BMW’s new iX3, built on the innovative “Neue Klasse” platform, addresses a key concern for electric vehicle drivers: long-distance travel. This battery-powered SUV offers an impressive driving range and fast charging performance.

The impressive speed of the new iX3 SUV comes from its advanced 800V system. BMW states it can handle a maximum of 400 kW of direct current (DC) fast charging, thanks to its sixth-generation battery technology with new cylindrical cells that charge faster and store more energy than older types. Under ideal conditions, the iX3 can go from 10% to 80% charge in just 21 minutes.

Naturally, manufacturers’ claims often look best on paper, but a recent real-world test in Spain showed just how close the BMW iX3 comes to its potential. Journalists took the iX3 50 xDrive to an Ionity charging station, which offers up to 350 kW of power.

With the car’s navigation system set up to precondition the battery for the charging stop, the iX3 was ready. Plugged in at a still-healthy 45% SoC, the iX3 immediately hit a peak charge rate of 321 kW. That is seriously fast for a battery that is almost half full. Even as the battery filled up (that’s when the speed typically drops further), the car still managed to add a remarkable 21 kWh of energy in just five minutes, averaging about 250 kW for the session.

The new iX3 50 xDrive has a substantial 108.7 kWh battery pack, which translates into an excellent range that puts most range anxiety fears to rest. Official European tests (WLTP) rate the iX3’s driving distance at up to 805 km on a full charge. Even conservative estimates put the real-world range well over 600 km, making cross-country trips a non-issue.

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