NEPAL AUTOMART
Home/Journal/Comparisons

The Nepal AutoMart journal · comparisons

New BMW iX3 Beats Mercedes GLC and Volvo EX60 in Highway Efficiency Test

Highway testing shows the new-generation BMW iX3 uses less energy than the Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric and Volvo EX60. The iX3 sold in Nepal is the earlier 80 kWh model.

HEAD TO HEADNepal AutoMart
BMW iX3
BMW iX3BMW iX3 · Catalog photo

Photo temporarily unavailable for Volvo EX60.

Volvo EX60Photo not available

Comparison subjects · Variant and colour shown may differ

Start with the numbers

Compare at a glance

Available variants, with prices in Nepalese rupees.

At a glanceBMW iX3Volvo EX60
Ex-showroom priceRs 264 lakhPrice on request
FuelElectricNot recorded
Selected variantiX3Matching variant not confirmed

Ex-showroom prices exclude registration, road tax and insurance. Specifications can vary by trim. See individual source-check dates ↓

A recent highway efficiency test has highlighted the performance of the new-generation BMW iX3 compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric and the Volvo EX60. Conducted on a motorway route, the test measured energy consumption at a target speed of 120 km/h in temperatures ranging from 14°C to 17°C.

Which iX3 was tested: the car in this test is BMW's new-generation (Neue Klasse) iX3 with a 108.7 kWh usable battery. The BMW iX3 currently sold in Nepal is the earlier model, with an 80 kWh battery and a claimed range of up to 460 km (WLTP) per the distributor's brochure. It is listed at Rs 2.65 crore ex-showroom in the M Sport trim. The figures below describe the new-generation car, not the Nepal model.

BMW iX3
Image: BMW iX3 — exterior

Efficiency Results

BMW iX3
Image: BMW iX3 — another view

The test results showed clear differences in energy usage between the three electric SUVs:

  • BMW iX3 (new generation): 19.4 kWh/100 km
  • Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric: 20.3 kWh/100 km
  • Volvo EX60: 21.1 kWh/100 km

The new iX3 used approximately 4% less energy than the Mercedes-Benz and 8% less than the Volvo. While the Volvo EX60 recorded the highest energy consumption, it received positive feedback for its quiet cabin and ride comfort.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric
Image: Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric — official image

Range and Battery

Battery capacity is only one factor in determining how far an electric vehicle can travel. The new-generation iX3's 108.7 kWh usable battery, combined with its efficiency, gave a calculated highway range of 544 km at 120 km/h. In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric achieved a calculated range of 449 km, while the Volvo EX60 P10 managed 419 km.

These findings confirm that energy efficiency is a primary factor for highway range, regardless of battery size. For Nepal buyers, the relevant figure today remains the current iX3's claimed 460 km (WLTP); the new generation's arrival in Nepal has not been confirmed.

Explore full specifications, variants & ownership context

Compare the exact variants

Specifications, features & ownership context

Choose a variant for each vehicle. The facts below follow that exact trim; the article explains the trade-offs.

Latest catalog and directory records supplement the original analysis. Figures may have changed since publication; individual specification and price-check dates appear below.

BMW iX3

Rs 264 lakh ex-showroom · source-check date not recorded

Battery & charging

Specification / featureBMW iX3
Battery80 kWhResearched · confirm · 16 Sept 2026
Claimed range460 km (WLTP)Researched · confirm · 16 Sept 2026

Safety & driver assistance

Specification / featureBMW iX3
Airbags6 airbagsResearched · confirm · 16 Sept 2026

Dimensions & weight

Specification / featureBMW iX3
Ground clearance179 mmResearched · confirm · 16 Sept 2026

Claimed range uses the stated test cycle. Different cycles are not a like-for-like range comparison; actual range depends on roads, load, speed and weather.

BMW iX3

Showroom & service support

Distributor: Laxmi Premium Motors Pvt. Ltd.

8 listed brand showrooms · 1 listed brand service locations

Listed cities include Kathmandu, Pokhara.

Brand-wide directory coverage. Confirm that your nearest workshop supports this exact model, powertrain and warranty work; ask about parts availability and booking time.

Market buzz & buyer priorities

Compiled discussion, including buyer reactions and ownership reports; this is not a verified owner survey or a reliability score. Research dated 1 Oct 2026.

What people like
  • Good performance compared to ICE vehicles
  • High premium brand appeal and prestige associated with the BMW badge in Kathmandu
  • Impressive WLTP range that comfortably covers the Kathmandu-Pokhara route on a single charge
More feedback
  • Superior interior build quality and material finish compared to lower-priced EV competitors
  • Refined power delivery and regenerative braking system suited for hilly descents
  • Nepali launch and review coverage presents the BMW iX3 as a premium electric SUV with strong BMW performance, refined equipment and an appealing claimed driving range.
  • The BMW iX3 is viewed as a practical five-seat luxury EV for Kathmandu-focused use when home or destination charging is available.
Concerns to investigate
  • Slower performance compared to lower range EVs
  • Ground clearance of 179mm is perceived as low for rougher sections of Nepali highways and monsoon road conditions
  • High price point relative to the entry-level luxury EV segment due to Nepal's tax structure
More feedback
  • Limited availability of authorized BMW service centers outside of the Kathmandu valley
  • The main negative sentiment is the very high Nepal price, which makes the BMW iX3 difficult to justify against newer premium EV alternatives.
  • Buyers remain concerned about charging access outside major cities, premium service costs and future resale value.
What buyers ask for
  • Real-world battery range on Nepal's inclined terrain
  • Ground clearance suitability for local potholes and speed bumps
  • After-sales service network and spare parts availability
More feedback
  • Resale value stability in the emerging Nepali luxury EV market
  • Comparison of features against the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace
Nepal ownership context
  • Laxmi Premium Motors is the sole authorized importer providing official warranty and service support in Nepal
  • The vehicle's range is highly valued by buyers planning trips on the Prithvi Highway
  • Charging infrastructure for luxury EVs is currently concentrated in major hubs like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Narayanghat
More feedback
  • BMW after-sales support is centred on the authorised facility at Tinkune, Kathmandu, so buyers outside the Kathmandu Valley need to consider service travel and charging planning.
  • Its listed ground clearance is about 190 mm, but the low-profile premium-SUV setup and expensive body parts still make careful driving advisable on broken Nepal roads.
  • The published Nepal specification quotes roughly 460–461 km of range; actual range in Nepal will vary with hills, traffic, temperature, air-conditioning use and driving speed.
Explore BMW iX3 market buzz ↗

Use these facts alongside the article’s full analysis. Check the final quotation, warranty terms and exact equipment before booking.

Evidence & next steps

Check the details before you buy

Use this guide to build a shortlist. Ask for a written quotation for your chosen variant, including registration, taxes, insurance, finance charges and any charger installation. Confirm the nearest authorised workshop supports that model.

Price sources and dates

These are the recorded distributor-source checks for the selected overview trims. They are separate from the article update and catalog read dates; they do not mean every trim was rechecked today. Confirm the final price with the distributor.

BMW iX3See selected-trim source-check dates in the expandable details · View catalog
Volvo EX60See selected-trim source-check dates in the expandable details · View catalog

Overview photos come from the corresponding model records; additional article photos carry their own credits. Running costs depend on usage, energy prices, maintenance, insurance and resale value.