BMW IX3 Review: Did BMW Get It Right?

Rory hops aboard the BMW iX3 to test its practicality, looks, range and driving credentials. Did they get it all right, or are their rivals streets ahead?
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[@trevorsutherland5263]

Thank God in Heaven that someone realizes that 90% of us don't need our car to scream "I am an EV! I am the future!". Just be a car like the old one we are trading in, except now it has an electric motor not a gas one. Look the same, drive the same, don't have to learn a new OS just to turn the heat up; just be NORMAL. Thank you BMW.

[@morufudeen]

And slap on £20k for the electric privilege? Give me a break!

[@robowski45]

£20k if you’re buying this car cash, which you would be a mug to do. Lease wise the IX3 comes in the same price range as the polestar 2 and top end xc40s.

[@morufudeen]

@@robowski45 I’m comparing it to its diesel and petrol cousins, not other electric cars. I think it is a rip off when car manufacturers that are capable of building electric cars from the ground up decide to rip out ices from their already existing cars and slap a £20k premium for doing so. I admit they build better quality than the new players building pure electric, but that premium for an already existing car being transformed to electric cannot be justified in my opinion. For now, I stick to diesel. Competition will bring the prices down in a few years.

[@pqvid]

@@morufudeen The iX3 is already cheaper than an equally equipped X3 with either petrol or diesel. The only thing is that it only comes fully equipped, so if you compare to a blank one with no options, you would have this 20K difference. As to the prices - well, they’re expensive. But look at what BMW (or any other large vendor for that matter) does: they run a network of sales and service shops, do tons of marketing, run racing teams, they have their own education to prepare new employees, etc, etc. The car manufacturing is a very low margin business, everything they earn they need to spend, or the competition will eat their lunch. In fact, Tesla has currently the highest margin - but this is only because they did many things right and the timing was perfect. It’s a true success story, worth admiring and taking lessons. But if you ask yourself who screwed you more, as in „who made more money for himself from my hard earned“ - currently, this will be Tesla. Porsche second and BMW far, far behind. Again, nothing against Tesla - thumbs up for their achievements! Just saying that it’s not quite right that car companies are ripping you off.

[@magnustan841]

iX? lol

[@riojikajikun]

Full disclosure: I’m a huge Tesla fan and I admire Elon Musk. That said, my wife and I live in Germany and drove both a model Y and an iX3. This review was spot on. The Model Y driving experience was honestly underwhelming. I appreciate how much Tesla simplified the interior of the car, but 99% of changes done only on the screen was too much of a change to me and my wife. The iX3 just drives really nicely and better than the model Y in our opinion. It has a more premium interior feel, sits higher, and has more visibility all around. Price of this car and Model Y in Germany is currently the same, charging stations abound so supercharger wasn’t a big factor. Not interested in testing out AP much yet as we have two babies and I’m not 100% there. Yes, the Tesla has a stronger acceleration but I’m not buying the car for racing but for comfort. We ended up going with the iX3.

[@bodrulm1]

Same. iX3 is a better overall package. It's a sleeper hit that brings across everything from the super ICE - amazing chassis, infotainment, steering plus BMWs brilliantly efficient EV powertrain which is bespoke.

[@nhlakaniphosongo6092]

Probably one of the best car journalists going around at the moment. Every video is solid, engaging, and is tailored for each car, rather than a set template. BMW ix3 looks a competent machine too..

[@georgeionescu6425]

a serious car journalist,not like that watson clown

[@werd1491]

I'm just glad this car doesn't have a massive grille.

[@1MrBryn]

One thing that videos don't really get accross is how damned great BMW interiors are right now. They aren't as flashy as the other Germans, but the materials and touch points feel and build quality is shockingly good. They feel bomb proof.

[@sp3ckedout224]

It looks dated already. The screen is tiny

[@radioactivet-rex286]

@@sp3ckedout224 not everything needs to be freaking giant to be "futuristic"

[@sp3ckedout224]

@@radioactivet-rex286 it’s not about being futuristic it’s about keeping up with the time. I would love a big screen in 2021 that screen is ridiculously tiny

[@mrwn6284]

@@radioactivet-rex286 it just looks outdated. Not even modern. It would be nice if it were somewhat similar to Audis adaptation of modern interior design that’s still great and modern and not ugly futuristic

[@deanchur]

@@radioactivet-rex286 No idea where people and manufacturers got this idea that big screen = good. Bugatti's interior design philosophy is to minimize the amount of screens so as to not date the interior and give it a more timeless appeal. Bentley's infotainment screen can be hidden away and replaced with analogue dials. I'm yet to hear one of their customers or a reviewer complain about screen size in their cars.

