BMW’s iX3 is the first of three key battery-electric vehicles for the Munich-based brand. The iX3, which arrived in local showrooms towards the end of last year, will soon be joined by its iX and i4 Gran Coupe siblings.

Priced from $114,900 (plus on-road costs), the iX3 sits third from the top in the recently revised X3 line-up and boasts several unique aesthetic touches to differentiate it from its ICE siblings.

The exterior and interior executions are emboldened by subtle electric blue garnishes, while the 20-inch alloy wheels are aerodynamically optimised and specific to the iX3 variant. All Australian versions of the iX3 are fitted with BMW’s M Sport package, which incorporates adaptive LED headlights, enclosed BMW kidney grille, imitation rear diffuser and LED tail-light clusters.

Inside, cabin features include heated front sport seats upholstered in Vernasca leather (with electric adjustment and memory), a panoramic glass sunroof, 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional, digital instrument panel, head-up display, LED ambient lighting, tri-zone climate control, reclining second-row seats, and a powered tailgate.

The multimedia array offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, DAB+ digital radio, a wireless device charging pad, plus a premium 16-speaker harman/kardon surround sound audio system.

Other technology highlights include gesture control, Connected Package Professional, comfort access, tyre-pressure monitoring, vehicle pre-heating and pre-conditioning, Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus.

Driver aids and safety technology include adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go functionality, lane-keeping assist, cross-traffic warning, evasions assistant, crossroads warning with city braking and speed limit assist, park assist, active park distance control, lateral parking aids, reversing assist, 360-degree camera system with remote 3D view, and acoustic pedestrian protection (below 30km/h).

The iX3 is exclusively rear-wheel-driven and features a single rear-axle-mounted electric motor that develops peak outputs of 210kW and 400Nm. BMW quotes a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 180km/h.

Power is sourced from an 80kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is good for a driving range of up to 460km (WLTP). BMW says that the iX3’s battery pack can be charged from 10-80 per cent in 32 minutes when using a 150kW DC fast charger, or from empty to 100 per cent in 44 hours when using a domestic (240V/10A) outlet.

In the Australian market, the BMW iX3 competes with models such as the Jaguar i-Pace EV400 SE (from $137,830) and Mercedes-Benz EQC 4Matic (from $124,300).