The electric SUV model BMW iX3 achieved the best result so far in the well-known 1,000-kilometer driving test, conducted by Bjørn Nyland. The test, which includes real driving conditions on the highway with detailed monitoring of time and charging, showed that the iX3 can complete the given section in 8 hours and 55 minutes, thus surpassing all previous electric SUV models.
It is important to emphasize that the result was not achieved under ideal circumstances. The test was conducted at temperatures around zero, which negatively affects the autonomy of the battery. In addition, the test model used 21-inch wheels instead of smaller ones, which reduced the declared WLTP range by about 23 kilometers. Despite this, the iX3 managed to outperform models such as the Mercedes EQS 450+ and Mercedes CLA, which were tested in more favorable weather conditions.
A record result despite the demanding conditions
The key to the success of this model lies in the combination of a large battery capacity, fast charging and efficiency that remains stable even at higher speeds on the highway. Most electric vehicles can excel in one or two of these areas, but the iX3 manages to combine them without obvious compromises, with a powerful 469 hp powertrain and plenty of room for passengers.
Prior to this test, the iX3 had already demonstrated its long-distance potential by driving from the BMW plant in Debrecen to Munich without stopping for refueling, with a moderate driving mode. According to factory data, the iX3 50 xDrive version offers a WLTP range of between 677–805 km depending on wheel configuration, while preliminary EPA estimates go up to around 644 km.
The difference between WLTP and EPA standards, which is about 20%, is expected and in line with the industry average. The Chinese CLTC cycle gives even more optimistic values, with an estimated 900 kilometers of autonomy.
It is interesting that the sedan model BMW i3 sedan further raises the bar thanks to better aerodynamics, with a WLTP range of around 900 kilometers. This indicates that this model could achieve even better results in an identical test.
The result of the iX3 model shows that the electric SUV segment is developing rapidly and that the combination of efficiency and performance is becoming an increasingly important factor in real driving conditions, reports BMW Blog.