Living with the BMW iX3: Our long-term report starts now!

We were lucky enough to secure one of the first customer allocations for a BMW iX3 50 xDrive, and over the coming months we will be sharing what it’s actually like to live with.

Our iX3 will serve as both a daily commuter and a family car for longer journeys, giving us plenty of opportunities to test it in very different scenarios. Rather than judging it over a few days, we will be able to see how well the iX3 50 xDrive performs once the novelty wears off and everyday life takes over.

Configuration

Since we were able to configure the car ourselves, every major option was chosen with a purpose.

Starting with the wheels, we opted for the smaller 20-inch aerodynamic set. The larger alternatives arguably look better, but improved range and ride comfort matter considerably more to us on a car that will cover plenty of kilometers.

We also chose the M-Sport steering wheel. This decision was almost entirely subjective, as neither design is particularly conventional, but we simply prefer it to the standard wheel with its unusual center spoke. Calling ours normal would still be generous, but everything is relative.

Brooklyn Grey was chosen for the exterior, paired with a white interior. There is some practical thinking behind the combination. Since ventilated seats are not available even as an option and we expect to park the car outside extensively during summer, the lighter cabin should absorb less heat.

We selected the standard seats instead of the M-Sport alternatives for another practical reason. Besides being more comfortable on longer journeys, the front passenger headrest can be removed, allowing the seat to fold almost completely flat. This creates enough room for particularly long items such as surfboards, something we expect to make good use of.

The Innovation Package was another easy choice, mainly because it includes the upgraded Harman/Kardon sound system and a head-up display. Good audio matters to us, while the HUD adds another convenient layer of information directly in the driver’s line of sight. The Panoramic Vision display already performs a similar role, but having both certainly does not hurt.

Finally, we opted for the 22 kW AC charger because we have access to the needed infrastructure. Selecting this option also adds V2L functionality, allowing the iX3 to power external devices from its battery, which we assume could prove useful during future trips.

Conclusion

We configured our BMW iX3 50 xDrive around the way we actually intend to use it, rather than simply ticking every available option. Each choice has a practical reason behind it, and since we plan to keep the car for at least a few years, we will have plenty of time to find out whether we made the right decisions.

Ask us questions! We will be sharing our personal experiences but will also love to answer any questions you might have.