Using every knowhow learned from the i3 hatchback and the now-defunct i8 supercar, BMW created an all-electric crossover that runs on the same skin as the current-generation X3. The result is the first-ever iX3 and let's investigate more about BMW's first fully electric crossover that takes an aiming stance on the Tesla Model Y and other electric crossovers in its size.
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| 2021 BMW iX3 |
The first-ever BMW iX3, starting at 66,300 Euros plus additional costs, maybe more of a cheaper alternative to the likes of the Mercedes EQC and the Audi e-Tron electric crossovers but unlike the big two, the iX3 is a different kind of electric crossover that is all about getting the job done from the first hour of its drive all the way through its zero hour and then it needs to be charged in half an hour via a 150kW DC charging station (or 450 minutes at home) before setting off again.
Similar to the Audi e-tron crossover that runs on the same skin as the Audi Q3, the iX3 runs on the same bits and bobs as the X3 G01, meaning it looks and feels like your basic X3, inside and out, not to mention the boot space nearly similar to the X3's but the iX3 features blue accents, the silly faux kidney grille, lower center of gravity compared to the normal X3, and that's about it, making it easy to tell from the normal X3 when parked alongside it. Yes, there are speedo boy-scaring advanced driving aids similar to the X3 as well. in case you forgot.
The iX3's all-electric, zero-emission, powertrain, the one without Rare Earth Materials, highly integrated with a lone gear, 400V, and 74kWh li-ion battery, generates a power output of 210kW of power output and 400Nm of torque, making it capable of a 0-100kph sprint of less than seven seconds and about as fast as a normal Japanese car on Japanese roads, thank you very much, so on paper, it's not exactly as quick as the e-tron but in terms of driving range, the iX3 can last 120km more than the e-tron. Again, thank you very much.
To please most BMW drivers, the iX3 runs on a rear-wheel drivetrain but it's drifter because the rear-wheel drivertrain is made to balance this crossover out but don't mind about that because thanks to its low center of gravity, it's about as enjoyable to drive as a 3-Series, well almost.
The iX3, because it's rear-wheel drive, is not worthy of being taken to the great outdoors if you're itching for dirt but because of its impressive driving range that will upset Audi and the rear-wheel drive layout that makes it almost dynamic, it could be the all-electric crossover you want to keep for a price to pay.
Photo: BMW