This is an exciting time for BMW. The company’s UK CEO, David George, has confirmed that we can expect to see more than 40 new vehicles by the end of 2027. The first of the ‘Neue Klasse’ (New Class) range of cars is the iX3, launched earlier this year to UK media at the firm’s UK base in Farnborough. I was lucky enough to attend.

What made the headlines was the fact that we were told that up to 500 miles of range might be possible in ideal conditions. On the launch, my test car was certainly good for over 450 miles, but how would a similar car fare on Yorkshire’s demanding roads? I had a week to find out.

My test car was finished in ‘Polarised Grey’ paint, an £875 option. I’m not sure it is the most flattering colour, but other more vibrant colours are most certainly available. Immediately noticeable is the smaller front grille, less brash and a distinct improvement over some of the German manufacturer’s recent offerings.

There’s a lot of tech in the new iX3, so much so that on the launch each journalist was assigned a member of the BMW team to talk us through it all, before we ventured out onto Hampshire’s roads. Most of it was easy to grasp, and back behind the wheel again it all felt very familiar.

Most noticeable is the new Panoramic iDrive which is a slim display that spans the full width of the car, just below the windscreen. Vital information is shown in front of the driver, such as range and speed. However, the rest of the display is fully customisable, and there’s fun to be had dropping in your favourite widgets. The central touchscreen is angles towards the driver and there are further controls on the steering wheel, the design of which was rather unusual on my test car. I’m not sure I’m a fan.

The iX3 was designed as an EV from the start, with its battery sandwiched in the floorplan. As a result, interior space is generous in both front and rear. Boot is a massive 520-litres and there’s a small frunk ideal for muddy boots or charging cables.

There will be a full range of iX3 models, but initially all are 50 xDrive models with 463hp. Prices start at £57,750, though BMW expect most buyers to upgrade to an M Sport (£61,255). M Sport Pro models can be had for a further £1,500. All are extremely well equipped as standard, but most will likely raid the extensive options list.

My ‘base’ test car was modestly specified with ‘just’ £5,750 worth of options, the most noticeable of which was the £1,700 Technology Pack (head-up display, Harman/Kardon audio and 3-zone air conditioning). So, £64,262.50 as driven.

I’ve owned quite a few BMWs and driven plenty, and overall, the marque still caters for the keen driver. The iX3 is simplicity itself to drive. Climb aboard, foot firmly on the brake, and engage drive, and you’re off. The iX3 is a quick car with a 0-60mph sprint time of well under 5 seconds. With 645Nm of torque, instant acceleration is available at any speed, and the iX3 will finally run out of puff at 130mph, perhaps important for German autobahn cruisers.

Traction from the 4WD system ensures all that power can be deployed safely, and the brakes are powerful and easy to modulate. There’s a ‘Soft Stop’ function, so no jerky pull-ups at traffic lights and junctions. It’s a slightly odd sensation.

Many heavy EVs (the iX3 weighs in at over 2,300kg) don’t ride especially well, but I found the BMW coped admirably with Yorkshire’s pock-marked roads. Only the very deepest craters made a small impression. I did try ‘Sport’ mode, which is accompanied by some wooshing noises, but I preferred a more relaxed pace.

On some of the faster roads I was pleased to find the iX3 resisted body roll and was quick to change direction. It’s no sports car, but it's undoubtedly better than most of its SUV rivals and one in which the solo driver can have fun on some favourite roads. The car’s width did cause me a few breathe-in moments on some of the narrower roads that I frequently drive on.

Returning to the range, the spec sheet accompanying the car suggested up to 498 miles might be possible for this car. A little local running around and some faster drives through the Dales may not have best suited the range, but certainly 450 miles was easily attainable. Lower speeds, a driver with a gentler right foot and 500 miles may well be achievable. It’s more than enough for all users.

Find a fast charger, and the iX3 can accept charging speeds up to 400kW, so any stop will be brief. Just 10 minutes could add over 200 miles of range.

The iX3 has some built-in self-driving technology, such as a self-parking function. It works well for those that struggle to parallel park or reverse into a parking bay. If you have the BMW app on your phone, you can even use it to move the car backwards and forwards, ideal if you have an especially narrow garage. And should the UK government allow it, the iX3 will be able to be fully self-driving. I have mixed feelings about that.

Test cars come and go; some are soon forgotten. The iX3 will be remembered. This striking new model excels in almost all areas. It's spacious, good to drive, efficient and, in my eyes at least, looks good. I look forward to the raft of new BMWs to come, but in the meantime, the iX3 looks likely to cause a stir on the new car market. I would be happy to own one.

Fast Facts (as tested)
BMW iX3 50 xDrive
Price with options £64,262.50
463hp & 645Nm
0-62mph in 4.9 seconds
Top speed 130mph
Electric range up to 498 miles
Unladen weight 2,360kg