The electrical SUV market is heating up, and two of the most important 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 bundle 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 latest 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 realize it’s a BMW. The Tesla, comparatively, appears significantly extra nondescript. That’s not essentially a foul factor, however there’s no query that the iX3 is the newer design right here. Comparable criticism will be levied on the rear of the Mannequin Y. We additionally suppose the built-in spoiler into the rear roofline goes a great 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 trade 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 beneath the display screen has a extra purposeful design. The steering wheel appears 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 trip.
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 accountable 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 predict it might be a detailed, shut race in the true world. We additionally suppose the iX3 will probably 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.
Know-how
Not like the Tesla Mannequin Y, the BMW iX3 comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That’s an enormous win in our ebook already. BMW’s Panoramic Show debuts right here, and with it comes lots of 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 have 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 driving 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 velocity, the BMW iX3 makes a compelling case because the brisker, 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 latest expression of what an electrical SUV will be, the iX3 makes a powerful first impression.
