BMW iX3 flexes its hyper-charging speeds in real-world test

BMW's new iX3, built on the revolutionary "Neue Klasse" platform, promises to solve the biggest worries many drivers still have about EVs: long trips. This new battery-powered SUV offers a long driving range, and it brings charging performance that few rivals can match.

The secret to this speed lies in the advanced 800V system on which this new SUV is built. BMW officially states the new iX3 can handle an incredible maximum of 400 kW of direct current (DC) fast charging. This massive power flow is made possible by the car's sixth-generation battery technology, which uses new cylindrical cells that pack more energy and charge quicker than the older, prismatic types. BMW predicts that under ideal conditions, the iX3 can go from a nearly empty 10% charge up to 80% in only 21 minutes.

Naturally, manufacturers' claims often look best on paper, but a recent real-world test in Spain showed just how close the BMW iX3 comes to its potential. Journalists took the iX3 50 xDrive to an Ionity charging station, which offers up to 350 kW of power.

With the car's navigation system set up to precondition the battery for the charging stop, the iX3 was ready. Plugged in at a still-healthy 45% SoC, the iX3 immediately hit a peak charge rate of 321 kW. That is seriously fast for a battery that almost half full. Even as the battery filled up (that's when the speed typically drops further), the car still managed to add a remarkable 21 kWh of energy in just five minutes, averaging about 250kW for the session.

The new iX3 50 xDrive has a substantial 108.7 kWh battery pack, which translates into an excellent range that puts most range anxiety fears to rest. Official European tests (WLTP) rate the iX3's driving distance at up to 500 miles on a full charge. Even conservative estimates put the real-world range well over 373 miles, making cross-country trips a non-issue.

Performance is equally strong, thanks to the all-wheel-drive "xDrive" system powered by dual motors that deliver a combined 469 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. This allows the sizable SUV to leap from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 130 mph.

But impressive electrical features aside, the iX3 still needs to be a useful family vehicle. The SUV stretches to 15.68 ft in length and 6.2 ft in width, with a height of 5.35 ft. A long 9.48 ft wheelbase ensures plenty of space inside for passengers. When it comes to hauling luggage, the iX3 offers 18.4 ft³ of storage space behind the rear seats, which expands to a massive 61.8 ft³ when the seats are folded down. Best of all, the iX3 even includes a small storage space under the hood, which adds another 2.05 ft³ of practical space.

This combination of breakthrough charging technology, long range, and practical size puts the new iX3 at the forefront of the premium EV market. With a starting price of around $79,700 in Europe, this new electric BMW shows that the compromise between performance and range is finally disappearing.

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