The pure electric BMW iX3 SUV has landed in UK show rooms with prices starting from £60K. That represents a £16K premium over the fossil fuel power X3 siblings. The iX3 is based on the current X3, BMW stripped the combustion engine out and basically fitted a battery pack and electric motor. The new BMW iX3 SUV will launch with an exclusive Premier edition for the UK market. It will be the brand’s first model to be built for export at the Shenyang plant in China, which is operated by the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive.

The iX3’s drive system unit generates maximum output of 286 hp and peak torque of 295 lb-ft which, unlike with many other electric motors, is sustained at high revs. This allows for a sprint time from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds, equivalent to the BMW X3 xDrive30i. Top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph. Power is sent to the rear wheels.

Blue accents for both the exterior and interior of the new BMW iX3 allude to the presence of its electric drive system. The versatility of the iX3 is confirmed by spaciousness on a par with that of conventionally powered BMW X3 variants. Thanks to the 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear seat backrest, boot capacity can be increased from 510 to a maximum of 1,560 litres.

The standard-fit BMW Live Cockpit Professional offers a fully-digital screen grouping comprising a high-resolution 12.3 inch instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch Central Control Display. Also standard is optimised smartphone integration; in addition to Apple CarPlay, the new iX3 is also compatible with Android Auto.