The new BMW iX3 – what’s it really like?

What is BMW Neue Klasse?

The iX3 is the first of the BMW Neue Klasse EV’s and we’ve just started running one long term. Neue Klasse is a ground up reimagining of how BMW make electric cars. It looks like they have succeeded in progressing by more than a generation on from their current line up. Range and charging speed have been transformed thanks partly to a new 800v architecture.

It will soon be followed by deliveries of the i3, an electric 3 Series replacement later in 2026 and then every other electric BMW will switch to the new platform rapidly (by the end of 2027). BMW combustion models continue and will mimic the new look and some of the tech but sit on old platforms.

This page will be regularly updated and extended. We’re also adding some hints and tips for Neue Klasse owners here.

What is the iX3

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is the electric alternative to fuel burning SUV’s like the X3 or Mercedes GLC or Audi Q5 and in size is between the smaller BMW X1 and the larger X5. The iX3 is a little longer but lower than the BMW X3 fuel burning cars but has way more rear space.

The new Eucalyptus colour renders were removed from BMW configurator some time ago. As you can see below the actual colour is quite different although luckily I still like it.

Highlights

After a few days I’m starting to get a fuller picture of what the iX3 is like.
Key take outs:

• Great to drive
• Excellent driver assistance that is much more relaxing to use compared to the Tesla autopilot I used previously.
• Efficiency was initially disappointing during my 2 hour initial test drive of the black demo car in March. Now in May in my own iX3 on a mix of urban, country road and 70 mph has managed a remarkable 4 miles per kWh equivalent to 435 miles of 100% range using a range of techniques and option choices detailed below.
• Panoramic vision display and the heads up display are excellent
• Most UK buyers spend more money to get M Sport models (with more complex bumper design and primarily black interiors with sport seats ) which look good. Personally I actually prefer the look of the alternative standard model bumper design. In the right colour it trades sportiness for a bit more elegance and simplicity. Skipping M Sport also frees up some budget for other options. Also worth noting the demo car was an M Sport but you can barely notice with a black body colour.

Click to enlarge

That interior is super hard to photograph and looks more terracotta than the salmon in the photo!

How big?

I’d not driven an SUV for a while so the iX3 was a bit of a contrast to the Tesla Model 3’s I was used to. While the iX3 isn’t huge by todays standards it does look big in person with a relatively high front especially compared to the opposite extreme, a Tesla Models 3 or combustion X3 below! You notice this also by how hard it is to squeeze past something more ridiculously sized like a Ford Ranger pickup on a UK country lane. One odd thing about sitting higher is driving at 70mph looks and feels very slow compared to a low slung Model 3. Just something to adjust to.

Comparing size with 2 unlikely stablemates

• Length Model 3 4720mm / iX3 4782mm (so BMW is 6.2cm longer)
• Width excluding mirrors Model 3 1850mm / iX3 1895mm (4.5cm wider)
• Width including mirrors Model 3 2089mm/ iX3 2093mm (0.4cm wider
• Height Model 3 1441mm / iX3 1635mm (19cm taller!)
• Compared more fairly to the Tesla Model Y things are less clear cut with the BMW just 1.1cm taller while actually being shorter by 0.8cm and narrower by 2.5cm excluding mirrors and 3.6cm including mirrors according to Automobile dimensions.

Ride and Handling

My driving routes so far have taken in some motorway along with A and B roads in Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Keeping to 20″ wheels improves the rather firm ride somewhat and helps the ride comfort. Ride is still firm though and you hear and feel some road surfaces like flyover expansion joints and surfaces more than in my Model 3. Conversely the iX3 has so far managed to sail over potholes it has encountered as though they weren’t there.

Overall the car is refined on the roads and very capable and confident on the twisties. It is quiet and felt planted on corners, not that I was testing the envelope. Overall BMW have done a great job perfecting the steel spring chassis. The forthcoming Mercedes GLC on optional air suspension wins on ride according to reviews but not handling.

