Test Drive: The New BMW iX3 Offers Fun in an Electric Vehicle

The front of the new BMW iX3 parked at Incheon Wangsan Marina. [Photo by Oh Joo-seok]

The new BMW iX3 proves that the joy of driving can coexist with the electric vehicle era. During a test drive on June 18 at the BMW Driving Center in Incheon, Yeongjongdo, the iX3 showcased a blend of German driving dynamics and cutting-edge technology, marking the beginning of a new generation.
The fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is the first model to feature BMW's new 'Neue Klasse' design philosophy. This approach goes beyond simply electrifying internal combustion engines; it involves a complete redesign of software, battery systems, and vehicle structure from the ground up. BMW aims to set new standards for driving in the electric age with this ambitious project.
On the high-speed circuit, the new iX3 exhibited quick and responsive movements. While many electric vehicles prioritize quietness and efficiency, the iX3 retained BMW's signature solid driving feel and immediate responsiveness.

Activating the sport mode tightened the driver's seat, enhancing the immersive driving experience with a lively sound reminiscent of internal combustion engines. The accelerator responded instantly, and the vehicle maintained a stable posture while navigating corners, offering a driving sensation akin to that of a sports car rather than the usual blandness associated with electric vehicles.
BMW attributes this impressive driving performance to its new driving control system, 'Heart of Joy.' Based on a proprietary software stack called 'BMW Dynamic Performance Control,' it integrates acceleration, steering, and braking. This system is enhanced by four 'super brains' that provide up to 20 times the computational power of previous models, allowing the vehicle to operate as a cohesive unit.
With data processing speeds up to ten times faster than before, the iX3 can control the vehicle in increments of 0.001 seconds, achieving excellent traction, stability, and efficient regenerative braking.

The vehicle's control capabilities were particularly evident on the slalom course, where it demonstrated remarkable stability, with water remaining in a cup placed on the car's roof. This precision in vehicle control highlights BMW's direction in the electrification era.
An unusual experiential program allowed participants to sit in the back seat of the new iX3, blindfolded, and attempt to guess when the vehicle would stop. Wearing black blindfolds and earplugs, participants raised a sign when they thought the car had halted. This method was reminiscent of the Netflix show 'Black and White Chef.' However, the smoothness of the braking made it challenging to accurately predict the stopping point.
This smoothness is attributed to BMW's newly implemented 'soft stop' feature. The new iX3 primarily uses regenerative braking for most everyday stops, minimizing jolts when coming to a complete stop.
The approximately 30-kilometer route from the BMW Driving Center to Wangsan Marina also showcased the vehicle's performance on regular roads. One of the first features that caught the driver's eye was the 'Panoramic iDrive,' a first for BMW.
Instead of a traditional dashboard, vehicle information is displayed across the entire lower section of the windshield, providing a fresh perspective. Key information, including current speed, driving direction, traffic camera data, and battery level, stretches from the left to the right pillars. The T-map-based navigation system is also intuitively arranged for ease of use.
At the Wangsan Marina parking lot, the automatic parking feature was activated, allowing the steering wheel to maneuver the vehicle into a parking space autonomously. This enhancement reflects not only advancements in electrification technology but also improvements in everyday convenience features.

The vehicle is equipped with BMW's sixth-generation eDrive system. It features next-generation cylindrical batteries that increase energy density by 20% compared to previous models, while improving driving range and charging speed by 30%. With a 113.4 kWh battery, the iX3 can travel up to 805 kilometers (WLTP standard) and a maximum of 611 kilometers under domestic certification. A rapid charge of just 10 minutes can provide a range of up to 372 kilometers.
Another key feature of the BMW iX3 is its Vehicle to Load (V2L) capability, allowing the vehicle to supply power externally. This feature enhances the practicality of the electric vehicle for camping and outdoor activities.

* This article has been translated by AI.