[@gregoryuk]

'Zim-Zimmer is who made the sounds for the Beemer' 🙂 Didn't realise what Rory was doing with the power switch. I was recalling Going For Gold theme tune. The heat is on, the time is right.... RIP.

[@TheMushavhi]

I don't understand how on earth Matt "the stick of truth" has more subscribers than Rory. This guy is very good at motoring journalism

[@haruyanto8085]

They do drag race that's why

[@faradaycool4058]

Rory is truthful, but without being brash. Matt throws things about and it's just become rude

[@williamfence566]

02:04. I understand that most BMW drivers are in the "knob gang". Great review as usual.

[@crabrangoon2493]

At least its not stupid looking

[@muji_duji4528]

thank god

[@manvirbawa4352]

grill still doesn't feel right

[@Caldwell1234]

Luv you reviews. You cover all the pertinent information regarding the vehicles that you review and I must say you do it extremely well.

[@frankwu1713]

I had the chance to test drove iX3, EQC, and the Model Y. Drove the iX3 first, it felt really good, steering was really nice, drove really well, but the test drive car was really dirty so I had no idea how good it looked on the inside since all the iX3 were sold out including the show car. Drove the EQC next, hated that car, handling was weird, brake hold function felt unintuitive. Erased off my list. Drove the Model Y last, liked its minimalistic interior, and that huge tablet size infotainment and speedometer. The suspension sucked, however. But its rear seat has the best out of all three. In the end I bought the Model Y mainly bc of the charging network reliability.

[@raheeb1]

What wheels did u opt for?

[@reginald7214]

That's a sad story. 😔

[@rickp9946]

And therein lies the tragedy. Until the infrastructure improves (in the UK I mean) it's difficult to not go for a Tesla despite your legacy allegiances.

[@reginald7214]

@@rickp9946 yup. Unless the tesla chargers get opened up. Or you live in Scandinavia or China. That's a mighty big moat.

[@rickp9946]

@@reginald7214 Indeed it is. I've not followed the story regarding the UK charging infrastructure but it's somewhat weird that a single company can gain such an infrastructure edge over competitors when the government is trying to get people out of ICE cars. Divide and be conquered seems to have been the approach so far.

[@reapertheunique]

I test drove this car two weeks ago. It was a really great car. The leather seats, the materials. So good. The electric drive was also very fun. My next car will for sure be electric so I wanted to test drive the iX but even though they had it in the showroom already, I couldn't drive it yet, so I got the ix3 instead.

[@PhD63]

Another fine review Rory. Great work as always.

[@bolt5564]

If you could Mike The Sounds the car makes when accelerating, or powering on, in future videos that would be appreciated.

[@apocreg11]

Have one on order in the slightly updated shape, but will be £600-£700 a month without a decent deposit so not 100% I’ll take delivery yet

[@BoskiM]

That's a lot of money for monthly though I wish you the best tho

[@nanaantwi8404]

So theres actually a subtle call dropped tone @2:34 when he waves his hand to demonstrate what he says. Wow. Such a nice touch to a great video.

[@magnustan841]

I’ve been told this is better value than the new iX, despite that being in a dedicated EV platform, space isn’t really compromised in the iX3. I would like to see an iX vs iX3 video at some point.

[@robowski45]

Timing of this review seems a bit strange - the facelift model comes to the U.K. next month and Autotrader are reviewing a 9 month old car? Why not just wait and review the LCI?

[@mikadavies660]

Nice.... "Hans.... Step your game up!" As usual informative and good humour....

[@dodgywheelsandropeywiring5697]

Can't focus on this car review at all, your jacket outshines BMW haha. That jacket is awesome Rory my man. Seriously, I was trying to pay attention but I found myself thinking "damn that jacket is f'ing mint". I like your style fella.

[@m5chodry]

The only thing missing for me is the x-drive 4x4 system on the non-electric x3 , which is one of the strongest points of the x3, most people won’t use it off road agreed, but the the confidence 4x4 gives you in wet or snowy conditions can’t be matched by rwd. Otherwise a lovely family EV the iX3 is.

[@HerkDylanJr]

Loved the review Rory!

[@quintennn]

I love where BMW is going with their EV's. Looking normal is a huge plus for me. Their design language has been great for years. EVs don't need to screen "I'm electric!!!" It's just silly.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Rory, for some reason it did work and I am considering it. Now to go take a look when they arrive across the pond. (:

[@hoop5824]

You had me at Hans Zimmer, I want one just for that alone!!!

