New BMW iX3 2022: BMW updates the electric SUV after just one year on the market

Antonio Roncero @roncero_antonio 11 August 2021 3 min.

BMW unveils the update of the iX3 at the Munich Motor Show, which adopts the changes first introduced on the BMW X3 it is based on.

One year. That is how long the BMW iX3, the electric version of the BMW X3, has lasted on the market before receiving its first update. If I were one of the customers who bought the previous version, I would be a little “miffed”… Although, it must be said, it was to be expected.

Let us remember that the BMW iX3 was presented in summer 2020 based on the BMW X3, which had already been on the market since 2017, and which was scheduled for a “facelift” this year. For now there is no official price, although it should not vary much from the previous BMW iX3, which started at 73,300 euros.

Cosmetic changes, same motor and battery

On the positive side, owners of the “old” iX3 will not find better powertrain features in the new model. The 210 kW (286 CV) motor is retained, located on the rear axle, as is the 74 kWh battery net capacity (80 kWh gross capacity).

The change in the WLTP homologated range is negligible, just 1 km, which allows it to claim 460 km. It can be recharged with 11 kW alternating current using the onboard charger, and up to 150 kW of power with direct current.

The main changes to this new BMW iX3, which will begin production in September at the Chinese Shenyang plant for both the local market and export, focus on exterior and interior styling details.

The new exterior and interior design of the BMW iX3

The bodywork now has a more modern look thanks to the new bumpers and grille, which takes a more prominent role at the front. The headlights are also more streamlined. The sporty “touch” comes from the M Sport exterior package, which becomes standard, along with the side mouldings.

There are also new 20-inch aerodynamic-design alloy wheels as an alternative to the standard 19-inch ones, and the option to fit more decorative mouldings in the blue colour that distinguishes the BMW electric versions.

Inside, the changes are even greater, most notably the multimedia system screen, which matches the size of the digital instrument cluster: 12.3 inches. As in the rest of the new BMW X3 range, some controls have been repositioned, such as the climate controls, which now sit beneath the central air vents. The gear selector, the BMW Controller knob, the start button and the drive mode selector are also newly designed. The two trim levels, named Inspiring and Impressive, are retained.

More functions in the MyBMW app and improved assistance systems

Finally, BMW has improved some of the assistance systems of the new X3, which in the electric version, the iX3, comes as standard with the Driving Assistant Professional with lane-keeping assist, active cruise control with stop&go, automatic speed assistant and route monitoring system.