BMW iX3 50 xDrive Review: Finally Feels Like A BMW Again

BMW knows what's at stake here.

When I bumped into an executive from BMW's local dealer at the iX3’s launch, he admitted something rather revealing: This isn't just another EV launch. They're banking heavily on this car.

Well, after spending almost a week with it, I can safely tell him he can probably sleep a little better at night.

You see, the new iX3 doesn't merely represent BMW's next electric vehicle - it represents BMW's future. And if this is the direction Munich is taking with its electrification journey, count me in.

In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if some BMW owners - the ones still clinging tightly to their straight-sixes or turbocharged SUVs - find themselves wandering into the showroom with cheque books in hand. The first batch is already spoken for, and having driven it extensively, I can understand why - this is one of the best EVs I've driven this year.

Built From The Ground Up

Unlike previous BMW electric models that shared platforms with their combustion-powered siblings, the iX3 sits on the brand-new Neue Klasse architecture - a platform developed from the ground up specifically for BMW's next generation of electric vehicles.

That distinction matters: Designers, engineers and software developers weren't forced to work around the packaging limitations of an internal combustion engine. Instead, they started with a clean sheet of paper and were given one question to work on: "What should a BMW EV actually be?"

At 4,782 mm long, 1,895 mm wide and 1,635 mm tall, the iX3 retains the proportions of a proper Sports Activity Vehicle, but introduces BMW's entirely new design language. It's cleaner, more minimalist and arguably with more presence than before.

The upright nose, vertically-oriented kidney grille and slim lighting elements create a look that's instantly recognisable without resorting to visual theatrics. BMW says the kidneys reference the Neue Klasse models of the 1960s; thankfully, they also avoided making them large enough to receive satellite military signals...

The aerodynamic work is equally impressive, resulting in a drag coefficient of just 0.24 - remarkably slippery for something with SUV proportions.

Technically Speaking

Powering the iX3 is BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology.

The battery pack offers 108.7 kWh of usable capacity and delivers a WLTP-rated range of up to 805 km. While real-world figures will naturally differ, the headline number places the iX3 among the most capable long-distance EVs currently available.

Its 800V electrical architecture allows charging from 10 to 80 per cent in just 21 minutes under ideal conditions, while support for both 800V and 400V DC chargers ensures compatibility with existing infrastructure. AC charging comes standard at 22kW.

BMW has also made notable progress on sustainability. Components such as the frunk and engine compartment cover utilise recycled marine plastics, while the headliner and floor carpets are made entirely from recycled PET materials.

The Inside Story

Step inside and you'll immediately notice that BMW has resisted the temptation to turn the cabin into a science-fiction movie set.

The interior is modern, yes, but it's also welcoming.The floating dashboard, fabric-covered surfaces, ambient lighting and wraparound design create a genuinely pleasant environment. More importantly, it’s a conversation starter.

Thanks to the EV-specific architecture, cabin space is excellent. Rear passengers benefit from a sofa-like bench that's genuinely comfortable, while the boot offers 520-litres of luggage capacity, expanding to 1,750-litres with the seats folded. There's even a 58-litre frunk under the bonnet.

Then there's BMW Panoramic iDrive. This is the first production model to feature BMW's new operating ecosystem, centred around BMW Operating System X and the Panoramic Vision display that stretches information from A-pillar to A-pillar, across the base of the windscreen.

It sounds complicated, no? Fortunately, it isn't.

The system is surprisingly intuitive and quickly becomes second nature. Unlike some manufacturers who appear determined to hide every vehicle function behind seventy-eight layers of touchscreen menus, BMW still understands that technology should serve the driver… not the other way around.

You also don't need a physical key. The Digital Key Plus allows the car to be accessed through smartphones and smartwatches, while entertainment options now include Spotify, YouTube, Disney+ and even AirConsole gaming during charging stops; because apparently waiting for electrons has become a leisure activity.

Driving It

This is where the iX3 truly shines.

Too many modern EVs impress with acceleration but leave you emotionally disconnected the moment the novelty wears off; they feel fast, but not necessarily enjoyable.

The iX3 is totally different. Its dual-motor setup produces 345 kW (469 hp) and 645 Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 210 km/h.

Predictably, it's quick. What's more impressive is how it behaves once you've stopped admiring the acceleration figure.

The steering deserves special mention - it is beautifully weighted, consistently communicative and refreshingly natural. The uniquely shaped steering wheel initially looks unconventional, but after a few hours behind it, you realise how much thought has gone into its design.

Combined with an exceptionally well-judged chassis, the iX3 delivers a driving experience that feels remarkably balanced; the suspension is perhaps its greatest achievement.

Singapore's roads are generally smooth, but every driver knows the occasional (terrible) patchwork repairs, expansion joints and multi-storey carpark ramps that can expose weaknesses in a suspension setup. The iX3 absorbs imperfections with gusto, while maintaining excellent body control when the road begins to twist.

Normally, comfort and sportiness often exist on opposite ends of a spectrum; BMW somehow found the middle.

This is a seriously respectable handler. In fact, after a few days driving around Singapore, I found myself wishing for something more ambitious - perhaps a drive up to Malaysia, where longer distances, faster roads and flowing corners would allow the chassis to truly stretch its legs.

That's probably the highest compliment I can give any EV - it made me want to keep driving.

In A Nutshell

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive isn't merely a very good electric SUV; it's a very good BMW.

And that's an important distinction. For years, many enthusiasts wondered whether BMW's transition towards electrification might dilute the qualities that made its cars so enjoyable in the first place; I’m glad to report the iX3 answers those concerns emphatically.

It looks fresh without being controversial; it's technologically advanced without becoming overwhelming. Attractively though, this Neue Klasse iX3 offers serious range, meaningful charging improvements and, most importantly, delivers the kind of driving satisfaction that has traditionally defined the brand.

At under $380,000 including COE, it enters a highly competitive segment, but it also arrives with a level of polish that many rivals are still chasing.

The first allocation has reportedly already been snapped up; given how complete the package feels, that comes as little surprise.

So, if you're considering an electric SUV and want one that still remembers how to be a driver's car, you may want to move quickly - the queue is already getting longer.

Photos by Azfar Hashim (@azfar.talks).

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