BMW’s Electric SUV Overhaul: Start With the iX3
BMW’s new electric SUV wave centres on the medium-size iX3 and compact coupé-SUV iX2, two battery-powered crossovers that bring Neue Klasse technology, long range and modern design to buyers shifting from Tesla-style EVs and traditional petrol crossovers. For most people, the BMW iX3 is the clear best choice: it is the first of BMW’s second-wave Neue Klasse vehicles, using an advanced 800‑volt platform with up to 400kW fast-charging and powerful computing brains that set new standards for efficiency and performance. This makes it not only superior in almost every measure to the previous iX3, but also puts its battery efficiency in a different league to direct rivals like other new electric midsize SUVs. BMW is backing this direction with an 18‑billion‑Euro investment in new-generation EVs, starting with the iX3 medium SUV as its pivotal electric crossover.
| Spec | BMW iX3 | BMW iX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform / tech | Neue Klasse, 800‑V, up to 400kW DC, ‘superbrain’ computing | Shared underpinnings with iX1, BMW curved display and modern infotainment |
| Body style | Medium electric SUV, more practical and upright | Compact coupé-SUV with lower roofline and more angular, aggressive design |
| Battery & range (quoted) | High-efficiency pack with standout WLTP range in 50 xDrive form | 65.2kWh pack, claimed 318 miles, real-world ~260 miles for eDrive20 model |
| Driving character | Exceptional body control, alert steering, strong torque; firm ride especially on 22-inch wheels | Fun to drive with sharp steering and firm ride; best on motorways with high refinement and noise suppression |
BMW iX3 Review: The Neue Klasse Electric SUV to Beat
The iX3 is the electric SUV most buyers should choose because it is the most complete expression of BMW Neue Klasse technology so far. It uses an 800‑volt architecture for up to 400kW fast-charging, backed by powerful ‘superbrain’ computing and a suite of tech features, making it a thoroughly modern electric SUV. A detailed BMW iX3 review from its launch reported that, in 50 xDrive form, the car delivers outstanding battery efficiency and a WLTP range figure that outpaces other current electric models, including popular options from rival brands. On the road, the iX3 50 xDrive earns a "big affirmative" for driving fun thanks to exceptional body control, alert steering and intuitively controllable instant torque. The Sport mode adds urgency and extra steering weight, and four selectable regenerative braking levels – plus a strong B mode – let you drive with minimal brake pedal use on flowing roads.
Daily usability is boosted by the Panoramic iDrive system with a huge 17.9‑inch media touchscreen, a head-up display with augmented-reality navigation, and Panoramic Vision digital projection that wraps around the bottom of the windscreen for natural eye-level information. Standard equipment includes 20‑inch alloy wheels, a full-length glass sunroof, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ‘Veganza’ artificial leather upholstery, cabin ambient lighting, wireless device charging and a Harman Kardon audio system. There are some downsides: the ride is firm and becomes busy on 22‑inch wheels, and the steering feedback may feel light for drivers who prefer a more communicative helm. However, an expert first impression concluded that the Neue Klasse iX3 is superior in almost every measure to the original iX3 and sets a new benchmark for battery efficiency among electric midsize SUVs.
BMW iX2 Electric SUV: Stylish Coupé Alternative
The BMW iX2 electric SUV is the right choice if you want a more compact, coupé-style crossover that trades some upright practicality for a sportier silhouette. It is a more boldly-styled take on the conventional iX1 SUV, with a lower roofline and more angular surfaces that give it a more aggressive character than its sister car. Under the skin, it shares efficient foundations with the iX1, but packages them into a coupé-SUV body that will appeal to design-led buyers who still want an EV that feels grown-up and refined on longer drives. The headline here is range: the eDrive20 model uses a 65.2kWh battery pack, and BMW claims up to 318 miles on a charge, with realistic expectations closer to around 260 miles in normal use according to driving impressions.
On the road, the iX2 is described as fun to drive, with sharp steering and a firm ride that gives it a more dynamic feel than some softer crossovers. Its real strength is on the motorway, where high levels of refinement and noise suppression make it a relaxing long-distance companion. Even in entry-level Sport trim, you get BMW’s excellent curved display and infotainment, parking sensors, a rear-view camera, practical 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats and an electric tailgate, which together make it a usable family car despite the coupé roofline. In short, the BMW iX2 electric SUV is ideal if you want head-turning style and solid range in a compact package, but accept a firmer ride and the slightly less boxy practicality compared with the iX3 and more traditional crossovers.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the BMW iX3 if you want a medium electric SUV that showcases BMW Neue Klasse technology, with standout battery efficiency and modern driver tech.
- Skip the BMW iX3 if you prioritise a soft, cushioned ride over sharp handling, especially if you plan to use larger 22-inch wheels.
- Buy the BMW iX2 if you prefer a compact coupé-SUV with more aggressive styling, sharp steering and strong motorway refinement over sheer cargo space.
- Skip the BMW iX2 if you need the most practical, upright family SUV body style and are sensitive to firmer suspension tuning.
- Buy the BMW iX3 if you want an electric crossover that feels superior to the previous-generation iX3 and rivals thanks to its advanced 800‑V platform and "superbrain" computing.
- Skip the BMW iX3 if you care less about cutting-edge BMW Neue Klasse technology and more about the lowest possible purchase cost among electric crossovers.
- Buy the BMW iX2 if you are moving from a conventional gas coupé-SUV and want familiar style with an electric drivetrain and claimed 318‑mile range.
- Skip the BMW iX2 if you prefer the more understated look and slightly roomier feel of traditional boxier electric crossovers instead of a coupé profile.
