BMW iX3 Gen 1

Overview

The 2021 BMW iX3 Gen 1 marked BMW's electrifying entry into the premium mid-size SUV segment, essentially a battery-powered version of the ever-popular X3. This first-generation model, produced from 2020 until 2021, offered a compelling package of familiar BMW luxury, decent electric punch, and practical SUV space, all with zero tailpipe emissions. With a rear-wheel-drive setup, it promised that typical BMW driving flair. On the pre-owned market in Europe, you might snag one for around €30,900, as it's now discontinued.

What's New for 2021?

The 2021 iX3 was essentially the launch version carrying over, as this "Gen 1" had a short production run from 2020 before a facelift (LCI) arrived for the 2022 model year. So, for 2021, it represented BMW’s latest all-electric SUV tech at the time. It was a significant model, being BMW's first EV SUV built in China for export to key markets like Europe. It showcased BMW's fifth-generation eDrive technology, packing more power and efficiency into its electric powertrain, making a strong statement in the evolving EV landscape.

Design & Exterior

Visually, the iX3 Gen 1 smartly blended the familiar, handsome lines of the G01 X3 with distinct EV cues. You got a largely enclosed kidney grille, slick blue accents, and unique 19-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels designed to cheat the wind. It wasn't shouty, but subtly futuristic. Dimensions were typically X3: 4734 mm long, 1891 mm wide (no mirrors), and 1668 mm tall, making it a practical size for daily duties. Standard LED headlights pierced through the night, ensuring this electric Bimmer looked sharp and modern.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the iX3 Gen 1 felt reassuringly BMW, boasting top-notch materials and that solid build quality we expect. It’s a comfy five-seater SUV. Luggage-wise, you get a generous 510 litres in the boot, expanding to a massive 1560 litres with the rear seats folded flat – plenty for flat-pack furniture runs! Sadly, there's no frunk for your charging cables. Tech was sorted with BMW's slick iDrive 7 infotainment, featuring crisp displays, standard navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keeping you connected on the go.

Performance & Driving Experience

This electric Bimmer wasn't just about looking good; it could shift! The iX3 Gen 1, with its single rear-mounted Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), zapped from 0-100 km/h in a sprightly 6.8 seconds. That motor churned out a healthy 210 kW and 400 Nm of instant torque, making overtakes a breeze. Being rear-wheel drive, it offered that classic engaging BMW handling. The ride was typically well-judged, balancing comfort with control, and adaptive regenerative braking helped claw back some precious range to its 180 km/h top speed.

Range, Battery & Charging

Juice for the iX3 Gen 1 came from a 74 kWh usable battery pack (80 kWh nominal). Green Cars Compare calculated its real-world range at around 391 km, with an efficiency of 5.28 km/kWh – pretty decent for a family SUV! At home, the standard 11 kW AC on-board charger (CCS Type 2 port) could top it up from empty in about 7-8 hours. Out and about, it supported DC fast charging at up to 155 kW, meaning a 10-80% boost could take as little as 34 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety was a top priority, with the iX3 Gen 1 scoring a full five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. It came packed with a solid suite of driver aids. Standard kit often included essentials like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and cruise control. Many models featured BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional package as an option, adding clever tech like adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, making long journeys a doddle and city driving safer.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

BMW typically backed the iX3 Gen 1 with a 3-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty in Europe, though this could vary. Crucially, the high-voltage battery usually received an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Powertrain components often mirrored this battery coverage. While complimentary maintenance varied, BMW's reputation for solid engineering meant reliability was generally good. Fewer moving parts than an ICE X3 also pointed towards potentially lower running costs over time for this China-built EV.