The frozen lake in Ostersund, Sweden stretches vast and flat beneath gray winter skies—an excellent canvas for testing how BMW’s new electrical efficiency really behaves when traction disappears. We attended the BMW Winter Driving Expertise with a lineup of automobiles spanning the brand new and older BMWs, and amongst them was one thing sudden: the 2026 iX3. The iX3 shared area on the frozen course with extra conventional efficiency automobiles—M fashions, 8 Collection Convertibles and three Collection Touring variants, and different winter-tested equipment.
A Totally different Form of Efficiency
Drifting an electrical automobile requires a psychological recalibration. The iX3’s quick torque supply—on the spot electrical motor response—modifications the throttle modulation sport fully in comparison with conventional inner combustion engines. On the frozen floor, this interprets to a automobile that responds with precision to enter however calls for respect for its weight distribution. The 2026 mannequin’s platform carries the battery pack low and centered, which essentially alters how the chassis behaves. In a drift, this manifests as composed, predictable dealing with traits—the iX3 doesn’t struggle you, so you must dance with the automobile.
The place conventional combustion engines require throttle buildup and turbo response, the iX3 gives flat, linear energy utility. On ice, the quick surge of electrical torque means smoother transitions by means of drift angles, but it surely additionally requires drivers to recalibrate their threshold consciousness. We tried drifting the automobile with each DSC on and off, and naturally, it’s the nanny controls off mode that’s extra enjoyable.
Why? As a result of the Coronary heart of Pleasure supercomputer does such an excellent job retaining the automobile planted, even on icy surfaces with out studded tires. Throughout extra aggressive workouts, you discover the clever integration of the powertrain and chassis—they convey consistently, refining supply slightly than merely limiting it.
Regenerative Braking in Dynamic Circumstances
Brake regeneration in efficiency driving reveals itself otherwise than in common driving. Throughout our ice workouts, the iX3’s regenerative braking system remained engaged, which creates a noticeable, nearly seamless braking really feel that differs from friction braking alone. The automobile recovers power even throughout aggressive maneuvers, which suggests drivers really feel a barely softer brake engagement than a conventional setup would possibly provide. It’s additionally enjoyable to nearly by no means having to make use of the brake pedal throughout a drift, apart from perhaps tapping it to throw the burden to the entrance and rear out.
The pictures captured all through these drifting periods doc this engagement visually—the iX3 mid-drift, rear wheels throwing up snow and ice crystals, the automobile leaning into its traces whereas staying composed. It’s really fairly spectacular how unbothered the chassis is even when leaning arduous into it.
Why Driving It On A Frozen Lake?
The 2026 iX3 on Ostersund’s frozen floor proves that BMW’s electrical SUV isn’t merely acceptable in dynamic situations—it’s genuinely succesful and fascinating when pushed arduous. For winter markets like Sweden, Germany, and Canada, this distinction carries actual weight. It’s additionally a enjoyable train to indicate how even high-riding electrical automobiles will be enjoyable, when pushed arduous. [Photos: BMW Sweden]
