John Challen puts the tech on our iX3 further to the test.

BMW G08 iX3 Premier Edition Pro   

P11d (BiK): £59,675 (2%) Range: 281 miles (claimed) On Fleet range: 260 miles Test efficiency: 3.5mpkWh   

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The iX’s audio display doesn’t show a full readout of songs that are playing

It’s taken a while, but I’ve discovered a couple of things about the iX3 that are just a little bit of a pain. Don’t get me wrong, I still rate this battery-powered BMW as one of the most complete cars out there – and does almost everything very well. However, perfection isn’t really something that’s achieved often – and not in the automotive world.

First up is the audio display – on both displays in front of me. Specifically, it’s the fact that neither show a full readout of songs that are playing. Maybe it’s because of my age, but I sometimes struggle to remember the names of tracks from my youth(!). As if not bad enough, feel my pain when I’m trying to be down with the kids, and listening to the latest drill banger, and I’m largely at a loss. Occasionally the vital information scrolls across the screen, but other times, nothing. That’s the case for both the main dashboard display as well as the central screen. Comparing notes with another iX3 driver, I’m not alone – but I’m not sure if it’s anything that could be fixed with a software update or similar. And it’s not exactly a deal-breaker, despite the frustration of song names that sometimes remain a mystery to me.

The other quirk I’ve found is in the electric mileage range gauge, which, on more than one occasion, has taken it upon itself to reset without any driver intervention. Just the other day, I started out a 200-mile journey with 171 miles in the ‘tank’. Not a problem for light foot Challen (I’ve found my average speeds have gone down since driving EVs regularly) because I knew the iX3 would recalibrate as I progressed on my journey. And so it turned out – I got to 130 miles left with 139 miles of available range. Only then, it jumped down to 119, which meant I was left pondering fast chargers for a ‘splash and dash’. Thankfully it righted itself but, once again, I was left a little disappointed. Well, no, actually I was more confused – wondering why things like that happen and whether they can be ‘fixed’.

But then I guess no-one – or no car – is perfect…

The ‘IconicSounds Electric’ feature comes with four settings

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A lot of modern cars – like smartphones – have so much technology that ultimately goes untouched or unexplored by drivers. I’m conscious not to let that happen, so I’ve been playing around with the iX3’s many features to see how they improve (hopefully) the driving experience. 

First up is the ‘IconicSounds Electric’ feature – technology developed in collaboration with legendary film score composer Hans Zimmer, For starters, don’t make the mistake of thinking this is anything to do with the Harman/Kardon sound system – although we are big fans of that particular bit of kit in the BMW. No, this is technology that creates sounds that *checks notes* “reflect the specific performance characteristics of the drive system on board and the signature attributes of an electrified BMW in a completely new yet wholly authentic way”. 

In short, it gives the vehicle a more ‘traditional’ noise typically associated with vehicles powered by an engine. There are four settings: ‘depending on driving mode’, sporty, balanced and off. Having had the system stuck in the first one, I opted for sporty and wasn’t disappointed. However, my reaction probably wasn’t what Herr Zimmer and co had in mind – or maybe it was, because I found the emitted noise hilarious. In a good way, I should add – there’s something comforting about the sounds of acceleration and to have it replicated in such a way is a positive in my mind. 

Yes, it’s clearly manufactured – and one of the benefits of EVs is their near-silent operation – but it’s a welcome addition. Maybe it’s better suited to urban driving as there seems less of a point having the sound on when cruising motorways, which is where the other modes come in.  

I’ve subsequently gone 180-degrees and turned it off to get the opposite experience. I have to say, it’s equally nice to be floating around in near silence – apart from the minor tyre and motor noise emitted from the SUV.   

Our new iX3 long termer

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It’s not often that I get into a car and feel instantly at home. But that was the case with our latest fleet addition, the iX3. We’re big fans of the BMW product range, so it should come as no surprise that a few moments with the new EV should create such a reaction. It’s comfortable, spacious, got a decent driving range and is generally a very nice place to be.

I’ve racked up quite a few miles already – trips to Manchester and the Midlands have tested how accurate that range is – and arrived pretty fresh at my destination each time. We’ve opted for the Premier Edition Pro, which means a whole host of comfort, safety and convenience options. Standard bits include automatic air conditioning, adaptive suspension, 20-inch black alloys and sportsseats upfront.

Meanwhile, the extra options as part of the Premier Edition Pro spec include front heated seats, head-up display, high-beam assist and a very impressive Harman/Kardon sound system.

One option however that I have struggled with on more than one occasion is ‘gesture control’, which often appears too clever for its own good. Any inadvertent hand movements can result in the radio changing channel or a change in the volume. I’m struggling to see the point of it, if I’m honest, but I’ll persevere…

Other than that, the iX3 appears to be an almost perfect package. The latest version of iDrive works pretty seamlessly, smartphone connectivity is instant and, even though it’s totally subjective, I think it looks great!

John Challen