Skip the Porsche Macan EV—This plush German rival is cheaper and has more range

Luxury electric vehicles are getting ridiculously expensive. It’s increasingly common to see compact electric crossovers surpass the $80,000 mark once options are added, while offering compromises in terms of range, practicality or driving feel. Badge appeal still carries a lot of weight in this segment, but buyers are starting to ask a pretty reasonable question: How much do you really get for your money?

This is exactly why BMW’s latest electric vehicle SUV It’s so disturbing. It significantly undercuts one of the most sought-after German electric vehicles on the market while still offering a 400-plus mile range, serious straight-line pace, and a truly premium cabin. More importantly, it doesn’t seem like a cheaper alternative. In many ways, it actually feels like the most complete everyday luxury electric vehicle.

BMW also managed to inject something that many electric crossovers still struggle with: personality. Between its bold styling, surprisingly playful chassis, and tech-rich interior, this new electric vehicle seems far more ambitious than just another sensible electric SUV. It’s a statement that luxury buyers may no longer need to pay Porsche money to have a truly premium electric experience.

BMW’s new iX3 gives the Porsche Macan Electric a run for its money

And it will save you thousands of dollars

There’s no denying how alluring the Porsche badge is, even when it comes to electric cars. The German automaker has established itself as one of the most sought-after brands on the market, and its Macan Electric aims to cement that reputation in the world of electric vehicles as well. However, BMW refuses to leave things alone, and their new iX3 not only undercuts the Macan, but it goes further on a single charge.

2027 BMW iX3 Price

While the iX3 nameplate was carried by some cars in other parts of the world, it is completely new in the United States. This new model carries BMW’s Neue Klasse design language. Not only does the iX3 showcase BMW’s prowess in manufacturing electric vehicles, but it also sets the standard for what we should expect from the brand across its entire lineup in the future. It thus constitutes one of the most important BMWs of the modern era.

At launch, BMW will only sell the 50 xDrive model, but we expect the brand to introduce more affordable trim levels later. Although this model is pretty well equipped, we’d add the Professional Driver Assistance Package, which adds hands-free driving software, and the Technology Package, which gives you a head-up display, additional lighting elements, and a premium audio system. Even after all these optional extras, the iX3 still falls short of the Porsche Macan Electric’s $82,650 starting price.

BMW’s electric crossover offers better range and is almost as fast

The iX3 is hot on the heels of the much more expensive Porshce.

Credit: BMW

In top-of-the-line trim, the Macan Electric is capable of rocketing to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds, which is ridiculous for a crossover. However, the iX3 is faster than the most affordable versions of the Macan. On top of that, every iX3 comes with a battery that offers more than 100 miles more range than even the most efficient Macan.

BMW iX3 performance specifications

Base trim motor

Electric

Base Trim Transmission

Single-speed automatic

Basic transmission

All-wheel drive

Basic power

469 hp

Basic trim torque

475 lb-ft

Do

BMW

Model

iX3

As mentioned, the only version of the iX3 currently on sale is the 50 xDrive. This model comes with all-wheel drive and two electric motors. These engines are very powerful, delivering a combined 463 horsepower. This means the crossover is capable of launching to 60 miles per hour in as little as 4.2 seconds. That’s faster than the Macan Base and 4, but slower than the 4S, GTS, and Turbo, all of which approach or exceed a six-figure price tag.

BMW has done some fantastic engineering to make the iX3 a truly enjoyable car to drive. The electric powertrain features a slight rearward bias. In its sportiest driving mode, you can even swivel the rear a bit. Braking and handling are fantastic, especially for a 5,300-pound car, but you still feel that weight in corners. What impresses us the most, however, is how the German automaker has managed to give so much character to the iX3, which we think is quite difficult when creating an electric car.

Efficiency, battery and autonomy

Range remains perhaps one of the most important metrics in electric vehicles, and it will be for a long time. That’s why the iX3’s standard 112 kWh battery is such good news. The EPA estimates that you can go 434 miles on a single charge in the electric BMW.

The German brand also claims to be able to regain 230 miles of range in just ten minutes of charging. It depends on your ability to find a DC fast charger capable of charging at such high speeds.

The Macan EV is classic while the BMW iX3 takes a bolder approach

BMW is ready to push the boundaries of design

BMW has always wanted to make people uncomfortable with its styling changes. They were always trying things, with some success and much controversy. We fear the Neue Klasse will be subject to the familiar distaste of classic BMW fans, but we appreciate that the German automaker has moved away from its minimalist roots and is looking to offer something fresh and new.

Main characteristics of interior comfort

• Faux leather covering (standard); leather covering (optional)

• Electrically adjustable massaging front seats

• Reclining rear seats

• Three-zone automatic climate control

• Customizable ambient interior lighting

Like many modern electric vehicles, the iX3 is incredibly airy inside. There’s plenty of space for passengers up front, and you should also fit two adults quite comfortably in the rear seats. Rear cargo space is also quite generous, with enough space for a few suitcases. You also get a small trunk, but space up front is much more limited.

In terms of design, BMW has definitely taken a few steps forward. They definitely went for a more futuristic approach, with sharp geometry being a defining feature of the cabin. Even the infotainment screen is tilted. The only thing we really have a problem with is the odd shape of the steering wheel, but a more traditional option is available when specifying your own model.

Type

Tire inflator

Dimensions

4.16″L x 4.16″W x 9.3″H

Weight

3.07 pounds

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Infotainment and technology

The focal point of this interestingly designed cabin is the huge 17.9-inch infotainment screen mounted in the center of the dashboard. It’s tilted, which seems a bit of an odd choice to us. A narrow 43-inch screen sits higher and further back on the dash, spanning the entire width of the car, serves as a gauge cluster as well as a display for a ton of other information.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are of course standard here. You also get built-in navigation as well as a fairly advanced AI assistant. Optional features include a head-up display and a high-quality Harman/Kardon audio system.

There are also four high-performance on-board computers inside the iX3 that work in harmony with the control systems throughout the car, making it one of the most technologically advanced vehicles on the road.

The Macan EV is cool, but the iX3 offers much better value

The Macan Electric is one of the most sought-after electric vehicles on the market. It’s stylish, comfortable, fast and packed with cutting-edge technology. BMW’s new iX3 matches or exceeds the Macan in almost every important metric, and does so for thousands of dollars less. Whether you like the new design or not, BMW deserves praise for building such a competent electric vehicle at such a competitive price.