BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport review: The new benchmark for electric SUVs

Now, fast-forward 50 years, and BMW’s at it again with the reintroduction of its ‘Neue Klasse’ moniker, but this time aimed at the all-electric brigade. First-up in what will be an extensive list of new electric models, is the latest iX3, which promises — according to BMW — to mark the dawn of another new era for the company. And while for other manufacturers range anxiety is “still a thing”, the ‘New Class’ iX3 is capable of delivering a range of 500-miles on a single charge.

So it’s fair to say this second-generation iX3 is a pretty big deal for BMW … unlike the previous iX3, which was something akin to a ‘refined Frankenstein’, where the BMW boffins took the combustion-powered model, removed the petrol or diesel engine and simply slotted in a battery and motor. Initially it worked pretty well, but was soon overtaken at the head of the field as others in the class raised the bar. Has BMW been right in dusting off the Neue Klasse moniker for 2026? Only one way to find out.

I guess then it’s all … really new Correct. Given what’s to follow under the Neue Klasse banner, including the upcoming i3 – the replacement for the current 3 Series, and we all know how big a deal that will be for BMW – the iX3 sits on a brand new platform, which also includes a more efficient battery pack, a clever vehicle dynamics control unit that combines multiple systems into one, and an all-new interior. It also introduces an entirely new design language – note the smaller, slimmer, simpler and more attractive kidney grille at the front – which BMW design bosses believe marks the ‘beginning of a whole new vehicle generation and will define BMW’s future to a large extent’. Either side of the grille sit two sleek black panels which house the headlights and sensors. There’s no denying the front-end now looks much more stylish than those models with the gargantuan kidney grille. The new design language carries on into the cabin where it introduces a whole new concept of how information is displayed in front of you. It’s also hugely screen-based when it comes to technology and controls, but we’ll return to that later. Finally the iX3 has a new battery pack which uses cylindrical cells instead of prismatic ones. Don’t worry, I’m not going to give you a science lesson. Suffice to say the cylindrical cells are more expensive, but technically more energy dense which allows for faster charging speeds. Oh, and just for good measure, all Neue Klasse electric cars have an 800-volt architecture.

Performance and charging At launch – the car’s on sale now – only one powertrain is available, the twin-motor 50 xDrive which uses a 108kWh battery pack and two e-motors for all-wheel drive. Together they develop a total of 463bhp and 476lb/ft. It’s no slouch, especially given it tips the scales at a not insignificant 2300kg. It’ll hit 62mph from standstill in 4.9secs and carry on to a max of 130mph. It’s also this version which quotes a WLTP range of 500-miles, which makes it one of the longest-range electric cars you can buy. As for charging, thanks to its 800-volt electrical system you can charge at a maximum of 400kW. That means it takes just 21-minutes to top-up from 10-80% … as long as you can find a suitable charger. The good news is the new iX3 can also use older 400-volt public chargers as well as newer ones.

Trim levels and prices Currently you can choose between the M Sport and M Sport Pro. A Standard trim level will also join the range soon, which will take the entry price down to £58,755, though no technical details of that car have yet been released. But we do know it will come with rear parking aids, a powered tailgate, heated electric front seats, BMW’s Panoramic iDrive setup, Driving Assistant Plus tech that adds adaptive cruise, and 20in alloys. Step up to the M Sport, which starts at £61,255, and you add a sportier body kit and 21in alloys, while the range-topping M Sport Pro gives you even more technology plus super-comfy sports seats with integrated headrests, extra gloss-black detailing, red brake calipers, an M-branded steering wheel and … your dinky wee kidney grille at the front illuminates. Well, why wouldn’t you? Prices start at £62,755. BMW predicts variants of M Sport trim will make up a whopping 97% of all the new iX3s ordered in Britain.

