BMW reveals electric iX3 updates

BMW has already launched a range of changes to its all-electric iX3 SUV, despite having only been on sale a short time.

If you're wondering why, and so were we to be honest, the reason behind this unusual move is to bring the electric model in line with the rest of the X3 range.

Business customers will now benefit from styling tweaks that reflect designs seen on the likes of the iX and i4 all-electric models, as well as a new M Sport trim level and enhanced standard specification.

What remains the same is the 286 hp electric powertrain, backed by an 80 kWh battery, which offers drivers low running costs with a long electric driving range. The BMW i3X will travel up to 286 miles on a charge and costs nothing in terms of VED. The real plus for company car business drivers, however, is that company car tax is just 1% until the end of FY 2021/2, and then rises to 2%. For a 40% tax payer that's a monthly BIK bill from just shy of £20 per month.

If you do choose to lease the iX3 as your next company car, then you will also get access to BMW Charging, a comprehensive public charge point access set-up across the UK and Europe, currently allowing use of more than 8,500 AC and 1,500 DC charge points in this country alone, all through a single RFID card.

By adding the BP Pulse package, that adds mode than 5,500 additional charge points, with Europe-wide charging available at 162,000 AC and 11,000 DC chargers. Available networks include Osprey, Source London, InstaVolt, Ionity, and ESB.

Two trim levels are available, with M Sport kicking off the current range, and an M Sport Pro specification coming in above. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloys, adaptive suspension, automatic tailgate, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, and M Sport sports styling details.

Also fitted as standard are heated electric seats, Sensatec dashboard, leather upholstery, wireless phone charger, and suite of driver assistance systems. M Sport Pro adds the likes of a head-up display, Harman Kardon audio system, gesture control, park assist plus, and BMW IconicSounds Electric.

A further two exclusive to the UK trims are also slated to arrive in 2021 called Premier Edition and Premier Edition Pro.

First UK deliveries will start in December 2021, and to be among the first to get behind the wheel, keep an eye open for BMW iX3 leasing offers here .