The Buzz Awards: BMW iX3 Named Best EV For 2027
The TopSpeed team, together with our CarBuzz and HotCars sister publications, go through a lot of test vehicles every year. Our inaugural Buzz Awards gives us an opportunity to categorize these reviews and ultimately select a champion for each definitive category. While the theme of 2025 reflected a transition to electrification, 2026 showcased somewhat of a downswing in demand and product releases.
Our winner for the 2026 Best Car of the Year was a competitively priced EV, which brought us to place a lot of emphasis on electric cars for 2027. The Rivian R2 and Volvo EX60 were standout options, but the 2027 BMW iX3, with its $61,500 MSRP, positioned itself as a standout premium EV SUV, deserving of the win for this year. Bold styling and a compelling new dedicated EV platform gives the iX3 a unique personality that separates it from the broader X3 range. We applaud the German automaker for executing a defining EV SUV moment.
Why We Picked The 2027 BMW iX3
The 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive leads our choice for the 2027 EV market, primarily thanks to the brand’s dual-motor setup. This sixth-generation eDrive system runs on a more robust 800-volt frame, with dual motors that generate a combined 463 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque. BMW claims a 0 to 60 MPH sprint time of 4.7 seconds, backed by a chassis that can tow a class-leading 4,409 pounds. Our friends at CarBuzz were happy with the performance:
The iX3 50 feels punchy off the line, though the acceleration trails off significantly as the vehicle reaches higher speeds. It’s more than adequate for an average driver.
BMW supplements this system with an expansive 112.2-kilowatt-hour battery capacity. This affords the premium German SUV an EPA-estimated range of 434 miles with an energy consumption average of 32 kWh/100 miles. Considering these figures, the iX3 50 xDrive beats rival electric options in power output and overall driving distance on a single charge. The high energy density of the lithium-ion chemistry ensures long trips without frequent charging stops.
The decision to place the battery lower at the floor of the platform also improves the SUV’s center of gravity, resulting in a more poised driving experience when subjected to a series of tight corners. Those wanting more power can now opt for the M60 xDrive, which increases combined output to 612 hp, reducing the 0 to 60 MPH time to 3.7 seconds.
A Blend Of Quality And Technology In The Cabin
The 2027 BMW iX3 cabin leads the electric vehicle class through a series of dazzling digital displays and impressive cabin packaging, thanks to the brand’s intelligent Neue Klasse scalable platform design. BMW’s new layout provides the iX3 with 38.5 inches of rear headroom and 39.7 inches of rear legroom. As a result, the interior offers ample legroom and vast cargo space. The rear trunk also holds up to 30.4 cubic-feet of trunk space, which expands to 67 cubic-feet when you fold the rear bench down. You also get the benefit of a frunk that accommodates 2.0 cubic-feet of additional space.
The iX3 also incorporates BMW’s new technological appointments, including a 17-inch central touch screen, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a Panoramic Vision display. Leaning into the overall X3 range’s more premium stature, BMW equips the EV variant with synthetic leather seats, featuring massaging for the front row. The cabin also gets the benefit of a three-zone climate control system, premium surround sound system audio system, and impressive insulation that keeps road noise and overall NVH levels to a minimum.
What Almost Made The Cut
The 2027 Rivian R2 excels in utility and off-road capability. It offers 9.6 inches of ground clearance, 90.1 cubic feet of maximum storage, and a massive 10.7 cubic foot front trunk. Furthermore, its adventure-ready design features a fold-flat interior and power-dropping rear glass.
However, the Rivian falls short of the BMW iX3 in core electric vehicle metrics. The iX3 easily beats the R2’s 345-mile maximum. Additionally, the BMW utilizes an 800-volt architecture that enables faster 400 kW charging rates, providing rapid road-trip replenishment alongside superior high-speed acoustic refinement and cabin luxury.
The 2027 Volvo EX60 excels in safety technology and home charging speed. It introduces a multi-adaptive safety belt system alongside a fast 19.2 kW onboard charger for overnight replenishment. Furthermore, top trims offer rapid 400 kW fast charging to replenish the battery quickly.
However, the Volvo falls short of the BMW iX3 in driving range and rear cargo space. The BMW achieves more EPA-estimated range, outlasting standard Volvo battery options. Additionally, the BMW provides 30.4 cubic feet of trunk space with seats upright versus the Volvo’s 20.4 cubic feet. Therefore, the iX3 delivers greater long-distance touring utility.
BMW Knows How To Balance Efficiency With Driver Engagement
The BMW iX3 shows the best that the Neue Klasse platform has to offer, with the clean electric frame matching real driver needs. Moving away from the accomplished but older CLAR platform helps the premium EV SUV embrace a pure electric layout, solving some concerns that affected the previous generation of the brand’s EVs. The iX3’s new design offers broad interior packaging without expanding on the exterior proportions too much. The Bavarian brand’s engineering team also solves the issue of range anxiety by focusing on power use and battery control, making it a worthy winner of the best EV for 2027 title.
Furthermore, BMW kept a clear steering feel and firm road stance. Drivers get an active feel that preserves classic brand traits. In addition, the cabin matches modern screens with simple controls. This choice eases the transition for new electric car buyers. For this reason, the iX3 delivers a vehicle that fulfills practical needs while keeping high build standards.
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