Built on BMW’s revolutionary “Neue Klasse” platform, the new iX3 promises to address the long commute, a major concern for many drivers with electric vehicles. This new electric SUV offers a long driving range and charging performance that few of its competitors can match.
400 kW Charging Power with 800V Architecture
The secret behind this speed lies in the advanced 800V system on which the new SUV is built. BMW officially states that the new iX3 can handle an incredible maximum of 400 kW DC fast charging power. This massive power output is made possible by the car’s sixth-generation battery technology, which utilizes new cylindrical cells that store more energy and charge faster than older prismatic-type batteries. BMW estimates that under ideal conditions, the iX3 can reach 80% from a nearly empty 10% charge in just 21 minutes.
While manufacturer claims often look best on paper, a recent real-world test in Spain demonstrated just how close the BMW iX3 comes to its potential. Journalists took the iX3 50 xDrive to an Ionity charging station offering up to 350 kW of power.
After setting the vehicle’s navigation system to precondition the battery in preparation for the charging stop, the iX3 was ready to go. When plugged into a State of Charge (SoC) that was very close to full at 45%, the iX3 instantly reached a peak charging rate of 321 kWh. This is incredibly fast for a battery that’s nearly half-charged. As the battery continued to charge, the vehicle managed to add a remarkable 21 kWh of energy in five minutes and averaged around 250 kWh throughout the session.
The new iX3 50 xDrive boasts a substantial 108.7 kWh battery pack, putting an end to most range anxiety. Official European tests (WLTP) rate the iX3’s driving range at up to 805 km on a full charge. Even the most conservative estimates put the real-world range at well over 600 km, making intercity journeys a breeze.
Performance is equally strong. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive “xDrive” system delivers a combined 469 horsepower and 645 Nm of torque. This allows the imposing SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h.
Alongside its impressive electric capabilities, the iX3 also remains a practical family vehicle. The SUV is 4.78 m long, 1.89 m wide, and 1.63 m high. The long wheelbase of 2.89 m provides ample interior space for passengers. When it comes to luggage storage, the iX3 offers 520 liters of storage behind the rear seats, which expands to a massive 1,750 liters with the seats folded down. Best of all, the iX3 includes a small storage area under the hood that adds an additional 58 liters of practical space.
This combination of groundbreaking charging technology, long range, and practical size puts the new iX3 at the forefront of the premium EV market. With a starting price of around €68,000 in Europe, this new electric BMW demonstrates that the trade-off between performance and range has finally been overcome.
