The BMW iX3 M Sport is definitely not an entry-level model. In fact, it's one of the best deals in the segment right now.
merit
- A good deal
- There is still a large amount of standard equipment
- Excellent driving experience and chassis tuning
shortcoming
- Not suitable for all-wheel drive
- Lack of surround-view camera
- The combustion platform limits practicality
BMW has been gaining momentum over the past year or so, introducing an increasing number of electric vehicle (EV) models that are more fuel-efficient than the fuel efficiency threshold set by the Luxury Car Tax (LCT).
One of the latest models is the 2024 iX3 M Sport, which is being tested here. It's almost AU$16,000 cheaper than the top-of-the-line M Sport Pro. The latter is more or less equivalent to the previous single fully equipped iX3 model.
The Chinese-made BMW iX3 is based on the now-discontinued X3 with minor changes to the exterior and interior to show that it is an electric car. Most of these changed design elements feature blue, the signature color of BMW's i-division electric vehicles.
Given that the iX3 is based on the soon-to-be-discontinued X3, its infotainment system still runs the iDrive 7, which is now essentially two generations. The digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment screen are also not connected with curved displays like in BMW's new models.
The upcoming new version of the iX3 will be based on the German automaker's upcoming Neue Klasse EV platform. The X3-sized electric SUV has already been shown as a concept car and is expected to go into production in 2025.
Meanwhile, the 2024 BMW iX3 M Sport is currently one of the most cost-effective models in the premium electric SUV market – read on to find out why.
How much does a BMW iX3 cost?
The one tested here is the entry-level iX3 M Sport, which is currently below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient cars, which means that you are exempt from the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) if you plan to use the car for commercial purposes or get it through a lease.
| Model variants | Suggested retail price |
| 2024 款宝马 iX3 M Sport | AUD 89,100 |
| 2024 款宝马 iX3 M Sport Pro | A$104,900 |
Notably, the M Sport tested here is the only iX3 model below the LCT threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles, although BMW also offers a number of other electric vehicles (EVs) that are exempt from FBT. These include the iX1 and iX2 series, as well as the i4 eDrive35.
What about the interior of the BMW iX3?
Approaching the BMW iX3, you really have to squint to notice that this isn't a regular X3, but an electric vehicle (EV) – some of the hallmarks include a covered kidney-like grille, no exhaust outlets, and a blue "i" badge.
As you get closer, many lights will come on, which will make the car look special. Of note are the inconspicuous design of the headlights, as well as the small lights inside the door handles. If you need to find your car in the dark, the abundance of lights is very useful.
Sitting in the car, you will see the very classic and traditional BMW interior. It's based on the now discontinued X3, which is by no means a bad thing, as everything is laid out very sensibly and ergonomically.
However, the dashboard and interior layout aren't as screen-dense and minimalist as the new BMW models, although it still has a high-tech feel. Technically, the screen runs the two-generation-old iDrive 7 in the BMW world, but the menu navigation is arguably much easier than in the new version.
The iX3 M Sport comes standard with thick front seats, which are very comfortable and supportive. The seats on our test car feature a brown (or Mocha color, as BMW parlance says) leather "Vernasca" upholstery, which is perfectly matched with the Phytonic Blue exterior paint.
The driver's seat is electrically adjustable, but lacks lumbar support. However, it has electric side bolster adjustments, as well as retractable thigh support. The latter is great for someone with longer legs like me.
In front of the driver is a heavy leather steering wheel that is comfortable to hold. The steering wheel is a little heavier in classic BMW style, but over time I have come to love it.
Our M Sport test car did not come with a heated steering wheel. If you want this feature, you'll need to upgrade to the M Sport Pro, which is more than $15,000 more expensive.
All the buttons on the steering wheel are well laid out, with clicks and satisfying feedback when pressed. Matte solid buttons are better than piano black touch buttons because they don't get dirty quickly.
Behind the steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a classic BMW style and look. It is clear and bright, and the information displayed is clear at a glance.
You can configure what's on your digital dashboard in a number of different ways, but you can do so much more in a Volkswagen Group car, for example.
Disappointingly, the iX3 M Sport doesn't come standard with a head-up display. This is another feature that you need to upgrade to M Sport Pro to get.
There's no doubt that the iX3's 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the centerpiece of the instrument cluster. It is located at the top of the dashboard, separate from the digital dashboard.
