For over a century, BMW has given us some of the best engines around. Some of those engines have racked up awards over the decades, from its standard six-cylinder petrols to its powerful and efficient diesels, powertrain is something BMW aces.
The BMW iX3 is the perfect city runabout. It’s not sporty like its i4 sedan siblings, not as luxurious as the i7, and not equipped with the largest battery in the lineup. What the iX3 has is decent ground clearance, crossover versatility, and a comfortable Teutonic ride. But with 286hp and 400Nm from its electric motor, the iX3 can easily give bursts of acceleration when needed.
Sure, I’ll miss the sweet singing six-cylinder, but it pulls like one. Electric consumption wasn’t half bad either at 5km/kWh despite some, er, enthusiastic driving. Driven sensibly, it can easily do 8km/kWh, meaning 300km drives are no problem. Not bad for something that punches out 335hp and 430Nm. It’s a new dimension for BMW's large sedan, one that will annoy the fanboys and purists.
Upon entering the cabin, I was welcomed by large screens and the variety of high-quality materials—leather, fabric, wood, and glass—contributing to a sleek and stylish interior. Even after returning the car, the memory of driving the iX lingers. Its refinement and the added bonus of not spending on fuel left a lasting impression. If this is what the future holds, I wouldn't mind making the switch to electric SUVs for my daily commute. -Charles BanaagWhen the BMW i7 launched, people could not get over the looks.