Performance? Well with an official 0-62 in 4.9 seconds (which some enthusiastic journos have already tested to nearer 4.5) it’s fast enough. This 50 xDrive 4 wheel drive version will eventually be joined by both slower and faster stablemates.

Driving tech

It really feels like BMW has developed and honed its tech to a new level. The panoramic iDrive display (full width below the windscreen) is clear and really good to use. Only disappointment is personalising what was displayed does not include all the options that the standard modes offer. Particularly impressive were the little touches like when the map isn’t on the display, it reappears when you approach a junction. The display of junction layouts and what lanes to pick is clear and top notch.

Coming from a Tesla, the BMW driving assistance also impressed. In the UK the hands free motorway system hasn’t been approved yet but should be added via a software update probably in the summer. In the meantime you just have to hold the wheel and you can accelerate or brake or even change lanes without the driver assistance disengaging. It felt much more polished than Tesla equivalent in UK (where you have to jiggle the wheel every few mins and the system disengages after anything except acceleration). Also impressive for comfort and your licence was the speed sign recognition which highlights increasing or reducing limits. In cruise mode it also slows the car to the new limit as you reach the sign. By contrast Tesla only starts to slow after you pass the sign which in some parts of the UK will earn you a ticket from a front facing speed camera.

Overall it makes Tesla’s UK software feel like beta software that you often feel you are fighting with it. By comparison the iX3 feels more like its working to “assist you” and work with you and that immediately makes for a calmer less stressful drive.

Navigation and charge stop routing

The navigation system is impressive so far. One of my option packs in UK came with the largely redundant head up display giving you the large screen, the impressive panoramic display under the windscreen and the head up! Once you figure out where the information is it works extremely well.

Charge stop routing from the iX3 is initially less impressive and needs some setting up. Just experimenting with a London to Inverness trip departing on 38% charge it first suggested a rather slow and super expensive Instavolt charger as a first stop. A bit more work on preferred charging networks meant it switched to an Ionity charger near Beaconsfield which was better and much cheaper (BMW offers a subscription free discounted rate for 12 months) but very early into the trip and chosen because it was the only Ionity charger close to the route via the M6 toll until Stafford about 150 miles away. The other problem with Beaconsfield Ionity is it is often congested with drivers trying to access one of only 7 chargers.

Steering wheel

You’d be surprised the number of reviewers and comments have centred on the shape of the iX3’s steering wheel. Essentially the issue is that the wheel has “a top spoke” which apparantly renders it “weird” or “ugly”. Adding to the angst the left and right side spokes aren’t actually joined to the centre of the wheel. One of the concerns raised is that people might not realise when the wheel was “upside down”. At the same time almost every reviewer has said the wheel is very comfortable.

My thoughts – the steering wheel is exceptionally comfortable to use and hold and I found myself wondering whether any drivers really stare at their steering wheel while driving to work out which way the car will turn! I certainly don’t and really found no issue especially as that “top spoke” is nowhere close blocking your view of the 2 drivers displays – so why not have a top spoke. It’s worth noting the steering is accurate but light and feels really nice to use.

One small niggle. I do think the column stalks don’t feel especially high quality in use and they have some fairly sharp edges. That said coming from a Tesla Model 3 that some genius decided didn’t need stalks at all, any stalks at all are a blessing. I can even flash my lights to signal to pedestrians and drivers without accidently indicating.

Big on the inside too? Practicality

Interior passenger space is really generous front and back. This is a car where 4 tall people (well over 6ft) could comfortably do long journeys. 5 might well work too although width might constrain it. Arguably the rear passenger space is so generous they really should have allocated some of it to where it’s more needed.. the boot. A sliding rear bench would have been even better and more flexible.

Storage space in the cabin is less impressive with a rather underwhelming compartment under the centre armrest and an awkward to reach space under it that probably invites thieves if anything is left there.

