2025/6 BMW iX3

It did a bit, I suppose the centre console is half the width roughly the X5 is, but on saying that, it was spacious. Sitting behind myself, there was loads of legroom, and no transmission tunnel means middle seat is more useable. When I say smaller, I’m meaning overall size really.

It’s lower, probably by 100mm or so. Overall, there is plenty of space, Center console has nice space under also. Loved the panoramic instrument screen, overall I probably will go for one. Hesitating about losing the bulk, safety, height and copious space of the X5 but for myself and wifey, more than enough space in the X3. Plus would be easier to park and manoeuvre in multi-storeys. And yeah, it’s really comfy for a steel suspension versus the air suspension on the X5, feels nearly as good, it sure how it would be on 22” though. The acceleration is incredible. Made the X5 feel sluggish.

Ah but they look good!I like the 1050 21” as a fallback though.

Is it jarring though or just sporty? Did you drive any of the other wheel options? When will you have the video up?

Why would you go from an x5 to an ix3? The current x5 is a great machine !

It’s not a bad looking car but I don’t think it looks like a €70K car to be honest.

Even worse.

Clearly enough people disagree with you if there's a 1 year waiting list for delivery. Ultimately part of the pricing equation is "are people willing to pay X for it" and the answer here is yes.

I'd rather focus on this particular car than getting into the typical EV forum playground battles

Idk I personally like the fact that the iX3 is somewhere between an estate and an SUV. I'm fed up with bulkier and bulkier cars, and I like the idea of having what is essentially a taller 3-series.

Pre-orders would suggest plenty of others like these things too!

yes, bmw havent had anything else really that people could go for in that range apart from the IX which is an odd looking car so there is certainly pent up demand for a main stream mid size BMW electric family wagon which this fits. Add in the massive battery which gives impressive range and the fact it isnt 100k its all good!

I had the iX myself for a couple of years, and really loved it, but it just always felt a touch too bulky for what I wanted. Shaving a few cms off each dimension makes me really understand why the iX3 is hitting Car of the Year awards all over the place.

I'm still happy with my Countryman U25 for another year or two though (and I'll have to be, it's not like I'll be able to get an iX3 anytime soon)

Each to their own in terms of what people are willing to pay or rent in the case of PCP customers. They had 3 iX3’s in Conlons Naas this afternoon and the height or lack of it will definitely take some getting used to. In lighter colours it looked more substantial but they had a dark blue one that looked miserable small. I’d find a demo i5 Touring a lot more tempting at that price point.

Impressive. Not as impressive as them boots you had on you. Braver man than I am. Tongues out, funs out. Fair play.

It’s a hell of a range at 130kmph (average), on the biggest wheels.

Irish buyers on normal wheels will do 600km easily enough, doing 80% motorway driving - far more for city driving obviously