BMW IX3 vs Polestar 4

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.

Polestar finally has more than one offering in its Australian model range. Following the Polestar 2 sedan that arrived in late 2021, and the recently launched Polestar 3 large SUV, the Geely-owned marque has just launched the model that is expected to be its top seller.

The Polestar 4 is a medium coupe-style SUV with liftback vibes, and it is set to line up against some of the most popular EVs on the market, including the Tesla Model Y.

Although, as Polestar execs claim, and the price suggests, it’s a more premium offering than the Tesla.

It is loaded with new technology, including a digital rear-view camera that replaces a traditional rear windscreen, which will either appeal to, or alienate buyers. Probably the former given the appeal of new tech to EV buyers.

But can the Polestar 4 snatch attention away from Tesla and the other solid electric SUVs of a similar size? Read on to find out.