The electrical SUV market is heating up, and two of the largest names within the sport — BMW and Tesla — are squaring off in a battle of design, efficiency, and tech. With the launch of the all-new iX3, BMW introduces its daring Neue Klasse design language and next-gen EV {hardware} in a package deal aimed squarely on the ever-popular Tesla Mannequin Y. However how do these two stack up if you look past the badges?
Exterior Design
The Mannequin Y’s current redesign means it ought to maintain up pretty properly at a look — even beside one thing as fashionable because the iX3. Whereas exterior design is at all times a bit subjective, we expect the iX3 is a superb foil to the Tesla’s minimalism. The primary-ever Neue Klasse SUV doesn’t tout a very busy design. However its new kidney grille offers you sufficient to comprehend it’s a BMW. The Tesla, comparatively, seems significantly extra nondescript. That’s not essentially a nasty factor, however there’s no query that the iX3 is the newer design right here. Related criticism might be levied on the rear of the Mannequin Y. We additionally assume the built-in spoiler into the rear roofline goes a good distance towards portray the iX3 because the sportier possibility right here. The Tesla Mannequin Y is 8 mm (a 3rd of an inch) longer and 11 mm (0.43 inches) taller than the iX3. Suffice to say, as close to as makes no distinction. Tellingly, the iX3 sports activities a 2,897 mm (114 inches) wheelbase, which is longer, if barely, than the Mannequin Y’s. (It measures 2,890 mm, or 113.8 inches.)
Inside Design
Aesthetically, the iX3 appears to share extra inside with the Tesla Mannequin Y than the gas-powered G45 BMW X3 it shares a reputation with! The structure is terrible comparable, and the shortage of a gauge cluster — a change BMW has beat most rivals to — instantly stands proud. Whether or not or not the omission of a standard gauge cluster turns into an business customary stays to be seen, however there are many different locations the place BMW seemingly copied Tesla, then made it higher. The dashboard has illumination and the console underneath the display has a extra purposeful design. The steering wheel seems much more cluttered on the iX3, however contemplating the automobile retains stalks behind the steering wheel — an unpopular change Tesla made for the Mannequin Y’s redesign — we’re nonetheless going to present it the win right here. We’re additionally hedging our bets on high quality being marginally higher within the Bavarian’s experience.
Efficiency
The electrical iX3 can speed up from zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) in 4.9 seconds. That comes courtesy of a dual-motor setup and xDrive all-wheel drive answerable for getting 345 kW/469 hp and 645 Nm (475 lb-ft) of torque right down to the bottom. The Tesla Mannequin Y presently isn’t provided in Efficiency guise — the brand new mannequin is due any day now — however it isn’t essential to dispatch the iX3 in a fast stoplight race. Merely springing for the long-range all-wheel drive mannequin will get you from zero to 60 mph in a Tesla-claimed 4.6 seconds. We expect it might be an in depth, shut race in the true world. We additionally assume the iX3 shall be extra enjoyable elsewhere, like when the going will get twisty. Why? Cool particulars like 49:51 entrance/rear weight distribution, a revised five-link rear axle, sportier steering wheel, and…properly, simply instinct.
Expertise
Not like the Tesla Mannequin Y, the BMW iX3 comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That’s a giant win in our ebook already. BMW’s Panoramic Show debuts right here, and with it comes numerous little extras that we expect give it an edge over the Mannequin Y. For instance: a speedometer that doesn’t require glancing away from the street to take a look at. New voice instructions, over the air updates, coming AI and customization options, and stalwarts like BMW Digital Key and My BMW app integration make the iX3 nearly as good as any Tesla on the tech entrance. Oh; after which there’s the motive force aids. BMW provides Metropolis Assistant performance, which permits the iX3 to pilot its approach round stoplights.
Whereas the Tesla Mannequin Y stays a benchmark in practicality and straight-line pace, the BMW iX3 makes a compelling case because the more energizing, extra refined possibility. Its design feels sharper inside and outside, its driving dynamics promise extra engagement, and its know-how suite offers BMW an edge over Tesla in key areas. In the end, the selection comes right down to model loyalty and priorities — however if you’d like the most recent expression of what an electrical SUV might be, the iX3 makes a powerful first impression.
