BMW iX3 Review: Comfort, Space and Tech

The BMW iX3 blends premium comfort with practical usability, offering a refined cabin, flexible seating and a modern infotainment system. This review focuses on seat comfort, interior space and everyday functionality to help buyers understand how the iX3 performs as a family-friendly electric SUV.

Seat Comfort and Driving Position

The iX3 offers multiple seat options to suit different preferences. Entry-level seats lack lumbar and cushion angle adjustment but still provide impressive long-distance comfort. Buyers can upgrade to sport seats, although the standout choice is the multifunctional seats, which deliver superior support and a wider range of adjustments.

The driving position is slightly elevated, as expected from a sporty SUV, giving a confident view of the road. BMW’s ergonomic design allows the steering wheel to be adjusted close to the driver without obstructing the digital displays, ensuring clear visibility at all times.

Rear Space and Passenger Comfort

Despite being built on a dedicated electric platform, the iX3’s rear passenger space is good rather than class-leading. While soft-touch materials maintain a premium feel, some rivals offer more legroom.

However, the relatively low floor improves seating comfort, making longer journeys more pleasant for rear passengers. The flat floor also allows three adults to sit across the back more comfortably than in combustion-based models like the X3.

Features and Rear Amenities

BMW has taken a conservative approach with rear-seat features. Items such as separate climate controls and heated rear seats are optional extras rather than standard. Additionally, the absence of grab handles and seat-back pockets may disappoint some buyers.

The rear backrest can recline slightly, though it lacks sliding functionality, limiting flexibility compared with some competitors.

Boot Space and Practicality

For the first time in an electric BMW, the iX3 includes a front storage compartment (frunk). However, its usability is limited, requiring an interior lever to open and offering only a small, awkwardly shaped space.

The main rear boot is far more practical, with a flat, square load area and competitive capacity. The rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 split, increasing versatility, and there is additional underfloor storage ideal for charging cables.

That said, the absence of remote seat-folding levers and the use of a fixed parcel shelf instead of a retractable cover make everyday use slightly less convenient, especially for pet owners.

Infotainment and Technology

The iX3 introduces BMW’s latest OS X infotainment system, representing a clear evolution of the brand’s previous interfaces. While the traditional rotary controller has been phased out, the touchscreen-focused setup is more intuitive and easier to use.

The system delivers a clean layout, responsive controls and improved usability, aligning the iX3 with modern expectations for premium electric vehicles.