Stephen Jopson: Local business leader tests the BMW iX3

Lloyd Carlisle BMW handed over the the keys to the all-electric BMW iX3 to one of the local business community's most prominent voices, Stephen Jopson. Known for his sharp eye for quality, we wanted to see how our flagship electric SUV held up as a part of Stephen’s busy daily schedule

Read on to see how Stephen got on behind the wheel of the iX3.

How does the Neue Klasse architecture compare to what’s come before?

"I previously drove a Jaguar I-PACE, but the Neue Klasse BMW iX3 is a completely different beast. I was incredibly impressed by how far the technology has moved on”

Does the minimalist interior of the iX3 compare to the build quality you're used to seeing in a high-end timepiece?

"As someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, I was very impressed by the interior. The build quality feels exceptional, seamlessly blending a clean, minimalist aesthetic with an abundance of intuitive gadgets."

Being based in Carlisle, we do a lot of 'A-road' miles. How did the car handle in the town or, if you went further afield, on any winding Lake District roads or the M6?

"The driving dynamics are superb. In my previous EV, you could really feel the weight of the battery causing the car to roll into the corners. The iX3 is entirely different - it felt incredibly planted with little to no body wobble, whether navigating town traffic or handling the twisting roads around the Lakes."

You deal in assets that hold their value. For a business owner, the iX3 has a 4% Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rate. How big of a deal is that tax saving when you're looking at the bottom line?

"When you are looking at the bottom line of a business, tax efficiency is everything. If we were to look at leasing this vehicle for the company, that 4% BIK rate makes the iX3 an incredibly appealing and financially smart proposition."

The charging is incredibly fast now - over 200 miles in 10 minutes. In your line of work, time is literally money. Did you find that the car's efficiency fit into your schedule, or did you have to plan around it?

"The car was so efficient over the weekend that I actually didn't even need to use a public rapid charger! However, knowing that you can add over 200 miles in just 10 minutes gives you complete peace of mind that the car can easily keep pace with a busy executive schedule."

And finally, do you have any further comments or observations from your time with the Neue Klasse iX3?

"Overall, I am thoroughly impressed. To be completely honest, I had previously sworn that I wouldn't choose an electric vehicle as my primary car again. However, the iX3 completely changed my perspective. It was a fantastic surprise, and if the numbers make sense, I would absolutely consider having one."

On behalf of everyone at Lloyd Motor Group, we would like to Thank Stephen for his time.  Jopsons Jewellers, an award-winning, independent Carlisle institution that has been curating exceptional pieces since 1960. Renowned for their incredible expertise in pre-owned luxury watches Explore their stunning collection over at Jopsons Jewellers

Browse Lloyd BMW Business Offers