The touch screen is clear and straightforward, and it is very easy to read text. It also seems to have a lot of processing power, which means it starts up fast at startup and new pages load quickly.
The touch input is very responsive. You don't need to press your finger on the screen to type, just tap it. The feeling is very natural, almost like a smartphone.
If you're worried about fingerprints left on the touchscreen, you can also use the iDrive rotary dial to navigate the system. It's very smooth to use on the native interface, but once you try to use it in Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, things can get a little messy.
When it comes to smartphone mirroring, the BMW iX3 M Sport comes standard with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. My iPhone 15 Pro Max connects wirelessly and connects fine, but toll booths and known interference points cause the connection to break. I found it more reliable to plug in my phone with a USB-A cable.
The standard configuration is a wireless phone charger, which does charge my big phone, and although it slides on the charging pad, it's surprising. It would be nice if the wireless charger had a grip mechanism like the X1 and X2 to hold it in place.
The iX3 M Sport comes with a connected satellite navigation system that has an outdated interface, but it's useful if you need to navigate home from a place where you don't have a cell phone signal.
Looking around the cabin, it felt like the quality was excellent - like every BMW I've experienced so far. It's worth noting that the iX3 is manufactured in China, while other BMWs are usually produced in Germany or the United States.
It's nice to see that the iX3 retains the physical climate control buttons. I don't understand why BMW and countless other automakers are starting to hide these features in touchscreens, as this physical application is still sleek, elegant, and easy to understand.
The same goes for the various physical buttons and controls on the dashboard and the rest of the center tunnel. I particularly like that the volume dial is on the passenger side, which is easy to use and doesn't hide from view.
Despite being technically a base model, there are still a lot of soft trims in the cabin. The most obvious are the top of the dashboard and the armrests. However, there are some harder finishes on the lower part of the cabin, including where the knees are placed on either side of the center tunnel.
There's plenty of room at the front for your daily items, including a nice center console box, glove box, and door pockets. Disappointingly, the latter is not lined with felt to minimize vibrations, as some European automakers do.
Equipped with an unbranded six-speaker sound system, the iX3 M Sport has definitely exceeded its expectations. That's enough to make me wonder why you'd want to upgrade to an M Sport Pro with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Since the doors open widely, it's very easy to get into the second row of the iX3. Although the angle does not reach 90 degrees, it is certainly much easier to install a child seat.
At 182 centimeters tall, I have plenty of legroom, and surprisingly, there is just enough legroom behind the driver's seat for me to sit comfortably, but there is a lot of headroom, shoulders and toes. It's also nice to see that the backrests can be tilted back to make the second-row passengers more comfortable.
Oddly enough, despite being an electric car, there is a gearbox bulge on the floor, which makes the middle seat feel a bit high. This is not uncommon in electric vehicles based on internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms.
In terms of second-row facilities, there's zone 3 climate control, two USB-C ports, and a center armrest with cup holders.
At the rear, the power tailgate opens quickly and quietly, something that some other midsize SUVs can't do. When the tailgate opens, you'll see 510 litres of boot space, which is a nice amount of usable space. With the rear seats folded, the boot space can be expanded to 1,560 litres.
One feature I like about the iX3 suitcase is that there is a bright light on the tailgate, which makes it easier to load things at night. If you also have long items, the rear seats can be folded in a 40:20:40 configuration.
The iX3 has some underfloor storage space for charging cables as well as cargo shutters. There's not a lot of space, and the Tesla Model Y offers more space.
While BMW does provide tire repair tools, there are no spare tires. Unfortunately, this is common in electric vehicles, and if you often drive long distances away from cities/towns and tire repair centers, then you need to be aware of this.
| direction | BMW iX3 M Sport |
| length | 4734 mm |
| width | 1891 mm |
| altitude | 1668 mm |
| wheelbase | 2864 mm |
| Tail box capacity | 510-1560 liters |
What's under the hood?
The iX3 series is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor – though, it doesn't have a "front trunk" like some EVs.
| model | BMW iX3 M Sport |
| Transmission system | Single-motor electric |
| battery | 80kWh lithium-ion |
| strength | 210 kilowatts |
| Torque | 400 Nm |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| weight | 2270 kg (curb weight) |
| Claim Scope | 460 km (WLTP) |
| Observed energy consumption | 16.3 kWh/100 km (490 km range equivalent) |
| Maximum DC charging rate | 150 kW |
| Maximum AC charging rate | 11 kilowatts |
We achieved an energy consumption figure of 16.3kWh/100km over 400 km of mixed urban and highway driving. That's a pretty good stat for a non-Tesla EV, although both the Model 3 and Model Y are more efficient.
