The BMW iX3 arrives as the German automaker's first attempt at an all-electric crossover. This electrified version of the X3 aims to blend the brand's traditional driving dynamics with zero-emissions motoring, but does it hit the mark? We've driven the iX3 to see if the spark is still there.

Powering the iX3 is a single electric motor at the rear axle producing 282 horsepower (210 kilowatts) and 295 pound-feet (400 Newton-meters) of torque. Fed by an 80-kilowatt-hour battery pack, BMW estimates a range of between 286 and 290 miles on a full charge. Performance is adequate for daily driving, with 60 mph arriving in a claimed 6.8 seconds, but the iX3 feels heavy compared to its gasoline counterpart.

The electric crossover maintains BMW's traditionally sporty driving dynamics, with precise steering and a planted stance. However, the rear-wheel-drive layout limits traction off the line, not helped by the hefty 5,379-pound curb weight. Opting for the available adaptive suspension helps improve the ride, but the iX3 ultimately lacks the engaging driving experience of BMW's other offerings.

Inside, the cabin is practically a carbon copy of the standard X3, save for some blue accents and an electrified powertrain indicator in the gauge cluster. Material quality is good, but the iX3's interior feels behind the times and lacking the wow factor found in competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Hyundai Ioniq 5. At least the familiar BMW control layout and the brand's latest iDrive 7 infotainment system are easy to use.

Practicality takes a slight hit versus the standard X3, with a max cargo capacity of 1,560 liters, a decrease of 40 liters from its gas-powered sibling. The back seats still fold flat, though, and there's ample room for five passengers and their belongings. Up front, storage cubbies abound.

Charging times are competitive, with a 0-80 percent top-up taking just 34 minutes on a 150-kilowatt DC fast charger. A Level 2 home charger will refill the battery pack in 7.5 hours. The IONITY charging network also offers iX3 drivers a discount on public chargers.

At the end of the day, the BMW iX3 has the makings of a competent luxury electric crossover. But in transitioning the X3 to battery power, much of the driving verve we've come to expect from Munich has been lost in translation. With less range and more conventional styling than fresher EV competition, the iX3 plays it too safe to be a true game-changer.

#BMWiX32024
#BMWiX3
#BMWiX3firstlook
#BMWiX32024exterior
#BMWiX32024interior
#BMWiX3walkaround
#BMWiX3details
#BMWiX3new

➡️ Discover all new cars before anyone else! Subscribe now to AUTO TV 👉https://goo.gl/y9bfwm ⚠️
Don’t miss next videos: press the little bell ((🔔)) to get notifications.