We Examined the BMW iX3 Drifting on Frozen Swedish Lakes

The frozen lake in Ostersund, Sweden stretches extensive and flat below gray winter skies—a great canvas for testing how BMW’s new electrical efficiency truly behaves when traction disappears. We attended the BMW Winter Driving Expertise with a lineup of automobiles spanning the brand new and older BMWs, and amongst them was one thing sudden: the 2026 iX3. The iX3 shared house on the frozen course with extra conventional efficiency vehicles—M fashions, 8 Sequence Convertibles and three Sequence Touring variants, and different winter-tested equipment.

A Totally different Type of Efficiency

Drifting an electrical automobile requires a psychological recalibration. The iX3’s speedy torque supply—immediate electrical motor response—modifications the throttle modulation recreation completely in comparison with conventional inside combustion engines. On the frozen floor, this interprets to a automobile that responds with precision to enter however calls for respect for its weight distribution. The 2026 mannequin’s platform carries the battery pack low and centered, which essentially alters how the chassis behaves. In a drift, this manifests as composed, predictable dealing with traits—the iX3 doesn’t battle you, so you might want to dance with the automobile.

The place conventional combustion engines require throttle buildup and turbo response, the iX3 affords flat, linear energy utility. On ice, the speedy surge of electrical torque means smoother transitions by means of drift angles, nevertheless it additionally requires drivers to recalibrate their threshold consciousness. We tried drifting the automobile with each DSC on and off, and naturally, it’s the nanny controls off mode that’s extra enjoyable.

Why? As a result of the Coronary heart of Pleasure supercomputer does such an excellent job maintaining the automobile planted, even on icy surfaces with out studded tires. Throughout extra aggressive workout routines, you discover the clever integration of the powertrain and chassis—they impart continually, refining supply reasonably than merely limiting it.

Regenerative Braking in Dynamic Situations

Brake regeneration in efficiency driving reveals itself otherwise than in common driving. Throughout our ice workout routines, the iX3’s regenerative braking system remained engaged, which creates a noticeable, virtually seamless braking really feel that differs from friction braking alone. The automobile recovers vitality even throughout aggressive maneuvers, which implies drivers really feel a barely softer brake engagement than a conventional setup may provide. It’s additionally enjoyable to virtually by no means having to make use of the brake pedal throughout a drift, apart from perhaps tapping it to throw the burden to the entrance and rear out.

The pictures captured all through these drifting classes doc this engagement visually—the iX3 mid-drift, rear wheels throwing up snow and ice crystals, the automobile leaning into its traces whereas staying composed. It’s truly fairly spectacular how unbothered the chassis is even when leaning exhausting into it.

Why Driving It On A Frozen Lake?

The 2026 iX3 on Ostersund’s frozen floor proves that BMW’s electrical SUV isn’t merely acceptable in dynamic situations—it’s genuinely succesful and interesting when pushed exhausting. For winter markets like Sweden, Germany, and Canada, this distinction carries actual weight. It’s additionally a enjoyable train to point out how even high-riding electrical automobiles might be enjoyable, when pushed exhausting. (Images: BMW Sweden)