[@jonathantaylor1998]

Fab, Rory - now you have a valid alternative to running your X5...! 😎

[@nevarran]

An SUV saving the planet... and they say Germans have no sense of humor.

[@stevejobs1955]

That car sounds like the London underground

[@l2etranger]

This is what I appreciate about well established industries, they can generate any type of products in their workshops. Their art is up to their creativity, just re-arrange the robotic logistics and their operators.

[@CGCTV]

As good as these are, what will the build times be given the silicon/chip shortage at the minute.

[@tacodias]

Order now for delivery in 2024!

[@edinburger1972]

Ordered mine last month, it’s being delivered April 2022.

[@nigelstarkey9399]

April 2022 - about 5 months

[@sambale9527]

Love your ev vids keep it up

[@Firestorm637]

No oil filters in land fills every 5000 miles. Charge at home with solar panels

[@mikael3095]

Now old solar panels in the land fills.

[@ed234e]

@@mikael3095 solar panels last 30-40+ years

[@dpn1604]

With such prices it looks like I'll be watching reviews on KZbin and driving our good old diesel SUV.

[@bamthepetrolhead7855]

🤣🤣🤣⛽️⛽️

[@ed234e]

Why don’t journalists talk about their interpretation of “real world range” on the old gas ⛽️ cars too ? Great review.

[@brianiswrong]

I can see you logic Take an X3 40i ,and tell us it real world range from 20% full to 80% full. Trouble is, even comparing apples to apples, it's the charging time/ability to charge were and when you want,that is the reason (plus the purchase price) that stops EV's total dominance Never mind when the government of the day,increase the " fuel duty" on electric to match petrol / diesel 🤔

[@ed234e]

@@brianiswrong agreed, we need a fully built out infrastructure, and more efficient cars too.

[@hansdietrich83]

Because you can fill up a gas car in about 4min basically anywhere. Gas tank range really don't matter exept if you are going really far form any civilisation

[@MrAvant123]

I have a new X3 and I love it, but I dont think it makes engineering sense to keep just converting ICE car designs to electric and expect them to be competitively efficient. Very good review though.

[@NO3V]

Betteridge's law of headlines is an adage that states: "Any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered by the word no."

[@MrWitchTube]

What jacket are you/is he wearing on this video, i stinking love it!

[@adrianolecuane2532]

Rory where is your electric Leaf. Days of EVember are running out and we want to see what have you done with it. Legend Man

[@misterdragzon]

Weird that this car isn’t coming to the US. The X3 sells absolutely nuts over here. Used ones are some of the most sought after in the market.

[@stuartvasepuru1423]

Thanks for another good review, Rory. The question of whether an EV should be instantly identifiable as an EV is an interesting one. On one side we have Teslas, which have a distinctive style and can't be anything else, and on the other, cars like this, where you have to look for small details, and maybe wouldn't notice if one passed you in the street. They seem to be aimed at buyers who want an EV and are willing to pay the higher initial cost in order to enjoy the benefits, but don't want anyone to notice, in case they think it's virtue signalling. Myself, I think it's a personal choice. If you're paying for a car, it should look how you want it to, although there is a case to be made, that in order to win over the doubters, the more EVs they see on the roads the better.

[@tigerrx7]

That jacket is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 bro!!!!

[@peterleid5060]

Nice review Rory... again!! BMW is on the right track by staying with the 'relatable' approach with this car... anyone will be happy to accept this car as a reliable motor car and a BMW... any barrier they might have to EV acceptance is no longer in the mental equation... just decide on the internal and external trim and colour and pay. Why every car maker feels they have to design a space rocket look is beyond me. Just redesign the skateboard and drop the body on it and off you go...

[@SuperMauricem]

BMW has done something with the design that for all its faults/ shortcomings will sell on its looks alone that looks better and will be improved by the announcement of the tweaks to come later in the year. Range anxiety will still be an issue for many, but for those who really want to use it primarily as a city car and not going cross country or nipping over the channel for a European tour- this will prove a popular choice I can imagine for many. A better network of dealerships may also help with the running of these vehicles as Tesla although popular have a lot less dealerships. Would like an update on the Nissan Leaf soon as to how Rory is getting use to this bargain purchase and if it’s value for money and still worth it!!

[@wojciechmuras553]

Smoother suspension that the Model X? Well, that's a feat, since TMX has air suspension, while the BMW iX3 doesn't. Perhaps you've meant the Model Y, which has some rather uncomfortable springs?

[@AutoTraderTV]

I meant Y

[@paguliukas]

Hi how is your leaf ?

