BMW gave the world its first glimpse of its futuristic iX3 all the way back in August.Now I've finally had a chance to drive this smart electric car, and there's no doubt that it's a total game-changer.This new Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is part of BMW's new Neue Klasse range, and it features some bold and striking styling that includes chiselled edges along with the iconic kidney grille, which now ditches the chrome finish and glows at night instead.The new design isn't just about standing out from the crowd.
The iX3 features clever aerodynamics to reduce drag, and even the door handles retract to maintain smooth airflow as you travel from A to B.This smart look, along with a battery pack powered by new lithium-ion cylindrical cells, means BMW's latest EV can keep going for 500 miles on a single charge.A sneak peek at the new BMW IX3 That's seriously impressive for such a big, dominating car and proves that switching to electric doesn't mean endless journeys stressing about range anxiety.Even when things do run low, it's possible to add 231 miles of range in just 10 minutes using the latest quick refilling technology.Hop inside, and things are just as impressive.The iX3's new cabin features a fully refreshed look, with an updated and super-premium steering wheel that appears to float in front of the dashboard.This is also the firm's first car to get its new Panoramic iDrive display.
Unlike Mercedes, who now have giant screens that stretch across the car, the Panoramic iDrive is actually a slim 4K projection which is beamed onto the base of the windscreen.It's long and thin, which makes it far less intrusive but still big enough to pack with data such as speed, range, navigation, current weather and even what altitude you are currently travelling at.This is also where the alien-like BMW assistant pops up to help guide you along the way.@davesnellingtech Drive (From F1 The Movie) - Ed Sheeran Having driven the iX3, this Panoramic iDrive technology makes a lot of sense, and we wouldn't be surprised if more manufacturers follow with similar concepts in the future.It's far less in your face than some of its rivals, but it still offers all the data you are ever going to need.For entertainment and in-car controls, there's also a pin-sharp 17-inch main display that even offers gaming and access to streaming apps.To help you get from A to B, the iX3 comes with intelligent charging and optimised route planning, plus there's a comprehensive navigation experience.
You can see where you need to go via the head-up display beamed onto the windscreen.This car is a nice place to be.The seats are comfortable, there's plenty of room, plus you get huge windows and a massive panoramic glass roof, which makes things feel light and airy.The iX3 also offers some pretty stress-free motoring thanks to the power of four supercomputers that control everything from the infotainment, passenger comfort and power management.As well as being very smart, the iX3 is also practical thanks to its huge boot and 'frunk' which offers enough space under the bonnet for a weekend bag.So, what's it like to drive?Along with hours spent on public roads, I also had the chance to take the iX3 on the Ascari Rond racetrack in Spain.Despite this car's size, it's a lot of fun to drive.
0-62 taking less than five seconds and it also feels incredibly nimble when speeding in and out of corners.There's even some fake futuristic engine noise which is beamed around the interior to make things sound more exciting.Although not available in the UK yet, I also got to try totally hands-free driving, which is switched on via a tap on the steering wheel.The car is even smart enough to change lanes for you.
Just glance in the mirrors, and it does the rest. The iX3 is a fabulous EV, but I did have some niggles, including the - not so smart - smart assistant.BMW has decided to use Amazon's Alexa technology to power this in-car platform, and it definitely struggled during my tests.There were questions it got wrong and pretty simple requests it just didn't understand.I've recently driven the new Mercedes CLA, which is powered by Google and ChatGPT, and it's extremely impressive thanks to its vast knowledge base.In fact, there's almost nothing the CLA can't answer.
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Read our Privacy PolicyThe same definitely cannot be said for the iX3, which even struggled with some very basic requests.BMW says that the more advanced Alexa+ is coming soon, so things may get better.There are still a few months until the iX3 arrives on roads, and BMW will no doubt iron out some of these gremlins before launch.With the smart assistant not playing ball, it meant I also had to use the screen to change simple settings, which isn't all that easy.Although BMW has reintroduced some physical buttons, features such as adjusting the regeneration power are hidden behind numerous and overly complicated menus.
Then there's the new steering wheel, which BMW reckons is more ergonomic and easier to use.In reality, I found some of the buttons and controls harder to access and it's not that easy reach for things such as volume controls.Finally, there is the styling, as this is definitely a car that will divide opinion.Some will love the futuristic looks while others may find it far too muscular and imposing.Having spent two full days in the IX3, there's little doubt that this is a smart car that proves just how EVs can be.Its striking interior, ludicrous range, unique design and very quick charging make this a game-changer that's now as good, if not better than driving with fuel.Yes, BMW has some work to do to improve its smart assistant and its looks might polarise opinion, but the future of battery-powered motoring looks very bright indeed.
