BMW iX3 G08 vs BMW X3 G01

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

The first-generation iX3 (G08), BMW’s electric mid-size SUV on the X3’s CLAR platform.

BMW X3

G01 · 2017 – 2024

The third-generation X3 (G01), on the CLAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX3

Pick the G08 for the electric X3 with a single rear motor, ~74 kWh usable battery and up to ~500 km WLTP range.

Best engine: The iX3 (286 hp, rear-wheel drive) — the only powertrain.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X3

Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (diesel).

Read the full guide

Performance

iX3 · Electric vs B48 20i · Petrol

	BMW iX3	BMW X3
Power	286 hp Winner	184 hp
Torque	400 Nm Winner	290 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,8 s Winner	8,3 s
Top speed	180 km/h	215 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	131,2 hp/t Winner	105,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	154 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	6,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX3	BMW X3
Boot	510 L	550 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.560 L	1.600 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m	2,86 m
Length	4,73 m	4,71 m
Ground clearance	17,9 cm	20,4 cm
Turning circle	12,1 m	12,0 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX3	BMW X3
Platform	CLAR (electric)	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)	B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e PHEV
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX3

12V battery issues (occasional reports)
Parking-sensor/camera faults and interior rattles
Higher tyre wear due to weight and torque

BMW X3

EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage

Pros

BMW iX3

Facelift (2021) brought better efficiency and range
~74 kWh net battery with 471–505 km WLTP (post-facelift)
DC fast charging up to 150 kW (10–80% in ~32–34 min)

BMW X3

Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
Big boot & roomy rear seat
Strong, efficient B-series engines

Cons

BMW iX3

Rear-wheel drive only, no xDrive
No frunk, despite the EV concept

BMW X3

Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
Pricier than most rivals

Driving experience

BMW iX3

The iX3 is refined and composed rather than playful. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels stable and secure at speed. Ride quality is firm but generally well-controlled — better than many early EVs on adaptive suspension, though larger wheels and the M Sport suspension make it busier over poor surfaces. Instant torque makes it quick off the line, and the single-motor rear-drive layout gives balanced, predictable handling without the artificial feel of some dual-motor systems. Cabin noise is low; wind and tyre roar are the main sounds at motorway speeds. Regenerative braking is strong and well-calibrated (one-pedal driving is possible). Overall it drives like a polished, slightly firmer X3 with electric silence and response — competent and relaxing rather than involving.

BMW X3

Poised, accurate and remarkably car-like for an SUV. Steering is quick, well-weighted and precise, body control taut, and the X3 corners with the composure of a lower, lighter car. xDrive brings tenacious all-weather grip and a neutral, rear-biased balance, while the rare sDrive is lighter and more playful. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed on rough roads, if a touch firm on big wheels. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and eager, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive30e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, driver-focused SUV that shrinks around you on a good road.