[Star Test Drive] BMW iX3: This is not the BMW you know

*This content was translated by AI.

Star One-Line Review

A completely different BMW made by BMW, the 'New Class'

GOOD

- Even for those who already own a BMW, there are many things to boast about

- It is so new that it goes beyond a generational replacement; it is a 'BMW replacement' model

BAD

- It will surely be different from the BMW i3, i8, and iX?

- Premium maker electric vehicles are not selling poorly because they are bad

Competing Models

- Audi Q6 e-tron: A 'this month's promotion' that overwhelms all numbers

- Porsche Macan EV: Expectations placed on the Porsche badge are higher

The BMW iX3 is the company's first SUV created for mass production in the electrification era. The reason for setting the vehicle class with the number '3' for mass production was that, to anyone's eye, it was the class where BMW could concentrate its driving performance and sales capabilities. The starting price of 79.9 million won also clearly shows the effort made to qualify for subsidies.

The BMW iX3 is a vehicle where almost all of BMW's capabilities are fully concentrated. Starting with the FACTO open body structure, the core of the electric vehicle, the battery, has also been changed to a cylindrical type. The electric motor is also in its sixth generation, with 123 kW for the front wheel and 240 kW for the rear wheel, delivering a combined output of 469 horsepower. In addition, the core ECU device that distinguishes the new 'Heart of Joy' class has been improved, drastically reducing driving-related feedback time. This makes it possible to claim that it has opened a completely different era of BMW, distinct from the internal combustion era.

Above all, the sixth-generation eDrive system is impressive. By improving the body structure and overhauling the electrification powertrain components, it has improved efficiency by 30% compared to the previous generation as a pure electric vehicle. The driving range is 611 km, showing overwhelming performance even when compared to competing models. However, BMW intentionally emphasized the WLTP standard of 805 km rather than the domestic standard. Additionally, a new sense called 'Symbiotic Drive,' which emphasizes the unity between the driver and the vehicle, has been newly reflected. The sensory effort to maximize the alignment between the driver's intention and the vehicle's handling sensation, a collaboration of 'Heart of Joy' and 'Superbrain,' also caught the eye.

Design, capturing both BMW's tradition and future

BMW is the brand that has made the most effort over the longest time to truly lead the electrification era. The shock of unveiling the BMW i3 and i8 in 2013 is still vivid. Since then, the BMW iX and XM have shown overwhelming appearances, to the extent that they are called the 'Bavarian Shock.' When this BMW introduced the design of the iX3, the first design model it presented was the 1960 New Class. It can be interpreted not merely as a generational replacement model, but as BMW's answer to the era's demand for electrification.

The front features the character lines of the 1960s New Class front end transferred to LED lamps. The kidney grille embodies symbolism rather than the functionality of a 'grille,' and the same applies to the left and right headlamps. True to its SAV nature, the body is tall and robust, finishing with shoulder lines. Looking from the side and rear, there is a mix of heavily muscled fender lines and intricate character lines. In detail, the window lines have no molding, and flush-type door handles, a rear diffuser, L-shaped rear lamps, and large wheel arches are used to present a smooth and clean appearance.

The interior is the highlight of the BMW iX3. The first thing that draws the eye is the steering wheel. It looks as if it was taken directly from a concept car. It is novel and also applies haptic response in terms of functionality, making it completely different from previous BMWs. Turning the steering wheel all the way to the end takes 2.3 turns, which is tighter than a typical sedan. The seats feel slightly flat, but switching to sports mode tightens the support around the waist.

The 17.5-inch large central display is angled in a diamond shape, and panoramic vision is placed between the dashboard and the windows along with the head-up display, making the 'New Class' feel real. Even on bright days when sunlight is breaking through, the resolution is clear, fast, and accurate. It was a moment that elevated the digital experience inside the vehicle to a new level.

469 Horsepower and the Harmony of Charging Performance and Efficiency

In the electrification era, output competition is different from the internal combustion era. The BMW iX3 boasts three major output figures. First, battery capacity of 113.4 kWh. Second, driving range of 805 km based on WLTP (611 km based on domestic standards). Third, charging performance of 350 kW to 400 kW. Just these numbers alone show that performance completely different from currently available competitors is possible. In the electrification era, numbers are everything.

When you take the key, shift the gear, and press the accelerator, the car starts moving. There is no ignition process, as if there were no instrument panel. The steering feel is exactly as per BMW's tradition. From low speed to high speed, nothing broke the silence except for the low hum of the electric motor and tire noise. Even when encountering sharp corners, it corners like a dart, and the braking power is flawless. Especially impressive is the ability to control front-to-back and left-to-right swaying. It is so stable that one might doubt if such body movement was possible by any magic. Although it is collectively called Symbiotic Drive, I wanted to dig deeper to resolve the curiosity.

After finishing the short test drive and getting out of the car, I thought again about what BMW had done. They did not make the electric BMW iX3 look like just a drivable electric vehicle. If you need a usable electric vehicle, buy a Model Y. The BMW iX3 put the future value of electric vehicles defined by themselves onto BMW's traditional foundation. It is not only about being BMW-like when driving, but also about completely redesigning from A to Z what charging and the in-vehicle software experience mean. The BMW iX3 is a model like a watershed dividing BMW's internal combustion and electrification eras. This is the path of a premium maker.

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*This content was translated by AI.