In the world of electric vehicles, where headlines are often dominated by 0-60 mph times and cutting-edge tech, a car's long-term durability can sometimes be an afterthought. But for the average buyer, knowing how an EV holds up over years and tens of thousands of miles is the real headline. A new, exhaustive long-term test on the BMW iX3 delivers that exact story, and the results are overwhelmingly positive for the German electric SUV.
A Test of Time and Terrain
The grueling test was conducted by the renowned German publication Auto Bild, which put a BMW iX3 through its paces for a staggering 62,000 miles (approximately 100,000 kilometers). This wasn't a gentle commute; the car was used by multiple drivers, with their experiences logged in a shared book. The collective verdict? Highly impressive.
According to the report, the iX3 encountered no significant mechanical or electrical issues throughout the entire testing period. The only notable glitch was an occasional jerk, which drivers attributed to the behavior of the electric powertrain's recuperation system—a common characteristic in some EVs as they transition between power and regeneration. The logbook was filled with praise for the compact SUV's overall refinement and day-to-day usability.
One incident involved a stolen radar sensor, a fault that clearly lies with thieves, not BMW's engineering. A more relevant critique for today's EV market was the charging speed. While the iX3's maximum 150kW rate was considered competitive back at its 2021 launch, it can feel somewhat slow compared to the latest generation of EVs that can push 250kW and beyond. Despite this, for a 74kWh battery, it remains a practical and usable charging capability for most journeys.
The Proof is in the Teardown: A Clean Bill of Health
The most compelling evidence of the iX3's build quality came after the mileage was complete. The vehicle was subjected to a thorough teardown and inspection by experts from DEKRA, the German motor vehicle inspection association. The findings were nothing short of remarkable.
- Battery State of Health: In a brief dynamic test, the high-voltage battery was shown to have 100% of its original State of Health (SoH). This is an exceptional result after such extensive use and is a powerful testament to the robustness of BMW's battery technology and management system.
- Electric Motor: The iX3 uses an externally excited synchronous motor (EESM) that generates 210 kW (286 hp). This type of motor, which uses carbon brushes for excitation, showed only the expected, minimal abrasion on those brushes—a completely normal sign of wear that does not impact performance.
- Chassis and Body: Weighing in at around 5,000 lbs, the iX3 (model code G08) places significant demands on its chassis components. The DEKRA engineers found that the suspension, brakes, and underpinnings were more than capable of handling the weight, showing no irregularities, rust, or premature wear. The interior also held up excellently, with no notable signs of deterioration.
For a deeper look into this forensic examination, the teardown process is detailed in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47Gb_VDDsYE&t=28s
What This Means for Used EV Buyers
This long-term test is more than just a positive review; it's a significant data point for the entire EV ecosystem. It demonstrates that a well-engineered electric vehicle from a legacy automaker can deliver exceptional long-term reliability. The fact that this was an apparent press car, often subjected to harder use than a typical consumer vehicle, makes the result even more convincing.
For potential buyers, this is fantastic news. The BMW iX3 is now establishing itself as a compelling and reliable choice in the used EV market.
In Germany, the most affordable used iX3 models are now available starting at approximately €24,000, though these often have much higher mileage. More decent examples with average use begin around €30,000, while the facelifted model from late 2021 can be found for roughly €35,000.
It's important to note that this test specifically revolved around the German-spec model. Unfortunately for enthusiasts in the US and Canada, the all-electric iX3 (G08) was never offered in North America. However, this resounding vote of confidence bodes extremely well for the upcoming BMW iX3 based on the revolutionary Neue Klasse platform, signaling that BMW's commitment to building durable, long-lasting electric vehicles is as strong as ever.
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