BMW iX3 Review

Practicality and Boot Space

Boot space is only marginally affected compared to the standard X3, losing just 40 litres of underfloor storage (510 litres with the seats up, 1560 with them down) which is only around one small sports bag’s worth. 

The cabin is nicely proportioned, with good head and legroom, and the driving position is excellent, too. 

The rear seats can also be reclined, so you can lounge in the back if you’re being driven. That rear bench can also seat three abreast reasonably comfortably, though that third, middle, middle passenger does without the opportunity to recline their backrest. 

Technology 

There’s a good deal of safety tech, which you’ll read about below, but, as with any new car, there’s also a bewildering list of connected tech, online services and suchlike to amuse, navigate and, in some cases, utterly bamboozle you. 

Both models currently available come with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, this including things like a crisp 10.25-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, BMW’s iDrive and BMW’s online services which covers all manner of Apps for everything from where to charge up, or find a hotel room. 

On top of that there’s the Connected Package Professional, which covers things like connected music, smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, real-time traffic information and maps. These services are free on purchase, but many revert to an annual subscription after a period three years. 

This one’s a bit odd, but the iX3 can produce a range of sounds via ‘Iconic Sounds Electric’, these are composed by Hans Zimmer, the Grammy and Academy Award winning composer who’s scored countless films - from the Lion King, to Gladiator, and plenty more besides. Sadly, none sound like Simba’s roar… 

Safety 

The BMW X3 which the iX3 is based on is a safe car, and there’s no reason why that’ll change when it’s powered, here, by an electric powertrain. 

The standard equipment list is extensive with the Premier Edition, with Driving Assistant Professional coming as standard, it comprising; Active Cruise Control with Approach Control, Active Lane Guidance, Adaptive Distance Control, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Side Collision Assist, Steering and Lane Control Assistant. There is also a host of parking assistants and sensors, and all the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners and suchlike you’ll want, but hopefully never need. 

All come with Anti-Lock Brakes and Electronic Stability Control to help ensure that you avoid ever needing those airbags. All also come with BMW’s Emergency Call. Opt for the Premier Edition Pro and the standard safety equipment gains a Drive Recorder, which includes a crash recorder.