 with a six-year/unlimited-kilometre basic service package priced at $1900 which works out to around $316 annually; though this does not include things like brake components.

Our Verdict: Is the BMW iX3 Worth it?

While it doesn’t feel quite as futuristic as a bespoke electric vehicle, BMW’s addition of an electric powertrain at the core of the iX3 makes an impressive midsize SUV even more refined.

Even the base model upholds BMW’s impressive reputation for premium designs and materials which, considering its more affordable price tags that slip in under the LCT threshold, give buyers looking for a luxurious EV some serious food for thought.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price on your next purchase.

Five BMW iX3 Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. Eight-year battery warranty

3. 460km range from 80kWh battery

4. 510L boot expands to 1560L with rear seats folded

5. Expired five-star ANCAP safety rating, new model remains untested