Test BMW iX3, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Mercedes EQC: why 2 electric motors are not always better

With the iX3, BMW allows the switch to electric driving to take place almost unnoticed, while Ford is shouting the arrival of the Mustang Mach-E from the rooftops. The Mercedes EQC is somewhere in between: it has the genes of the GLC, like the iX3 is a variant of the X3, but tries to hide it with a lot of make-up.

BMW iX3 is fast enough

Ford supplies its electric SUV with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. In our AWD version, a 290 hp electric motor drives the rear wheels. In combination with a front engine, a system output of 346 hp and 580 Nm is created. With such a burly powertrain, it makes little difference that the car weighs 2.2 tons; the two electric motors catapult it to 100 in less than 6 seconds.

The Mercedes EQC also has two electric motors, good for an impressive system power of 408 hp and 760 Nm. This means that the 2.5-ton hunebed thunders from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

BMW has held back: the iX3 has one electric motor of 286 hp and 400 Nm. It is powerful enough to complete the standard sprint in 6.5 seconds. Not the fastest sprint time, but still very fast.

Range of BMW iX3 greater than that of Mercedes EQC

We came with relatively low temperatures and high speeds at an average of 26.5 kWh/100 km. This makes the Ford Mustang Mach-E not the most economical in the test, but thanks to the downright large battery pack of 88 kWh, it can reach a distance of more than 300 kilometers. And that is home-made, baked in butter and served with full-fat mayonnaise.

In comparison, the Mercedes EQC is downright thirsty. It consumes 33.6 kWh per 100 kilometres, which equates to a range of 238 kilometres. Disappointed for a moment.

With a capacity of 74 kWh, the BMW iX3 has the smallest battery, but this is offset by low power consumption. Since 100 kilometers costs 25.6 kWh, you will travel 289 kilometers with 74 kWh. If you make it a sport to drive as economically as possible, you can get it under 20 kWh/100 km and you will get more than 350 kilometers away. For a car of this size, that's a good fuel consumption figure.

BMW iX3 flies over the track

On the track, the BMW proves that one electric motor of 286 hp and 400 Nm is more than enough. The iX3 clocks the fastest cornering speeds and fastest lap times. You simply follow the ideal line and the rest is left behind.

The Mustang is not so easy to tame. He throws his ass against the crib in an amusing way. You give up a few seconds, but you get driving pleasure in return. The electric Ford has a set of good brakes, just like the BMW.

On that part, the Mercedes again disappoints. Due to its obesity on the one hand and vague feedback from the steering on the other, it offers anything but razor-sharp driving dynamics. We close on a positive note: for a long car, the EQC has a small turning circle.

Conclusion

The BMW iX3 only needs one electric motor. Sure, the more powerful Mustang Mach-E and EQC are faster on the standard sprint, but with a 0-to-100 time of 6.5 seconds, the iX3 has nothing to be ashamed of.

The BMW iX3 is also the most economical electric SUV of the bunch and, with its relatively small battery, comes further on a battery charge than the Mercedes EQC. On the track, the iX3 dispels the last doubts: driving dynamics is about more than just raw power and the BMW proves that with the fastest cornering speeds and fastest lap times.

There is much more to tell about these electric SUVs. Next week we will discuss the pros and cons of converting an existing model into an EV, as is the case with the iX3 and the EQC.

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