BMW iX3 priced below major rivals

BMW Australia has revealed pricing and specification details for its forthcoming 2022 BMW iX3 electric SUV, which is due to reach showrooms in November.

Tasked with rivalling the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-PACE and Mercedes-Benz EQC, the BMW iX3 will be priced from $114,900 plus on-road costs – about $15,000 cheaper than all three key rivals.

The pricing effectively positions the iX3 at the top of the regular X3 range, marginally above the X3 M40i (from $113,900) but downstream of the BMW X3 M (from $160,900).

Officially declared a ‘facelifted’ model – Aussies weren’t offered the original iX3 that launched in Europe in 2020 – the Chinese-built 2022 BMW iX3 offers a 460km electric range using WLTP protocols and its 74kWh battery can be charged to 80 per cent in as little as 32 minutes using a 150kW fast-charger.

This recharging time can extend to a hardly-worth-it 44 hours (to 100 per cent) using a household power point, but with a  BMW Wallbox this is reduced to a more feasible 7.5 hours.

The iX3 uses a single electric motor positioned at the rear axle. Driving the rear wheels only, the motor delivers 210kW/400Nm and can send the SUV from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds.

The drivetrain is said to consume 18.4kWh/100km, which is more efficient than the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC on the combined cycle.

A sweetener for Australian iX3 buyers is a complimentary five-year subscription to the national Chargefox network. The vehicle will also be sold with a Model 2 domestic charger and Model 3 Public charging cable.

Other standard equipment on the Australian-spec model includes an M Sport package, 20-inch alloy wheels, head-up display, adaptive LED headlights, adaptive suspension, ‘Vernasca’ leather upholstery, electrical and heated front sports seats, automatic tailgate and wireless smartphone charging.

Infotainment comprises a 12-3-inch instrument cluster, a large centre screen equipped with BMW’s latest Cockpit Professional 7 operating system, plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, digital radio and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.

On the safety front, the iX3 includes active cruise control with stop-and-go function, lane keeping assist with active side collision protection, steering and lane control assist with active lane guidance, cross traffic warning (front and rear), an Evasion Assistant, crossroads warning with city braking function and speed limit assist.

The Parking Assistant Plus system alone integrates Active Park Distance Control, lateral parking aid, Reversing Assistant, Surround View system and Remote 3D View.

In addition, the iX3 is fitted with a feature called acoustic pedestrian protection, which emits a sound at speeds of up to 30km/h to warn pedestrians and cyclists of the iX3’s presence.