2022 BMW iX3 G08 gains facelift

The all-electric BMW iX3 has been given an early facelift, to keep the SUV in line with the combustion-engined X3 and plug-in hybrid edition, which the iX3 is closely based upon. Tweaked iX3’s will start rolling out of BMW’s factory in Shenyang, China from September and cost from £59,730, £880 more than the Premier Editions that kicked off sales of the electric iX3.

BMW has seen fit to adjust the iX3’s styling, fitting a new front bumper, slim LED headlights and deeper kidney grilles with new dimpled inserts. There’s also a new lower splitter, while the air intakes are picked out with blue highlights. A similar treatment has been applied at the rear, where there are blue bumper inserts in place of exhaust pipes and new LED rear light clusters.

The infotainment system has also been given an upgrade, increasing the central display from 10.25 to 12.3-inches, to match the size of the digital instruments. M Sport is now the entry trim level for UK buyers, with features including leather upholstery in a choice of four colours and standard electric seats, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, powered boot, and adaptive suspension. Buyers can also upgrade to the iX3 M Sport Pro, which starts from £62,730. This adds a head-up display, Harman Kardon surround sound audio system, gesture control for the rear tailgate, self-parking and tinted headlights. It also gets a different soundtrack as you drive, developed with composer Hans Zimmer.

The latest iX3’s powertrain remains unchanged to before, with a 282bhp electric motor sending power to the rear wheels and providing 0-62mph acceleration in 6.8 seconds. It’s supplied by an 80kWh battery pack, for a range of up to 287 miles between charges. It can rapid charge at up to 150kW, taking the battery from zero to 80 per cent in just 32 minutes.