Gavin drives a BMW iX3 74kWh 2021.

This is Gavin’s first electric car, he’s owned the BMW iX3 1-2 years and drives 5,000-10,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 10,000-20,000 miles and he achieves 250 miles from a full charge.

Why did you choose the BMW iX3?

Have owned a number of BMWs and always impressed with the build quality. Also view BMW EV technology as quite mature and dependable after their development of the i3 and it’s evolution over the last 10 years.

Positives – List 3 or more reasons why you love this electric car

• Build quality
• ride comfort, range
• performance.

Negatives – List 3 or more things that you really don’t like about this electric car

• Sat nav functionality
• slightly dated design
• charging speed.

Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?

No faults

What are the standout technological features of the car?

Performance and drive are extremely smooth. The standard active suspension makes ride and handling feel like a normal car. Self-driving features such as active cruise control, lane assist and speed limiter work very well. Very easy to live with and 250+ miles range is more than I do in any day except for the odd long trip.

Surprise us! Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car

Adaptive regeneration will brake for you when approaching slower moving or stationary cars and also at junctions, roundabouts and traffic lights. Coasts at all other times which makes for effortless driving.

What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?

I would be very keen to try the new iX3 when it is released. I believe this will be a very attractive proposition. I may downsize slightly in which case I will be considering one of the recently updated Polestar 2s as this is another manufacturer with good experience of EV technology.

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Home charging unit – outline both positive & negative elements

Easee One – very reliable. Excellent customer service when I had a query. Small and neat. Currently lacks Octopus Intelligent and Agile support (as with most charge points) but otherwise would totally recommend this unit.

Electricity supplier & tariff – outline both positive & negative elements

Octopus Intelligent  – ultra cheap 6 hours+ overnight charging. Manages car charging by communicating directly with it. Have had a couple of occurrences over the last 8 months where it hasn’t charged to my requested level. However, generally it’s very reliable and 6 hours at 7kW is more than enough for any of my daily requirements. Current charge is 7.5p per kWh off-peak. Octopus are very innovative with tariffs. I also have a tracker tariff for gas.

What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?

Don’t often charge using public chargers. GRIDSERVE have been reliable as have InstaVolt. I tend to avoid motorway services and find charging sites a few miles off the motorway. I’ve never had to queue for charging and there has always been a working charger for me to use.

Insurer – outline both positive & negative elements 

Admiral MultiCar – have used them for some years. Quote when switching to my EV was competitive.

Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running a BMW iX3

Road tax is currently £0 and I charge at 7.5p per kWh at home. I average around £2 per 100 miles and travel around 600 to 800 miles per month. Car hasn’t had its first service yet, BMW Services are less frequent for their EVs.

See other BMW iX3 Owner Reviews here