BMW iX3 50 xDrive real life range test with 20-inch rims
BMW wants to open the next chapter in electric mobility with its new generation of models. First of the lot is the new BMW iX3, which for now comes only in the 50 xDrive variant.
All of the parameters of the BMW iX3 50 xDrive are impressive and judging by the initial demand, the model will likely become a huge success for the company. Outputting 469 hp and torque of 476 lb-ft is certinaly impressive, but today we'll focus on its efficiency and range.
Range anxiety must remain a thing of the past according to BMW officials and we are here to test how true that claim is. The huge battery pack offers 108.7 kWh usable capacity and is a great start, but will the iX3 be efficient enough to stretch it far?
We drove our usual test routes, doing the same track both ways at constant speeds at the same place as with every other car we test. The ambient temperature while testing the BMW iX3 50 xDrive was 52°F. That is good testing weather for an EV, although slightly below the optimal values. Further improvements can be made by equipping more efficient summer tires and having more aerodynamic wheels, although smaller ones are not available.
At our lowest testing speed of 37 mph, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive performs as great as expected. Aerodynamics don’t really come into play at that speed and the powertrain proves its efficiency. The theoretical distance one can travel at that speed is much higher than even the WLTP figure, which is not that uncommon.
Range test results
- 37 mph
- 56 mph
- 81 mph
BMW iX3 50 xDrive
Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+
BMW i7 xDrive60
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 4Matic
Maserati Grecale Folgore
Tesla Model Y Long Range (2023)
Kia EV9 99.8 kWh AWD
When we sped up to 56 mph, consumption rises but still remains very good for the size and power of the iX3 50 xDrive. It is a speed that is often used for cross-town journeys or going through mountain passes so the this is the kind of range you can expect for most journeys not involving highways.
At the highest testing speed of 81 mph, the iX3 slides down the ranks a bit, its shape and size holding back its efficiency. It still achieves a great result and huge range on a single charge, confirming its claim to be a segment leader.
The iX3 is more efficient than every other big SUV we've tested by far and offers more range on a single charge. Despite the low drag coefficient, the sheer size and surface area of the iX3 don't allow it to compete with the best of the best in terms of efficiency.
BMW claimed it will revolutionize electric vehicles with the iX3 50 xDrive and it's really come a long way. Given that the first and biggest representative of the Neue Klasse family performs so well, we cannot wait to see what the upcoming i3 sedan will manage.
So if you want an SUV with a big range, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive is your best bet yet. As far as the other qualities of the BMW iX3 go, stay tuned for our upcoming detailed review of the model where we’ll discuss it in full detail.
You can use the widget below to find out the BMW iX3 50 xDrive’s range in every combination of speed and temperature you might need. We've used our real world tests and a complex model to provide an estimate that should be as close to the actual performance as possible.
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