TL;DR
Get business pricing on garage and car supplies
- Business-only prices and quantity discounts
- Tax-exempt purchasing
- Multiple users, one account, clear invoices
A BMW X3 M50 and electric BMW iX3 50 xDrive were driven from Sydney to Byron Bay on the same 740-km route. The X3 completed the trip with an estimated 332 km of fuel range remaining, while the iX3 traveled 747 km before stopping, 23 km short of the destination.
A BMW X3 M50 completed a 740-km drive from Sydney to Byron Bay with an estimated 332 km of fuel range remaining, while a BMW iX3 50 xDrive traveled 747 km on one charge and stopped about 23 km short of the destination, according to a road test by Chasing Cars described by InsideEVs. The comparison offers a real-world measure of how far the two SUVs went under similar driving conditions, rather than relying only on official range figures.
The drivers followed normal routes, kept both vehicles in Eco mode, set climate controls to their most efficient settings and observed speed limits. They could stop when needed, making this a road-trip-style comparison rather than a controlled laboratory test. The source does not provide a full account of traffic, weather or other conditions that could affect energy use.
At the start, the iX3 displayed an estimated 692 km of range. After about 30 km, the X3 M50 showed an estimated 784 km remaining. The iX3 ultimately covered 747 km on one charge, 13 km farther than its initial displayed estimate, but still short of the 740-km route only in the sense that it reportedly fell 23 km short of Byron Bay; its total distance was therefore not enough to complete the trip. The X3 reached the destination and had a reported 332 km of estimated range left.
InsideEVs reported the iX3’s test distance as 464 miles and compared it with an EPA-rated range of 434 miles. The reported result is specific to this drive and should not be treated as a universal range figure for either model. The article also notes that the X3 M50 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance, while the iX3 M50 is listed at 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque.
The Test Favors the Petrol X3
For drivers comparing these two models on long routes, the clearest takeaway is that the petrol X3 completed this particular journey without a stop for fuel, while the iX3 did not reach Byron Bay on its initial charge. That does not establish how often either vehicle would need to stop on other routes, but it illustrates the practical difference between the vehicles in this test: the X3 began with a larger estimated range and finished with fuel still available.
The iX3’s reported 747-km run also shows why a single trip cannot be reduced to an official range label. It traveled farther than its displayed starting estimate and exceeded the EPA figure cited by InsideEVs, yet still came up short of the destination. Actual results depend on route and driving conditions, and charging access matters to an EV road trip in a way that fuel availability matters to a petrol vehicle. The comparison is useful as an example, not a prediction for every owner.
Products Worth Considering
Autel MaxiCharger AC Home Level 2 EV Charger, 50A, Hardwired J1772, Wi-Fi, 25-Foot Cable
NOCO Boost GBX45 12V Lithium Jump Starter, 1,250A
NOCO Boost GB70 2000A 12V Lithium Jump Starter
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
A Matched Sydney-to-Byron Drive
The Chasing Cars test put the BMW iX3 50 xDrive against the BMW X3 M50 xDrive, driving from Sydney to Byron Bay in Australia. The reported route distance was 740 km, or 459.8 miles. Both cars were driven at speed limits and used efficiency-focused settings, according to the InsideEVs account.
The X3 M50 is not described as a low-powered economy model: InsideEVs identifies it as the thirstiest X3 variant then available, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid system. The iX3, meanwhile, is an electric SUV with a higher stated output than the X3 M50. Those details help frame the comparison, but the test measured distance traveled, not acceleration, total ownership cost or energy costs.
Range estimates shown in a vehicle are not the same as a guaranteed distance. The report describes the numbers displayed during the drive and the final distances, but does not provide enough detail to independently assess how the estimates changed with every leg of the route.
“The iX3 was able to do 747 km (464 miles) on one charge.”
— InsideEVs, summarizing the Chasing Cars test
Conditions Limit the Comparison
The report does not specify the test date, weather, traffic conditions or precise charging and fuel-stop arrangements. It also does not give a detailed, leg-by-leg record of consumption or explain how the vehicles’ range estimates were calculated during the drive. Those missing details make it difficult to reproduce the result or determine how much conditions affected the final distances.
The reported figures apply to these two vehicles on this route. They do not show that every X3 M50 will travel 332 km after a similar drive, or that an iX3 will always fall short of a 740-km journey. The source also does not report a head-to-head test of charging time, refueling time, energy cost or total trip time. Those questions remain outside the comparison as described.
More Tests Could Clarify Range
No follow-up test or additional milestone was announced in the source material. Readers considering either SUV should compare the official range and efficiency information for the exact model and market, then account for their own routes, driving conditions and access to charging or fuel.
A repeat drive with published weather, traffic, consumption and stop data could help show how consistent the result is. Until then, the reported outcome remains a single road-test comparison: the X3 M50 reached Byron Bay with estimated fuel range left, while the iX3 traveled 747 km on one charge and did not complete the route.
Key Questions
Which BMW went farther in the test?
The X3 M50 completed the route and had an estimated 332 km of fuel range remaining. The iX3 traveled 747 km on one charge but reportedly stopped 23 km short of Byron Bay.
How long was the route?
The Sydney-to-Byron Bay drive was reported as 740 km, or 459.8 miles.
How far did the iX3 travel on one charge?
InsideEVs reported that the iX3 covered 747 km (464 miles) before stopping. That figure describes this test, not a guaranteed range for every trip.
Were both BMWs driven under similar conditions?
According to the report, both were driven on normal routes, in Eco mode, with efficient climate-control settings and at posted speed limits. Full details such as weather and traffic were not provided.
Does this test prove the petrol BMW always has more range?
No. It reports the outcome of one comparison on one route. Different routes, driving conditions and vehicle use can change real-world range.
Source: insideevs.com