So the iX3 looks big and is big but does that translate into generous luggage space? Obviously if you remove the parcel shelf and stow the rear seats it has way more space that a Tesla Model 3, offering 1,750L against the 977L offered by a Model 3 saloon. Keep the seats and shelf in place though and you might be surprised to know the Model 3 has 594L versus just 520L for the longer and taller iX3! Even the frunk below that tall iX3 bonnet is just 58L versus 88L and more usefully shaped in the smaller Model 3. It’s always worth remembering some larger vehicles offer surprisingly little extra luggage space and sometimes deliver less. If you do need space it’s worth looking at the Mercedes GLB electric with 540L of cargo volume (and a sliding rear seats to adjust this) along with a very useful 127K frunk. We haven’t tested this yet but have a summary here.

To get an idea of the usability of the boot space below you can see the space in an iX3 with passenger seats reclined or more upright for a L67cm x W43cm suitcase. For reference you can see the same suitcase in a Tesla Model 3 and and an old petrol Skoda Karoq

• The Karoq is a much smaller vehicle and so has less space front to back but much more height under the parcel shelf. It makes pieces of luggage look smaller despite being a class down in size. From memory it also had a sliding rear seat so you could magic up more boot space when needed.
• The iX3 gets more boot space front to back but it’s really not that tall only just managing this suitcase under the parcel shelf. It also has a small awkwardly shaped frunk and a small amount of space under the boot floor for things like cables or walking boots. On the plus side the BMW can add lots of space and practicality by removing the parcel shelf which you can conveniently stow it under the boot floor. Overall the boot is adequate but not generous for the size of car.
• Like the Karoq the Tesla Model 3 has an extraordinary amount of space for its size. It’s main boot is comparable to the iX3 but then it has enough room for an airline carry on case under the boot and another one in the frunk.

Charging

The good news is whether you drive fast or slower for efficiency the iX3 will recharge that battery very fast. Not only can it charge from 10-80% in around 21 mins it should manage 10-55% in around 10 mins. That’s barely enough for a biological break including a takeout coffee if you run.

While most older chargers operate at 400v, the iX3 offers 800v charging like the Kia EV6 or Porsche Taycan. The advantages of 800v including less power wastage, thinner cables meaning less weight. less heat which means faster charging with less energy used for cooling and faster charging. Apart from Mercedes models most 800v cars can still use 400v chargers when needed even if it cuts their max charging speed. For the iX3

• 400kW speed charging is possible on 800v chargers
• 200kW speed charging is possible on 400v chargers

If you want to see live charging comparisons between the iX3 and competitors and against itself when charging on 400kW chargers starting at 0% and 10%, 350kW from 10% and Tesla 400v Superchargers from 10% this Bjorn Nyland video will prove very informative.

800v chargers

The charge curve apparently stays above 300kW till 40-44% and above 200kW till around 65%. How does that help? Well on a 10-80% charge a Tesla Model 3 peaks at 250kW quickly slows so the average speed is 125kW. The the iX3 should average 230kW after peaking on the right charger at 400kW. Worth bearing in mind the charge time on my own model 3 is a good 5 mins slower than claimed.

If you’re worried about charging costs there are some good options. At the time of writing Ionity offer a Power 365 subscription for £104.99 per year that offers 46p per kWh. While the chargers are mostly 350kW not 400kW that should only cost you an extra 1 min in charge time and 3x100kWh charges a year would break even compared to networks like Gridserve, Shell, BP or Instavolt which cost up to 89p.

400v chargers inc Tesla Superchargers

The iX3 can easily use all the standard CCS chargers including 400v ones like Tesla Superchargers. This is a big advantage over Mercedes new EV’s (CLA, GLB, GLC) that can’t use any 400v chargers without an expensive optional adapter. Even with the adaptor the new Mercedes models are limited to a slow 100kW charge speed. The BMW can do double that speed as standard meaning much faster charge times.

• To put the iX3’s 200kW 400v speed in perspective, on a 400kW Tesla Supercharger the BMW has been seen charging its 108kWh battery to 75% (so adding 81.5kWh) in 35 mins. In the same time my 250kW Tesla Model 3 Highland gets to 80% of its 75kWh battery (so adding 60kWh). Many Tesla Superchargers are open to the iX3. To see which ones download the Tesla app, add payment details, then use the “charge your other EV”.

