The automotive landscape is evolving rapidly, and BMW’s foray into the electric vehicle (EV) market is nothing short of impressive. The BMW iX3 M Sport is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation, seamlessly blending the familiar luxury and performance of traditional BMW models with the benefits of electric power.
As someone who has always been enamored with BMW’s combination of luxury and performance, I was excited to get behind the wheel of the BMW iX3 M Sport. This electric vehicle (EV) is the precursor to BMW’s forthcoming Neue Klasse line of EVs, the next-generation BMWs.
At first glance, the BMW iX3 M Sport looks similar to its traditionally powered sibling, the X3. This is one of the things I love most about it. The design doesn’t scream “electric vehicle” but rather maintains the classic BMW aesthetics that I’m so fond of. The blue accents and sporty cues specific to the M Sport trim are subtle yet distinctive, hinting at the car’s electric heart without being too overt.
One feature that immediately caught my eye was the 19-inch M aerodynamic 842 M bicolor wheels. Not only do they enhance the sporty look of the iX3, but they also contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency. The light design is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, ensuring I have optimal visibility during nighttime drives. Overall, the iX3 M Sport’s design strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modernity, making it an attractive option for both BMW purists and new-age EV enthusiasts like myself.
Stepping inside the iX3 M Sport felt like entering a realm of luxury and sophistication. The upholstery feels premium, and the layout is intuitive, making it virtually idiot-proof, which is great for someone like me who values simplicity in design. The M sports package adds a touch of sportiness with the M leather steering wheel, M high-gloss Shadow Line, M roof rails high-gloss Shadow Line, and illuminated door sills.
One of the highlights for me is the Harman Kardon surround sound system—it’s truly the cherry on top, providing an immersive audio experience that I absolutely adore.
Comfort is further enhanced with the pre-heating and automatic air conditioning featuring 3-zone control. No matter the weather outside, the interior remains cozy. The panorama glass roof adds a sense of openness, while the sport seats for the driver and front passenger offer excellent support, even on longer journeys.
When it comes to practicality, the iX3 M Sport truly shines. I found the space ample enough to carry multiple boxes during a home renovation project, handling trips to Ikea with ease. The powered adjustments and memory seating ensure a perfect driving position every time, while the numerous cubbyholes and storage points provide convenient spaces to keep my personal items organized.
Driving the pure EV iX3 M Sport was a unique experience, markedly different from traditional combustion engines. The steering, while a bit too assisted for my liking, felt light, but the road feedback was good enough to keep me engaged. The adaptive suspension is another strong point, minimizing body roll and ensuring that the iX3 M Sport handles smoothly and confidently, even at higher speeds.
Regenerative braking was something I had to get used to, as it was too strong at the highest setting. Keeping it at its lowest worked for me, providing a good bite and contributing to the car’s efficiency. Then again, the instant acceleration is exhilarating, making the iX3 M Sport feel incredibly quick and responsive. With 286 hp and 400 Nm of torque, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds, offering performance that rivals many conventional SUVs.
One of the critical aspects of any EV is its range, and the BMW iX3 M Sport doesn’t disappoint. Officially, it offers up to 460 km on the WLTP standard, though real-world driving conditions brought this down to around 420 km for me. For my driving style, which involves a daily commute of about 50 km, the iX3 M Sport could easily last ten days without needing a recharge. This kind of range significantly alleviates the range anxiety I had initially.
Charging the iX3 M Sport is straightforward. BMW provides an AC home charger that can be upgraded from 7 kW to 11 kW – for a price, of course. Charging times vary, taking 11-12 hours with the 7 kW charger and 7-8 hours with the 11 kW charger. This makes overnight charging convenient and hassle-free, ensuring that the car is always ready for the next day’s journey.
The BMW iX3 M Sport comes with a price tag of P4,990,000. While this places it in the premium segment, the combination of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge electric technology offers excellent value for money. It’s a solid investment for those looking to transition to an EV without compromising on the driving experience and brand prestige that the BMW roundel is known for.
The BMW iX3 M Sport is a remarkable vehicle that bridges the gap between traditional combustion engines and the future of electric mobility. It retains the classic BMW design elements while incorporating modern, sporty touches and state-of-the-art technology. The interior is luxurious and user-friendly, providing a comfortable and connected driving experience. With impressive performance, practical range, and convenient charging options, the iX3 M Sport stands out as a formidable contender in the EV market.