The BMW iX3 has been hailed as a potential game-changer in the electric vehicle market, thanks to its official WLTP range of 500 miles and the ability to add 231 miles of range in just ten minutes of charging. But how do these figures hold up in everyday driving?
The WLTP test, which all new cars undergo, is a 30-minute laboratory procedure covering just over 14 miles in four phases. While it provides a standardised measure for comparison, it does not always reflect real-world efficiency. Electric cars tend to perform better in stop-start traffic, but motorway driving can significantly reduce range.
In a ten-day test covering more than 1,000 miles, a journalist put the iX3 through its paces, including a regular 405-mile round trip from South Buckinghamshire to Liverpool. After a journey with substantial motorway miles, the car's computer indicated a maximum range of 422 miles at full charge—still enough for the trip but short of the official claim.
The car also completed a 400-mile round trip to Lincolnshire on a mix of roads. It impressed with its spacious, high-quality interior, advanced technology and the new full-width Panoramic iDrive display. The only criticism was a slightly firm ride, though the car's driving dynamics were praised.
For those who can charge at home on a low-rate tariff, a full charge would cost less than £9 in theory for 500 miles of driving. While the iX3 may not always achieve its official range in real-world conditions, the test suggests it comes close enough to address range anxiety for many drivers.
