BMW iX3 2023 review

2023 BMW iX3 Review — A Polished First‑Gen Electric SUV That Still Holds Its Own

Overview

The 2023 BMW iX3 marked BMW’s serious entry into the electric SUV market, bringing electric power to one of its most popular body shapes. Rather than reinvent the wheel with radical looks or next‑gen tech, BMW focused on a practical, familiar EV that feels essentially like a BMW X3 but plugged in. It’s not the most advanced electric SUV out there, but it strikes a very strong balance of comfort, usability and driving enjoyment—especially if you’re switching from combustion‑powered SUVs rather than rival EVs. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• BMW‑like handling and driving feel

• Comfortable ride and premium build quality

• Well‑packaged cabin with good space

• Competitive range for its era

Cons

• Range lags behind newer rivals

• Rear‑wheel drive only (no AWD)

• Charging speed and tech feel dated compared to newer EVs

• Boot and interior tech not as cutting‑edge as some competitors 

Design & Styling

Visually, the 2023 iX3 looks very much like the combustion X3, with subtle tweaks to bumpers and badging to indicate its EV status. It doesn’t turn heads in quite the way Tesla or some newer EVs do, but that’s both strength and weakness: it feels familiar and premium, but not futuristic. Practicality and BMW identity come first here. 

Interior & Comfort

Inside, the iX3 mixes traditional BMW cabin design with some EV‑specific touches. Materials and build quality are generally strong, and there’s plenty of space for passengers front and rear. Boot space is generous for family use, though rival EVs with skateboard‑style batteries sometimes manage higher usable volumes. 

The dashboard and controls feel familiar to any BMW driver — logical layouts, supportive seats and solid ergonomics. While it lacks the ultra‑large screens and minimal‑button approach of newer EVs, many find this less tech‑overwhelming and more user‑friendly in everyday driving. 

Performance & Range

Under the skin, the 2023 iX3 uses an 80 kWh battery with a 74 kWh usable capacity paired with a single rear electric motor producing around 286 PS. The result?

• 0–62 mph: ~6.8 sec

• Top speed: ~112 mph

• Official WLTP range: ~279 miles (approx)

• Real‑world range: often around ~240 miles depending on conditions 

This places it within range of practical daily use and typical mixed driving, but it’s not segment‑leading — especially compared to later EV entrants. The ride is generally comfortable, though some reviews note a firmer edge on rough surfaces. Steering and dynamics lean toward BMW’s traditional feel, with good grip and composed handling. 

Ride & Handling

BMW has long been celebrated for driving dynamics, and the 2023 iX3 largely carries that DNA forward. It feels more engaging and purposeful than many electric SUVs, though not quite as dynamic as BMW’s petrol/diesel X3 due to the weight bias of batteries. The ride is balanced — firm enough to inspire confidence, supple enough for everyday cruising. 

Efficiency & Charging

Charging speeds for the 2023 model are reasonable but not class‑leading:

• Fast DC charging around up to about 150 kW on capable chargers

• 0–80 % DC charges in roughly 30–40 min depending on station and conditions 

Efficiency on long trips and motorway runs is decent for an EV of its generation, but the usable range and charging performance do feel dated compared with 2025/2026 newcomers with 800V tech and bigger batteries.

Verdict

BMW iX3 (2023)

It’s not the EV revolution some hoped for at the time, but as a first‑generation electric X3 it struck a smart balance of usability, comfort and brand identity. For family buyers or those stepping up from combustion SUVs, it remained a compelling choice — especially on the used market. 

2023 Model Score

• Driving Feel: 8.0/10

• Range & Efficiency: 7.5/10

• Interior & Practicality: 8.0/10

• Charging/Tech: 7.0/10

• Overall Value: 8.0/10