BMW iX3 review

There are two flavours of BMW iX3: M Sport and M Sport Pro. The former costs £65,160 and the latter is exactly £3k more. The powertrain is the same either way, so it's a simple case of deciding which kit list looks most appealing.

M Sport gets 19in alloys, adaptive LEDs front and rear, adaptive suspension, a heat pump for maximum efficiency, an automatic tailgate, that pano sunroof, heated steering wheel, auto air con, ambient lighting, and the full driver assistance pack. Oh, and various M-Sport badged things. For bragging rights, presumably.

Upgrading to Pro gives you bigger 20in wheels, adaptive lights, self-parking, gesture control, a Harman/Kardon sound system, an in-built dashcam, keyless entry and BMW's superb HUD.

BMW says the options list is 'carefully curated'. In other words, there isn't much choice. Just four exterior colours - black, grey, white or blue - and a couple of interior finishes.

Still, the iX3 is garlanded in heaps of equipment, and it's cheaper to buy than its main rivals. You'll probably put up with it being slower if it saves you some dosh.

Buying on finance? Stick 10 per cent of the value down as a deposit and BMW can get you into an iX3 for £670 a month over a four-year deal, on an interest rate of 3.9 per cent.

What about charging?

Because it's more efficient than rivals, has a smaller battery and can accept high charge power, the on-road journey times should be quick. Start at full after an overnight charge, stop after 220 real-world miles at a 150kW charger, and you'll have added about 180 real-world miles in half an hour. That'll complete a 400 mile trip.

Charge up that 74kWh battery at home and you're looking at £25 to go from empty to whatever the electric version of 'brimmed' is. Stopping at a rapid charger on the motorway will cost vastly more. Some people sign up for energy deals that provide cheaper power at night, so factor that into your ownership maths.