[@e.o9470]

BMW’s EV design approach is really nice, it’s still all BMW good or bad but it’s just an EV.

[@zaynkhan136]

That would be because this isn’t really designed as an EV, it’s just an x3 they stuffed batteries in. Look at the iX4 it’s hideous

[@DavidGarcia29497]

**BMW iX has entered the chat**

[@fraso2000]

Perhaps the best looking electric SUV on the market!

[@Mr.tEcK1122]

Can’t wait U to test the iX.😎

[@nurnberg1561]

It’s not okay to ask for so much money for a car that hasn’t been developed to be electric from the start like the competition

[@nigelstarkey9399]

Then it won't sell will it ??? However the waiting list is already strong - it's called 'demand and supply economics' which applies to .. well just about everything bought and sold. Don't go into business for your self - you won't understand it ...

[@KDR816]

why is it important?

[@AdventurousNomad007]

Every video that he says "Knob Gang..." I giggle. I know...I'm a child.

[@HH-wd2cn]

Bmw are really on point good review 👌

[@timfreeman2603]

Put that leather interior in a Tesla 3 LR and you have the perfect car.

[@motorvatorv888]

Looks like a good real world compromise. Lovely bmw interior, light footed handling and ease of use/comfy ride will make for happier customers over three years than the last fraction of acceleration or AWD options in most cases. Hope it’s a success and helps restore a little more sanity in the EV space.

[@abc123fhdi]

Not up to snuff compared to the competition, especially Tesla. Should have more space than the petrol version, not less and should have a frunk and no trans tunnel. Maybe they should innovate beyond the competition and make it drive by wire steering or something like that to make an even bigger frunk, and no AWD option is a no go for most. Also needs more power, just not a compelling option especially given the price. It is true that BMWs drive great for what they are.

[@bodrulm1]

EVs with no transmission tunnel almost always have a higher floor resulting in worse space in the back / no thigh support / high knees. This is why it's important to test out cars and not just rely on visuals from KZbin. The iX3 is the ultimate mid sized family car in my opinion.

[@Eric-qi9us]

honestly it looks really good

[@sutats]

Sweet ride.

[@agustinliden6189]

Bwm iX3 looking absolutly amazing beauty 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kristofk1902]

7:43 yeah that sound will never be as good as a bmw in-line 6

[@JJVernig]

I like the look and function of the interior of this generation. Not gimmicky, at least not for a electric car. This makes the transition simpeler.. Oh yeah take wintertires and be much much safer in all other circumstances. Don't forget it brakes on all wheels just like all other cars...

[@user-ft2md2gd4s]

I think they *finally* got it right.

[@geraldmanaka1117]

Do you mind doing a review about the Kia Seltos.

[@bhavishsivram8922]

Please do one on the new BMW X3 M40i.

[@HeyyMayur]

Rory do review Jaguar I pace

[@rodgerreid2560]

I like it.. At least you know what ur getting..

[@Tomaskii]

Any iX on horizont?

[@michaelloach9461]

thanks Rory. I really don't understand it! It's based on a 4wd car but has 2wd? I know the most it will go off road, like it's ICE brothers, is up the pavement on a School run but why? Personally I'd buy a Hyundai Kona & have a shed load of cash left over to buy a car that is weekend fun! Only my opinion. Oh, do you have to include on the options list for the indicators to be connected? All the best...........

[@tahmidkhan5087]

2:00 'knob gang' lmao

[@adem_gun]

Rory where can we get your jacket from?

[@ascgazz7347]

I’m sure Mr Zimmer’s reputation will survive 😂

[@jpkc86]

Ohhh at 5:51 some grass trimming/edging! :)

[@markmatrix9287]

Gesture controls " really nice touch"

[@gregoryuk]

I didn't see that. But now.... lol

[@philipjames3526]

Hans also did the sound track for that romantic comedy ‘Something has got to give’ staring Diane Keaton, and Jack Nicholson… Regarding the BMW, I would have assumed that ‘by now’ the main stream manufacturers would have blown Tesla out of the water both ‘on paper and in reality’

[@desmondlesetedi7209]

You make great reviews. But PLEASE, when you say "the rear has no exhausts" can you tell your camera person to show the thing you are talking about? Or when you say this knob or this screen or whatever thing you are pointing at please have the camera pan on it so we can follow or see what thing it is you are referring to and how it looks. I know sometimes or most times your camera person is seating next to you and can't show a thing that is say, at the side you are seating at, so perhaps do a voiceover on the bits you wanna show while actually showing them. Thank you.

[@ramnarayanroy1042]

Make a video on royal enfield meteor 350 bike

[@thecharlierocketshow7830]

Early Notification Squad!

