What's the difference?
Jaguar has announced that by 2025 it will only make and sell electric vehicles. That’s less than four years away and means the F-Pace you’re thinking about buying could be the last Jaguar with an actual engine that you ever own. Heck, it could be the last car with an engine you ever own.
Let’s help you pick the right one then, because Jaguar’s just called last drinks.
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.
The F-Pace has been gifted new styling, new engines and more practicality making it an even better SUV than it already was. You could seriously pick any of the grades and be happy with your purchase. Then there’s the question of the engine…
Jaguar says there’s a few more years left in the combustion engine yet, but we know exactly how many years – four, because the company has gone on the record announcing it will go fully electric by 2025. The question for you is – how will you ring out the end of an era – with a four-cylinder petrol, a six-cylinder turbo diesel, an inline turbo six petrol or a cracking V8?
The sweetspot in the range is the R-Dynamic SE 400, with just enough luxury and more than enough grunt.
The BMW iX3 is a rarity in the market, a premium-feeling electric model that's not a whole lot dearer than petrol alternatives.
For those happy to trade some of the Tesla Model 3 and Kia EV6 GT's all-paw performance for a luxurious cabin, slick drive and badge cachet, the iX3 M Sport is a very attractive package. Until Audi's Q4 and Q6 e-tron arrive, the iX3 remains basically peerless in this part of the market.
No wonder, then, that BMW is Australia's third most popular electric car brand after Tesla and BYD. The vehicles capture everything the brand promises at a price that looks good on paper and better in the real world.