Driving the BMW iX3 M-Sport SUV, the more affordable electric version of its best-selling mid-size X3 range, introduced earlier last year at $89,100, joining the more expensive iX3 M-Sport Pro that was launched back in 2021. The iX3 M-Sport not as well equipped as its Pro stablemate but on first impression nicely packaged retaining the same powertrain – utilising an 74kWh battery to power a 210kW/400Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels only through a single speed transmission – offering a driving range of up to 460kms.



A very rewarding EV emitting a slight hum in a very well insulated and torsionally stiff body giving it a classy edge – I found I was using energy consumption on average around 18 kWh per 100 kilometres not quite achieving BMW’s stated range of 460kms but not far off. Charging time on my 11kW home charger ran to around 7/12 hours overnight but with the ability to take a 150kW charge rate BMW suggesting a 10-80 percent charge could be as quick as 34 minutes.



A good level of safety technology but disappointingly lacking rear cross traffic alert. But as a rear drive only surprisingly nimble and with BMW’s wheel slip control system and adaptive suspension very controlled irrespective of road surface.

The iX3 M-Sport features some nice M-Sport touches like high-gloss roof rails, M leather steering wheel and illuminated door finishes with BMW M inscription, leather trim and a panoramic glass sunroof. Only real give-away to the dearer iX3 M-Sport Pro model, and somewhat of a disappointment, is smaller 19-inch alloy wheels and the lack of a head up instrument display as well as the higher quality 16-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, replaced by a more basic six-speaker system. Visually, it lacks the presence of the Pro model, the smaller wheels detracting from its overall stance. Whilst there are six colour choices BMW tends to stick with fairly dark sombre colours that lack vibrance and the test car to me lacked a little sparkle.

The interior packaging on the other hand is first class, roomy with very accommodating power front sports seats and great storage plus a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and same size infotainment screen, the latter being very intuitive. Well-equipped too with one USB-A and one USB.C port in the front and two USB.Cs in the rear. Also, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and phone charging with extended Bluetooth connectivity.
A nice feature is the inclusion of BMW Connect telematic software enabling you to link your phone to the car to gain remote functionality – including charging monitoring as well.
Overall, a classy electric mid-sized SUV covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and battery warranty of eight years/160,000km.


But, just a space saver spare wheel. Warranty, five-years/unlimited km. drive details next. I’m David Berthon
electric SUV. The BMW iX3 M Sport a generally well packaged and extremely comfortable prestige