Why do car experts love the BMW iX3 so much?
January 24, 2026 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
You might have seen the BMW iX3 picking up loads of awards from motoring titles over the last few months, but what is it about this electric SUV which makes it so good? News editor Jamie Edkins explains.
Few cars have caused quite such a stir over the past few months as the BMW iX3. You might’ve seen this bold electric SUV pick up quite a few awards from various motoring titles, including the Carwow Tech Trailblazer award.
Our BMW iX3 review is also one of the most-read reviews on Carwow right now, so why is there so much hype around this car? Well, I’ve been behind the wheel, so I can tell you there are a lot of reasons that this is one of the best EVs on the market right now.
BMW iX3: why is this car important?
Before we get into the car itself, we need to rewind to before the iX3 was launched.
A few years ago BMW revealed the Neue Klasse (New Class) concept, which was a design study which showed us what its models of the future would look like. The Neue Klasse was more than just a concept car as well, it’s the name BMW gives to its new electric car platform which will shape every new EV from the brand going forward.
A platform is the collective name for a collection of parts and technology which underpins a car, and the Neue Klasse platform promised up to 500 miles of range, revolutionary new infotainment technology and electric cars which are just as fun to drive as a petrol alternative.
These are all very bold claims, so anticipation was high for a model to launch using these parts. Despite the concept being a 3 Series-sized saloon, the BMW iX3 SUV was the first car to debut on the Neue Klasse platform.
After reporting on this tech for about three years, I was very excited to get behind the wheel for the first time.
Driving the BMW iX3: does it live up to the hype?
In short, yes. The new BMW iX3 is one of the best all-round electric SUVs on sale right now.
I wasn’t convinced by the aggressive styling in pictures, but it looks much better in the metal – to my eye at least. It’s modern and muscular, giving it proper road presence.
And the interior is even more impressive. The iX3 is the first car to use BMW’s “Panoramic Vision Display”, which is a huge wraparound screen at the base of the windscreen. It not only looks cool, it shows you all of your driving and entertainment information in your direct eyeline.
I did find it a bit overwhelming at first, especially when used in combination with the head-up display, but you do get used to it after a while. The massive infotainment system is also quick to respond to your inputs and it’s packed with features, although it does take a while to learn your way around the menus.
Interior quality is excellent, as you’d expect from a £60,000 BMW, and I quite like the dashboard layout as well. Everything feels centred around the driver, and the seating position is also spot on.
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All that is great, but it’s out on the road that the BMW iX3 impresses the most. This is a big, tall and heavy electric SUV, but it tackles corners like something much lighter. The steering is direct, there’s hardly any body roll and it feels really agile.
But this sharp handling doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, because this car glides over bumps in the road. That illusion of lightness makes itself known here as well, because whereas most two-tonne SUVs thud over potholes and speed bumps, the iX3 is completely unphased by them.
It’s also smooth and quiet on the motorway, and models on 20-inch alloy wheels get up to 500 miles of range. That made it the longest-range EV you could buy until the Volvo EX60 rocked up with an extra three miles.
Conclusion: Is the BMW iX3 worthy of all the praise?
It wasn’t just me who came away from the BMW iX3 raving about how good it was, because it’s picking up four and five star ratings from almost every motoring expert in the country. It’s also won several awards, including our Tech Trailblazer trophy in the Carwow Car Of The Year Awards 2026.
So in short, yes. The BMW iX3 really is deserving of all the love it gets. It’s a brilliant all-round electric car.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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