Charging issue for iX3 owners

Some German iX3 owners have reported that when they charge on chargers offering 400kW or more the car may end the charge after only a few mins before charging is halted. If this does happen to you check the settings in the charging menu.

Bjorn Nyland, who is a very experienced tester of EV range and charging has identified one further issue. Essentially if the battery still throttles early by reaching 60c, then when possible ensure heating and cooling in the passenger cabin are switched off when using chargers of 350kW or more. This maximises the cooling cooling for the battery.
Range and efficiency

One option should be titled something like battery protection mode which you can use to slow down your charge speed. Make sure this mode is not enabled

Another allows you to choose the fan speed to cool the battery when charging. This is sometimes set by default to medium to reduce noise in residential neighbourhoods. Unless the fan noise will cause a nuisance the setting should always be high. If you don’t the battery temperature will rise and charge speed will stop or slow when charging at maximum speed

Range

Despite trying quite hard to drive efficiently I was a little disappointed on my test drive in the black demo car. In 11c temperatures the best I could eek out was 3.5 miles per kWh for the trip (and 3.7 for a section). The 91.4 miles covered used 24% of the battery which was equivalent to about 380 miles of 100% range.

Having had a few days now that my iX3 has arrived I’ve been more impressed. On a mix of roads from 70mph motorway to A and B road and London 20mph limit I got an average of 4 miles per kWh over my first 375 miles. The car used about 86% of the battery to achieve this which is equivalent to 435 miles for 100% of the battery.

One secret sauce the iX3 uses that boosts range is the “max range” option in efficiency mode. It restricts acceleration a bit, top speed is limited to 60mph and AC is cut. That said in mild weather following a line of A road traffic you can’t overtake anyway then there isn’t much of a downside for a big range boost.

The Arena EV website has got their own estimated range as different speeds and temperatures. At 15c

• 40mph gets you.. drumroll.. 556 miles or 5.1 miles per kWh
• 50mph gets you around 472 miles or 4.3 miles per kWh
• 60mph gets you 396 miles or 3.6 miles per kWh
• 70mph gets you 340 miles or 3.1 miles per kWh
• 80mph gets you 295 miles or 2.7 miles per kWh

Well it does make sense bearing if I am correct in assuming the iX3 has a very efficient powertrain but an SUV shape that offers more wind resistance than a low saloon like a Model 3 at higher speeds. I have the most efficient wheels (see next section) and I think my may get close to 380 miles for 100% at 70mph UK motorway limits if I am disciplined about not going above the limit during overtakes.

This new English language 600 mile road trip video from the respected Autogefuhl channel compares the iX3 to the X3 and GLC electric and shows how much extra range they got using my recommended 20 inch wheels (see below).

While the BMW is less efficient with power that’s in the battery than a Tesla Model Y especially at higher speeds, it is more efficient at transferring power from a charger into its battery. In the BMW 94.1% of the power you pay for ends up in the car. By contrast the Tesla loses far more with only 87.5% reaching the battery. That’s quite a difference. The BMW is still less efficient driving at higher speeds, but I suspect on a and B roads the BMW will be pretty much level pegging.

