DRIVEN: BMW iX3

The BMW X3 has become a mainstay for the German automakers lineup so it only made sense for an electrified version to help lead their charge into greener mobility. We spent time with the all new iX3 in Gauteng to find out whether the newcomer has carried over all of the traits that made its conventional counterpart so popular. 

Image: Alex Shahini

Part of the electrified i onslaught that has been surging through the automotive market in South Africa is the BMW iX3; the more understated choice to the flagship iX and the more practical option to the performance focused i4 M50. 

DRIVEN: Electrified BMW i range to lead the charge

Image: Alex Shahini

The iX3 settles into one of BMW’s most conclusive model lineups, with the X3 range available in a wide selection of energy types including petrol, diesel, PHEV, and now this BEV powered alternative. Within each of those categories are multiple derivatives to choose from. Ranging from frugal diesels to performance oriented SUVs. It is how the compact luxury crossover has found its way onto the brickwork of so many South African driveways.

Looks like an X3 and drives like one too

While the BMW i lineup is separated from their conventional range, the underpinnings and aesthetics of the Chinese made iX3 bear many similarities to its fossil-fuel-burning counterparts. With the introduction of the new iX3, BMW have now strategically brought electrification into one of their most popular and successful platforms which provides a familiar proposition to prospective buyers. A market that is happy to use their new purchase within the confines of an urban context and less so for long distance travel. At least until intercity infrastructure catches up to the upward trend of electrification. 

Regardless, the concept of electrification is still something we have yet to wrap our heads around, particularly in a South African context with our precarious power supply. This is a model which is difficult to set apart from an xDrive30d at first glance, and that works in its favour. An adapted front and rear fascia with a sealed kidney grille constitute most of the bodywork changes while 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels sit on each corner of the test model. Most SUV buyers wanting to adopt into the world of electrification are comforted by the similar exterior and interior that they have become accustomed to.

Image: Alex Shahini

The cabin is just as indistinguishable from an outgoing X3, save from blue details on the centre console and a steering mounted badge outlined in blue. This also means no curved iDrive Infotainment system which has debuted on other electric models. With this in mind, it is rather counterintuitive to be greeted with the Hans Zimmer Iconic Sound when depressing the start-button and not the momentary clank of a starter motor sputtering the motor to life. Aside from the silent operation with the occasional augmented-audio being piped in through the speakers, the iX3 provides the same level of comfort and ease of operation as would be expected of the X3. 

Image: Alex Shahini

The model comes into its own trundling around urban areas and the stop-start journeys they yield. The regenerative braking system can be adjusted based on driving style but the adaptive mode is ideal with sedate driving warranting little-to-no use of the brake pedal and the displayed range on the digital dashboard increasing throughout its exploits. 

Image: Alex Shahini

On a brief open road stint, the iX3 retained its grace and regardless of the driving style it remained plush and planted, compliments of a lower centre of gravity. The ride is predictable and the steering is precise with expected amounts of body roll for a vehicle of its size. Of course, there are differences to its ICE powered alternatives since the iX3 is only propelled forward by the rear wheels, unlike the xDrive, all-wheel-drive which has its place on every X3. For the most part, this wouldn’t be noticeable on a day-to-day basis.

Fast Facts:

Model: iX3

Price: R1 290 000

Powertrain: Single electric motor

Power: 210 kW 

Torque: 400 N.m

Range: up to 460 km

0 to 100 km/h: 6,8 seconds

Consumption: 19,5 – 18,5 kWh/100 km

The iX3: Priced to compete

Considering its closest counterpart in terms of performance is the M Sport xDrive30d which comes in at R1 242 500; the iX3, which is almost all in, provides a competitive alternative to mobility at R1 290 000. 

The current generation of iX3 is based on the same platform as the third generation of X3 which has been in existence since 2017, an updated model will likely be on the cards within the next few years but for now the electrified SUV is worth a consideration to prospective buyers in the market wanting affordable and green mobility. 

Image: Alex Shahini

Of all of the models to roll off of the production line at the BMW plant in Rosslyn with the X3 included, 90% are destined for export to Europe. With mandates in place to hurry electrification on the continent, the transition into manufacturing examples like the iX3 locally may come much sooner than we expect too which could bring electrification even closer to the affluent masses locally.

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