BMW IX3 vs Mini Cooper

What's the difference?

BMW added a new iX3 base model in September last year as a crafty way to navigate the government's increased luxury car tax (LCT) threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles.

The Bavarian carmaker now has six electric cars under the $91,387 threshold with major benefits for those looking to purchase a car on a novated lease program – not to mention less strain on the hip pocket for others.

This particular iX3 M Sport being made in China helps the pricing equation, but it remains a complete specification with plenty of gadgets, features and luxury touches.

A new X3 is due in 2025 but an electric replacement for the iX3 isn't expected until 2026 when it will sit on the Neue Klasse platform and be a very different beast.

That means if you're after an electric mid-sizer from a German brand, this iX3 is what BMW has to offer. With that in mind, it's time to take a look at BMW's most affordable mid-size electric SUV to see if it's a good deal.

Can it be possible that, between 1959 and 2023, there have only been four distinct generations of Mini? 

Besides the 1959 British Motor Corporation (BMC) original, it’s just been a trio of hatchback versions under BMW stewardship – the R50 of 2001, 2006’s R56 and the 2014 F56.

Now, in 2024, that number has suddenly jumped to six. 

The F56 has morphed into the lightly restyled and solely petrol-powered F66 Cooper range in F66 three-door (3DR) and coming F65 five-door (5DR) hatchback guises like before.

Meanwhile, the completely new and electric-only J01 Cooper 3DR joins the fold, along with its J05 Aceman 5DR crossover spin-off.

Despite their shared name and similar styling inside and out, the British-built Cooper and electric Cooper from China are two different cars. You can read all about the latter in another review, as this is about the petrol-powered Cooper range.

More of a thorough makeover and less of a total redesign, has it changed enough? Let’s find out.