Running cost and range log

iX3 Options and more efficient choices

• If you want more efficiency Choose the most efficient wheels – yes really!
  20″ aerodynamic wheels 1046 Bicolour £550
  This 1046 wheel is the only one that gives you the maximum range. The standard 20″ wheels drop the WLTP range by 7 miles, while the aero look 1049 21″ wheels take 17 miles off and the 22″ 1053’s take 33 miles off. If you choose the most expensive 22″ 1054’s you lose a staggering 44 miles of range or nearly 10%
  If you decide to go for MSport styling the 20″ 1047M wheels are relatively good value and only lose 3 miles of range. The worst wheels seem to be the 21″ 1051M wheels with sport tyres and those a truly staggering 69 miles of range. That 13% isn’t just a drop in range, it could add 13% to your running costs on every trip! It might even be worse than that on a motorway run because the WLTP test is largely at slow speeds.
• If you’re likely to be in very slow traffic in cold weather or hot sun then skip the glass pano roof option and avoid very dark or matt paint colours. Why? They’re both likely to require additional heating and cooling and that costs range especially in slow congested traffic.
• Drive a bit slower to add a lot of range, reduce charge stops and cut your running costs.
• The optional Castanea bicolour and white interiors
  worth considering if you don’t want grey or black especially if you don’t select the sunroof £975
• Technology Plus Pack
  BMW 3D Head-up Display, 3-zone automatic air conditioning, Harman/Kardon Surround Sound Audio System
  Expensive and the sound system upgrade didn’t get great reviews and more longer term reviews have been more positive and it includes a system to cancel out some noise in the car. Head up display is good but not vital thanks to panoramic iDrive
• M Sport – these seem to be pretty much cosmetic with different bumpers and largely black interiors. M sport doesn’t affect range but can include bigger less efficient wheel options and upgraded brakes that the iX3 will barely use when driving on the road. According to BMW around 98% of braking will be regenerative braking via the motors- leaving just 2% of braking to be handled by those pretty red or blue brake callipers! I’ve gone for the standard look, not Msport.
• BMW UK Service Inclusive £650
  Not sure if this is good value as service intervals are quite long on iX3
• BMW Iconic Glow £950
  This includes the matrix LED headlights, not just the bling light effects and so is worth considering. This option does cost a couple of miles of range.
• Heated Steering Wheel £250
  Lots of people will want this for cold winter commutes
• Multifunctional seats for driver and front passenger £775
  includes massage seats and ambient Lighting
• BMW Digital Premium (limited duration) inc Active Guard £300
  you don’t get entertainment or traffic updates without this service as far as I know.
• AC charging Professional £675
  includes faster AC option (22kW) but also allows the option to power up to 3 devices or even use your iX3 as a home battery (details still limited).If the additional BMW DC charger is used at your home then the iX3 can become a power supply for your home.

If you want more efficiency at high speed choose cars that are less tall and wide. eg a BMW i3 instead of iX3, C class instead of GLA or Model 3 instead of Model Y. Don’t get too distracted by the quoted CD value for aerodynamics – cars with same CD but less frontal area (height and width) will go further at high speed.

Why I’ve ordered an iX3?

Tesla

I’ve mainly owned Tesla Model 3’s since 2019. It is a fantastic car that is very cheap to run thanks to great value Superchargers and remarkable efficiency. The trouble is I can’t separate the brand from what its leader and largest shareholder does with the money he earns from Tesla. His interference in politics in the UK and elsewhere is “contentious” while the sight of the worlds richest man taking a “chainsaw” to vital aid programs for the poorest people on our planet is…”unforgettable”. I also still miss the indicator stalks that he decided I didn’t need.

The iX3 is the car of the moment

Just when we the thought the BMW board was going to lose the Electric Car sales race by backing every other silly drivetrain option from hybrid to hydrogen BMW delivers the Neue Klasse. Is it perfect? Probably not but it delivers a compelling specification that trounces Tesla in many areas and offers some interesting innovation.

It also encourages testing of a wider range of charging networks and technology like head up displays which Tesla don’t offer.

Testing best spec efficiency

Ordering my choice of iX3 spec gives us the chance to test things like efficiency with the BMW putting it’s best wheels forward. We may even do a road trip against a less efficient spec car to see if it really makes a difference to range.

Verdict

The BMW iX3 has got off to a great start in my hands so far with excellent potential on long distance road trips thanks to a class leading blend of range and charging speed. Will the i3 Touring offer all of the iX3’s attributes with more high speed efficiency in about a years time? Probably. Either way Neue Klasse puts Germany back on the map for electric cars.

Talking of which nothing stands still in the world of EV’s. This summer sees the competition heat up with the new Mercedes GLC and smaller but practical GLB electrics joining the battle and along with smaller battery versions of the crucial Volvo XC60. Check out our A-Z for key information and deals.