[@markbrisec3972]

When mentioning Hans Zimmer and his legendary music scores, it would be a mistake not mentioning his first and most memorable masterpiece - a music score from Rain man.

[@Sushi_219]

After seeing this advertised in the new Shan Chi, I really wanna own one. 😅

[@tahmids4082]

Love the fact that it doesn't scream EV, it looks like a regular BMW and I believe that's the way it should be. Hope Mercedes notes this, they seem to have gone overboard with their EV designs

[@rayleeaustralia]

It looks really steamy inside the car. The vent is not working?

[@arnoldlarisch7717]

Auto "Knob Gang" Trader

[@Firestorm637]

In 10 years, things have changed. A few more years will change even faster

[@mrortega468]

I'm waiting for a two or four seater electric convertible any companies out there making one ?

[@CaiSpidox]

MG might be the first with an electric 2 seater (except tesla roadster ofcourse)

[@mrortega468]

@@CaiSpidox I think one from MG would be fantastic definitely for the masses .

[@usmanrazaq6239]

@2:05 Did he just say knob gang?? 🤣

[@deechenzorides]

Hans Zim Zimmer who's got the tunes for me Beamer!

[@Firestorm637]

How often do you use power seats. Most people set climate on auto. I rarely have to adjust volume. Knobs date a car. With long lasting LED headlights, keep them on all the time vs DRL’s. So many people driving at night with DRl not realizing headlights or running taillights not on. We need less buttons and controls. My microwave oven offers so many options that I never use. Same with cars. Keep it simple.

[@ThatRosco458]

I want an AutoTrader shirt saying "Knob Gang"

[@johnpedelty3866]

What is the range when towing a 4 berth caravan?

[@neilmick6778]

Do us all a favour and just stay in a hotel.

[@johnpedelty3866]

@@neilmick6778 Do you think the switch to electric cars will bring about the end of the caravan holiday?

[@neilmick6778]

@@johnpedelty3866 Hopefully

[@johnpedelty3866]

@@neilmick6778 If the switch to electric cars means the end of caravaning, that's an awful lot of jobs to go in their manufacture, sales, servicing and provision of touring caravan sites and how will the"Travelling Community " travel?

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

BMW were expecting this to win EV comparisons Hans down

[@alexnaumov4854]

I don't get one thing ... they say that EVs typically have firmer suspension than their gas counterparts. I get they're heavier but still not as heavy as some larger SUVs, Bentleys, or S class etc which have very comfortable suspensions. So is it just that they don't install better shock absorbers/springs?

[@motorvatorv888]

I think it’s a side effect of them being so quick. With massive acceleration possible, people can be coming into corners much faster than they expected, yanking on the steering whilst hitting the brakes might feel terrifying if the vehicle is soft and lurches. So I think this is why many manufacturers have gone the hunkered down hard roll bar route. The iX with air springs and active anti roll does the opposite. IX3 being not so madly fast has chosen a middle way with conventional springs and dampers. Mag ride may also become more prevalent with evs as a way of taming the weight without ruining the ride

[@addsfour3499]

I must be the only person that adjusts volume on the steering wheel. I don’t need a volume knob on the dash

[@j1mgg]

Would of been better collabing with beanie man

[@bobbybombo]

This should be the plan going forward. Take your existing lineup and electricfy them.

[@nik232471]

Is it just me or anyone else notice the snide remark about Matt Watson and his mother with the "Everyone and their grandmother selling EV's". Rory did a dirty one there!!

[@danieljames404]

Definitely can’t dancing while driving this car then. You’ll be calling the dog sitter, skipping the song and changing the volume all at once.

[@slerk9]

To answer that question, the first thing to check is the grille.

[@desrai6440]

Hans Zim Zimmah who got the key to the beamah? 🤣

[@robertmandl9326]

With all the money BMW wants for their cars and service I expect better than just "nice". If I want just nice I go to Vauxhall / Opel - even though they are by now quite pricey too. And with the price drops from Tesla and their special offers... well, this contest goes to the Model Y.

[@nathanwright4967]

This video shows a lot of the problems that happen when you cram electric drivetrains into petrol cars. You end up coming up compromising in too many ways. One of the reasons Tesla is successful is starting from the ground up they get all the advantages of fully electric cars.

[@Account1746]

Rozza VS Mat drag race coming soon

[@mtumasz]

Put a deposit on one today. Same paint, same interior. KNOBS! Nice…

[@kevinn1158]

Take it from a Canadian, the UK never gets cold enough for gloves. ;)