Rival: BMW iX3 reviews are impressive... R2 has its work cut out

[Lysdexic]

Charlotte is the fastest growing city in the country currently.

Fastest-Growing Major Cities (Populations 500,000+)
For larger, established metropolitan areas, high growth remains a draw. [1, 2]

• Charlotte, North Carolina: Added 20,731 new residents in the last measured annual period, the highest numeric gain for any U.S. city.

So yeah not sure why they are not building out here more quickly...

NASCAR

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[sparked]

Both highly sought EV's.. on waiting for early 2027 delivery..
Thoughts from this group?

Schedule a test drive for the iX3 and report back to us.

 

[Great Gatsby]

Both highly sought EV's.. on waiting for early 2027 delivery..
Thoughts from this group?

To summarize this thread, go with the one which looks don’t bother you. Both great within their own right. After that, do you need range? iX3. You want the cheaper one? R2.

If I didn’t have to convince myself that I like the way the iX3 looks, that would probably be my pick.

 

[TexasBob]

Sure, the BMW in high trim had greater max range. However, that trim starts above the top trim R2's starting price. The BMW in high trim is capable of faster DCFC speeds. However, DCFC sites that can provide those speeds are uncommon in the US.

Even shorter summary: Apple vs Orange, or fine dining silverware vs an outdoorsman's multi-tool.

Sure, the BMW in high trim all trims has greater max range. However, that trim the current iX3 50 US trim starts above the top trim R2's starting price (until the 40 arrives later next year). The BMW in high all available trims is capable of much faster DCFC speeds. However, DCFC sites that can provide those speeds are uncommon in the US. There are currently 17,000 ports and 2,500 stations in the US that can deliver 350kw or more (about twice as many location and 40% more ports than the entire Tesla supercharger network in the US five years ago).

You're welcome.

 

[evilyn]

Not bad for under $60K

Starting MSRP is $61,500. You will add thousands more (~$68k-$70k) to get something closer to R2.

 

[evilyn]

I found ix3 to be boring oversized sedan, but it does have a good range.

 

[DuoRivian]

Starting MSRP is $61,500. You will add thousands more (~$68k-$70k) to get something closer to R2.

You don’t need to match R2 spec, I am sure some will prefer the range and charging and give up things like rear heated seats etc.

 

[SASSquatch]

Starting MSRP is $61,500. You will add thousands more (~$68k-$70k) to get something closer to R2.

When you say closer to R2 are you talking about spec sheet or build quality? I bleed Rivian yellow, but the BMW iX3 is an extremely well built vehicle that is probably higher build quality than the R2. BMW has been building EV's for over a decade now and their entire lineup is well reviewed and well built/designed.

You go with R2 if the price point and capability is what you are looking for. You go with BMW if you value the build quality, refinement, and established OEM history, especially their ubiquitous service network. When any of my BMW EVs need service or maintenance, I am not waiting weeks or months to get into service. That stuff matters.

 

[mellowthecat]

Driven both. Very different cars. I think it up to you and what you value.

 

[windshieldfarmer]

Similarly equipped the IX3 is $10,000+ more. Better range and slightly faster DC charging is the main advantage of the BMW. BMW has upped its UI but I suspect it’s still inferior to the Rivian. The R2 is far more versatile for light off-roading and notably can be ordered with a compact spare but has significantly less range. Chassis build quality on the Rivian trails BMW.

I purchased an R2 to replace a BMW IX50 coming off lease. BMW has better build quality but my BMW has spent 11 weeks in the shop during the last three years. I’m hoping the Rivian is better. The ix3 is still using a brush motor in the rear. Unlike Rivian which warranties its drivetrain including the motors and inverters for 8 years or 120,000 miles, BMW only warranties its motors and drivetrain for 4 years or 50,000 miles…. That is a huge advantage to Rivian.

 

[Doogl]

...BMW only warranties its motors and drivetrain for 4 years or 50,000 miles….

I had no idea. If spiderman ads weren't already enough to make me swear off the BMW brand for years, this definitely solidifies my decision to avoid this company. BMW is going a very different direction with electric motors than most companies, and I don't really trust that they have longevity figured out.

 

[mellowthecat]

I had no idea. If spiderman ads weren't already enough to make me swear off the BMW brand for years, this definitely solidifies my decision to avoid this company. BMW is going a very different direction with electric motors than most companies, and I don't really trust that they have longevity figured out.

The spiderman ad outrage was more than a little ridiculous and overblown. Even on BimmerPost, a pro BMW forum, it was ridiculous. The ad didn't play unless you clicked on it, and you could easily avoid it if you wanted to. A lot of the outrage were people on the internet deciding what they were going to be mad about this week.

 

[Doogl]

The spiderman ad outrage was more than a little ridiculous and overblown. Even on BimmerPost, a pro BMW forum, it was ridiculous. The ad didn't play unless you clicked on it, and you could easily avoid it if you wanted to. A lot of the outrage were people on the internet deciding what they were going to be mad about this week.

I used to work in marketing, so I don't need any reason to get mad at advertisements, it's my default state. I also know that if there wasn't backlash to this, they'd keep pushing the envelope to be more and more annoying, so I have no sympathy for the poor BMW company getting bullied online.

I hope big companies are bullied more when they make decisions that suck for customers.

 

[mellowthecat]

I hope big companies are bullied more when they make decisions that suck for customers.

100% agree

 

[ChampTheChamplainSeaMonster]

Speaking as a long time BMW owner, I'd say leasing is the only way I'd have another BMW in my garage. The new ones tend to get *very* expensive once the warranty expires.

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