How was the BMW iX3 driving?
If you've driven a BMW before, starting the iX3 is very easy and familiar. The start button is located on the center tunnel and is bright blue, indicating that the car is fully electric.
Shown here is the MY22 iX3
A sound will sound when the button is pressed, indicating that the car is ready to drive. When stationary, the iX3 is incredibly quiet because there's no engine roar under the hood – which may be strange if you've never driven an electric car before, but you'll quickly get used to it.
When driving, you'll need to interact with the cute and stubby gear lever on the center tunnel. Push back to engage in forward gear, and push forward to engage in reverse gear. To select a parking gear, you need to click on the "P" button behind the gear lever, which is one of the few piano black elements in the cabin.
Like all BMW electric vehicles, the iX3 has two driving styles. One is the typical "D" mode, where the iX3 moves forward slowly like a car powered by an internal combustion engine, and you need to press the brake pedal to come to a complete stop.
There's also the "B" mode, which can be activated by simply pushing the gear selector back one more time after the "D" mode is activated. This is more of a one-pedal driving mode that allows the car to come to a complete stop without having to apply the brakes.
You'll still need to use the brake pedal at some point to slow down faster, but that's my preferred way to drive an electric car.
Disappointingly, when you choose to reverse after "B" driving mode, you need to use the brakes to adjust the speed and come to a complete stop. There is no one-pedal reverse driving mode like Tesla.
Another frustrating point is that when you get back behind the wheel, the iX3 won't remember that you've activated "B" mode. I remember that the i5 I drove at the end of last year was like that, it was so weird. This means that you need to remember to push the gear selector down twice to reactivate the "B" mode after making a three-point turn.
A single rear-mounted electric motor provides plenty of power to get you out of a standstill with ease. If you use the throttle casually, initially you will feel some impact on your back.
From there, the acceleration gradually and naturally. For those who are interested, you will easily win the Traffic Light Grand Prix.
Even at low speeds, you can tell that the car is very solidly built. The internal combustion engine-powered X3 is a very dynamic SUV to drive, and the dynamics of its rear wheel deflection can be felt through the iX3.
This electric SUV weighs more than 2.2 tons, but its agility is amazing. I found myself turning around in and out of town with a big smile on my face.
It should be noted that the iX3 is only available in a single rear-motor version. There is no dual-motor option, which means there is no all-wheel drive. For example, if you go to the snow a lot, then the iX3 might not be for you.
You'll feel incredibly comfortable when driving around town, as the iX3 M Sport is equipped with standard adaptive suspension that absorbs uneven surfaces. The damping force changes depending on the "Comfort", "Sport" or "Eco Pro" driving mode you select.
The iX3's steering feels really light, but it's still direct and confident. But the downside is that sometimes you need to turn the steering wheel a little, especially when driving in a narrow parking lot.
The standard equipment is front and rear parking sensors, but disappointing only the reversing camera. Sure, the camera quality is good, but if you want a panoramic camera, you'll need to upgrade to the M Sport Pro.
There's also a parking assistant, which is a handy feature when you want the car to handle parallel or vertical parking for you, although in practice it's not the smartest. I could have done better myself.
Acceleration is very easy in the iX3 M Sport. It never makes it feel like the car is too strenuous when accelerating, which is sometimes the case with electric cars when accelerating.
It can be seen that this car is designed for German motorways, as it feels very solid at high speeds. This may again be attributed to the fact that the iX3 has a great chassis.
When driving on highways and highways, the iX3 is almost silent, with minimal road and wind noise. This makes the carriage a rather peaceful place. However, the panoramic sunroof of our test car squeaked a bit while driving, which was even more noticeable considering how quiet the cabin was.
Just like at low speeds, the adaptive suspension absorbs almost all uneven pavement on the highway. It combines perfectly with the direct steering feel, making even mundane corners a fun experience.
In terms of safety, adaptive cruise control is good, but also very European. I mean, the system doesn't allow for self-defense, which is frustrating because driveway etiquette in Australia isn't the best.
