John Challen puts the iX3’s ‘IconicSounds Electric’ feature to the test.

The ‘IconicSounds Electric’ feature comes with four settings

P11d (BiK): £59,675 (2%) Range: 281 miles (claimed) On Fleet range: 260 miles Test efficiency: 3.5mpkWh   

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A lot of modern cars – like smartphones – have so much technology that ultimately goes untouched or unexplored by drivers. I’m conscious not to let that happen, so I’ve been playing around with the iX3’s many features to see how they improve (hopefully) the driving experience. 

First up is the ‘IconicSounds Electric’ feature – technology developed in collaboration with legendary film score composer Hans Zimmer, For starters, don’t make the mistake of thinking this is anything to do with the Harman/Kardon sound system – although we are big fans of that particular bit of kit in the BMW. No, this is technology that creates sounds that *checks notes* “reflect the specific performance characteristics of the drive system on board and the signature attributes of an electrified BMW in a completely new yet wholly authentic way”. 

In short, it gives the vehicle a more ‘traditional’ noise typically associated with vehicles powered by an engine. There are four settings: depending on driving mode; sporty; balanced; and off. Having had the system stuck in the first one, I opted for sporty and wasn’t disappointed. However, my reaction probably wasn’t what Herr Zimmer and co had in mind – or maybe it was, because I found the emitted noise hilarious. In a good way, I should add – there’s something comforting about the sounds of acceleration and to have it replicated in such a way is a positive in my mind. 

Yes, it’s clearly manufactured – and one of the benefits of EVs is their near-silent operation – but it’s a welcome addition. Maybe it’s better suited to urban driving as there seems less of a point having the sound on when cruising motorways, which is where the other modes come in.  

I’ve subsequently gone 180-degrees and turned it off to get the opposite experience. I have to say, it’s equally nice to be floating around in near silence – apart from the minor tyre and motor noise emitted from the SUV.   

Our new iX3 long termer

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It’s not often that I get into a car and feel instantly at home. But that was the case with our latest fleet addition, the iX3. We’re big fans of the BMW product range, so it should come as no surprise that a few moments with the new EV should create such a reaction. It’s comfortable, spacious, got a decent driving range and is generally a very nice place to be.

I’ve racked up quite a few miles already – trips to Manchester and the Midlands have tested how accurate that range is – and arrived pretty fresh at my destination each time. We’ve opted for the Premier Edition Pro, which means a whole host of comfort, safety and convenience options. Standard bits include automatic air conditioning, adaptive suspension, 20-inch black alloys and sportsseats upfront.

Meanwhile, the extra options as part of the Premier Edition Pro spec include front heated seats, head-up display, high-beam assist and a very impressive Harman/Kardon sound system.

One option however that I have struggled with on more than one occasion is ‘gesture control’, which often appears too clever for its own good. Any inadvertent hand movements can result in the radio changing channel or a change in the volume. I’m struggling to see the point of it, if I’m honest, but I’ll persevere…

Other than that, the iX3 appears to be an almost perfect package. The latest version of iDrive works pretty seamlessly, smartphone connectivity is instant and, even though it’s totally subjective, I think it looks great!

John Challen