Right: what’s it like to drive? In a word: bloomin’ fantastic! Ok, that’s two words. In true BMW tradition, the designers have absolutely nailed the driving position. There’s loads of seat and steering wheel adjustments to ensure you can make yourself comfortable, and visibility is excellent thanks to slim door and roof pillars, plus there’a a large rear window. Performance is way more than ample, with near-instant acceleration from the twin electric motors. There’s no lag or delay which I’ve experienced in other EVs, where you find yourself almost waiting for the throttle to send a message to the motor. BMW’s new vehicle dynamics controller is also superb at managing traction. Ride quality is everything you would expect of a BMW, with springs soft enough to deal beautifully with the UK’s pothole-ridden roads and yet firm enough to ensure the iX3 doesn’t sway too much when you’re hustling cross-country. And it also manages to achieve this even on 22in alloys. A word for the braking. Unlike on so many EVs where applying the brake pedal often has you pitching your head suddenly forward, these work gently and smoothly, just simply going about their business. Somehow BMW has also managed to give the iX3 — and remember this isn’t a small or lightweight car — a nimbleness and dartiness to its steering. In town or on an A-road it’s a delight and manages to give the EV an athleticism which defies its bulk. Head for the motorway or increase your speed and it calms down, ensuring the iX3 remains sure-footed and planted. Worth also trying the Personal or Sport mode to discover what steering weight best suits you. The iX3 also has a super-efficient self-parking mode capable of dealing with parallel and bay parking slots. It’s very clever and much faster to operate than rival systems; simply pushing a button activates it and the sensors scan your surroundings for spaces almost immediately.

What’s the cabin like? It’s a pretty wacky place to be; at least until you get used to it, then it all becomes perfectly normal. The enormous hexagonal infotainment screen not only dominates the cabin but it leans slightly towards the driver. The other thing that grabs you is the steering wheel. In the M Sport there are horizontal AND vertical spokes within the wheel. Aesthetically I didn’t like them. Opt for the M Sport Pro and you get an entirely differently-designed wheel which ditches the vertical spokes. Much, much better. Both though aren’t perfectly round, but you quickly get used to the slightly weird shape. There are palm rests at three and nine, and because of how they’re positioned you find yourself not hitting the buttons on the steering wheel. Believe me; you adapt to it within minutes. What takes a bit longer is mastering the haptic controls rather than simple, physical buttons; and there are no paddles to control the regenerative braking modes. For that you need to delve into the screen. There’s a lot hidden away in that big screen, but at least there are permanent icons for key functions, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. On the centre console you’ll find a few physical buttons for most key functions, though sadly there isn’t an iDrive click-wheel controller. Why, BMW? Why not? It was brilliantly simple and safe to use when you introduced it ions ago. People loved it. As if to rub salt into the wound, BMW now uses the iDrive name for its new Panoramic iDrive display; that’s the full-width panel that sits below the windscreen and acts as your instruments. It’s very cool. It’s actually a projection onto a black panel and incorporates the usual speedo and driver instruments. But there’s also space for other information which you can customise via the Personal mode. It works very well, and even shows your navigation route if you don’t have it on the central screen. It’s an option though. That said, it is bundled with a cracking Harman Kardon stereo and three-zone climate control, so worth considering. In the rear, passengers get plenty of leg- and headroom, plus there’s 520-litres of bootspace with the rear seats in place.

Verdict It doesn’t matter how you compare the new iX3 to any of its competition, in almost every measurable way it is superior to its rivals. Throw in the fact it’s laden to the gunwales with brilliant new cutting-edge tech, is on point from a design perspective both externally and internally, plus is well built, efficient and powerful, and you have something rather special. This electric car smacks its combustion sibling, which was by no means a bad car, completely out the park. There’s no place for it. This is, indeed, the Neue Klasse: the new benchmark for electric SUVs. Roll on the new i3.

Facts and figures

Price: £61,225

Driveline: Dual motors, 4WD

Battery: 113.4kWh (total), 108.7kWh (usable)

Power/Torque: 463bhp/476lb/ft

Transmission: Single-speed automatic, four-wheel drive

Top speed / 0-62mph: 130mph (limited) / 4.9sec

Range: 491-500-miles (WLTP combined)

Charging: Max 400kW (10-80% charge in 21mins)

Dimensions (L/W/H): 4782mm / 1895mm / 1635mm On sale: Now