If you want to downshift with adaptive cruise control enabled in your iX3, you'll need to hold down the throttle. This is slightly different from the way Volkswagen Group vehicles handle the same situation. In these vehicles, you can press the throttle once and it will downshift for you.
The lane centering system, known as the Steering + Lane Control Assistant, is very good at keeping the iX3 in its lane at a high speed on well-marked roads with subtle adjustments. However, I found that at lower speeds, the system had almost too much time to adjust and instead meandered through the lane.
Finally, the iX3 M Sport still comes with an excellent set of adaptive LED headlights. These types of headlights are ideal for driving in the countryside and remote areas at night, as you need to keep an eye out for animals on the side of the road at all times.
What do you get?
The entry-level iX3 M Sport is being tested here.
BMW iX3 M Sport亮点：
- M Sport Kit
- M Highlight Eyeshadow
- M Roof rails Highlight shadows
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive LED headlights
- LED taillights
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- Electric tailgate
- Adaptive suspension
- Heat pumps
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ Digital Radio
- Satellite navigation
- 6-speaker sound system
- Wireless charger
- Three-zone climate control
- Indoor mood lighting
- Anti-glare interior and exterior mirrors
- Aluminium M footrest and pedal cover
- Illuminated sill trim
- Plating trim for the control unit
- Anthracite canopy
- Luggage compartment nets
- M leather steering wheel
- Leather "Vernasca" upholstery
- Sensatec 人造革仪表板
- The front seats are electrically adjustable
- Driver's seat backrest width adjustment
- Heated front seats
All six finishes, including metallic paint, are available free of charge. In addition, there are three different leather upholstery and three upholstery options.
Is BMW iX3 safe?
The BMW iX3 did receive a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2017, but it has now expired, meaning the car has no rating.
X3 Euro NCAP crash test
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Intersection Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Front and rear cross-traffic alerts
- Escape Assistant
- Adaptive cruise control with start-stop function
- Speed Limit Assist
- Steering + Lane Control Assistant (Level 2 Autonomous Driving Mode)
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Parking assistant
- Tire pressure monitor
- Tire patch kits
How much does a BMW iX3 cost to run?
The iX3 is covered by the same warranty as the wider BMW range in Australia.
| Ownership Plans | BMW iX3 |
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited mileage |
| EV battery warranty | 8 years, 160,000 km |
| Total cost of service – 6 years | $2325 – Basic with service charge |
BMW offers a free 12-month Chargefox subscription to the iX3 M Sport, but the top-of-the-line M Sport Pro has a longer subscription term of 5 years. This can be a question worth considering if you charge quickly frequently, but if you get a car through a lease, the cost of charging can usually be included in your payment.
I did a single charge with a 150kW DC fast charger while working with our testers, but it was disappointing that the charging rate failed to exceed 80kW. For reference, the iX3 has a maximum DC charging rate of 150kW. After looking at the charging history of a particular charger on Plugshare, I found that this charging rate is not uncommon.
I also noticed that on the way to the charger I didn't turn on the battery pre-treatment, which may have increased the charging speed. It's hidden in a menu on the touchscreen and isn't easy to find on the go.
What about the BMW iX3
Like the internal combustion engine-powered X3, the electric BMW iX3 is a vehicle that will suit many people, including small families.
While the combustion platform base limits storage capacity compared to other electric SUVs, there is still plenty of storage space.
Of the entry-level M Sport models we tested, despite the car's versatility, there were only a few noticeable deficiencies in terms of standard equipment.
For example, if you want features like a surround-view camera or a branded stereo system, you can upgrade the iX3 M Sport Pro – but be prepared to spend an extra AU$15,800 for this perk.
The iX3 M Sport doesn't feel like an entry-level model because of how it looks, feels, and drives. The X3's excellent rear-wheel drive dynamics and chassis tuning are on full display in the iX3, making it a car suitable for commuting and driving on the road.
If you're okay with the iX3 having rear-wheel drive only, then if you're looking for an electric SUV with premium logos, this car is definitely worth considering. What's even better is that the iX3 M Sport is currently below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient cars, and is therefore exempt from the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).
If the iX3 M Sport doesn't necessarily tick your heart, there are plenty of other BMW EVs below the LCT threshold to consider at the moment – my personal favourite is the i4 eDrive35 electric hatchback.