Promises perfect edge mowing: Segway Navimow X3 robotic lawnmower review
Almost perfect.
With the Navimow X3, Segway has launched an impressive robotic lawnmower on the market that promises perfect edge mowing. Unfortunately, however, there was a serious problem in our Navimow X3 review.Marcus Schwarten 👁 (translated by DeepL / Marcus Schwarten) Published 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 ...
Navimow X3 review verdict: Really good even without a trimmer
The Navimow X3 is an impressive robotic lawn mower. Even in the smallest version, the X315, it really stepped on the gas on our test areas and reliably mowed a large area per hour. The two largest models (X350 and X390) in the series are even 25 percent faster.
The Navimow X3 made a good impression in the practical test. The only real shortcoming: the edge mowing. At least for the time being, because the mowing disc is usually positioned a little away from the edge of the machine. However, Navimow promises that this will be much better with the side trimmer.
Unfortunately, this promising additional module could not yet be made available for our Navimow X3 review. But it should be coming soon. We will then add to our test report. Other options should also be possible with the side module connection.
The Navimow X3 is primarily designed for larger gardens, which it can work on individually up to 10,000 square meters or in a fleet up to a golf course. In our opinion, it is particularly worthwhile for very large areas. This is because the smallest model, the X315, is quite expensive at around 2,500 euros RRP for an area of up to 1,500 square meters.
There are cheaper alternatives here, such as the equally fast Ecovacs Goat A1600 RTK, the successful Dreame A2 or the Mammotion Yuka with optional leaf collection function. However, these cannot be extended with the optional side trimmer.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
Navimow offers the X3 in four different versions. The Navimow X315, which we tested, is the entry-level model for lawns of up to 1,500 square meters and is available from dealers for a recommended retail price of $2,299.
The Navimow X330 (3,000 m²) for $2,799 RRP and the two even faster models Navimow X350 (5,000 m²) for $3,499 and Navimow X390 (10,000 m²) for $4,999 RRP are positioned above this.
Table of Contents
- Navimow X3 review verdict: Really good even without a trimmer
- Features and scope of delivery: module connection for (almost) unlimited possibilities
- Set-up and maintenance: robotic lawn mower with automatic mapping
- App and control unit: huge display and comprehensive app
- Navigation and obstacle detection: Systematic and reliable
- Mowing performance and edge cutting: Efficient, but (still) a missed opportunity
- Runtime and volume: Quiet, but energy-hungry
After Segway launched the Navimow i105/i108 (from 839 euros on Amazon), one of the best robotic lawn mowers for small gardens, the company is now also targeting huge lawns of up to 10,000 square meters (and more) with the new Navimow X3. It also promises a solution to a problem that no manufacturer has really solved yet: perfect lawn edge mowing.
We took a close look at the Segway Navimow X3 in our test. How good is the new premium model for large lawns and what does it have to offer in practice? Unfortunately, we found one major shortcoming in our Navimow X3 review - but this can easily be rectified in the future.
Navimow X3 data sheet & comparison (X315, X330, X350 & X390)
| Property/model | Navimow X315 | Navimow X330 | Navimow X350 | Navimow X390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area (max.) | 1,500 m² | 3,000 m² | 5,000 m² | 10,000 m² |
| Navigation | EFLS 3.0 | EFLS 3.0 | EFLS 3.0 | EFLS 3.0 |
| Obstacle detection | 300° RGB+ToF | 300° RGB+ToF | 300° RGB+ToF | 300° RGB+ToF |
| Mower | Mowing disc with 6 blades | Mowing disc with 6 blades | Mowing disc with 6 blades | Mowing disc with 6 blades |
| Cutting width | 23.7 cm | 23.7 cm | 23.7 cm | 23.7 cm |
| Cutting height | 20 - 70 mm | 20 - 70 mm | 20 - 70 mm | 20 - 70 mm |
| Adjusting the cutting height | electric | electric | electric | electric |
| max. speed | 0.8 m/s | 0.8 m/s | 1.0 m/s | 1.0 m/s |
| Gradient | 50% / 26.5° | 50% / 26.5° | 50% / 26.5° | 50% / 26.5° |
| Display | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Battery capacity | 6 Ah | 8 Ah | 10 Ah | 12.8 Ah |
| Weight | 19.6 kg | 19.8 kg | 19.8 kg | 19.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 69.8 x 55 x 30.7 cm | 69.8 x 55 x 30.7 cm | 69.8 x 55 x 30.7 cm | 69.8 x 55 x 30.7 cm |
| Waterproofness | IP66 | IP66 | IP66 | IP66 |
| Garage included | no | no | no | no |
| Replacement blades | 18 pieces | 18 pieces | 18 pieces | 18 pieces |
| RRP | $2,299 | $2,799 | $3,499 | $4,999 |
Features and scope of delivery: module connection for (almost) unlimited possibilities
Let's start with the scope of delivery of the Navimow X3 (X315). The wireless robotic lawn mower is supplied with a simple charging station without a garage or roof. Also included are the 1.25 m high RTK antenna, the 10 m long power cable, 18 replacement blades and the usual accessories such as ground screws for attaching the charging station.
As a glance at the table above shows, the X3 series differs primarily in terms of its area layout, battery capacity and top speed. On the bottom, all four models work with a 23.7 cm wide cutting disc with six blades. The cutting height can be electronically adjusted in 5 mm steps between 20 and 70 mm via the app.
EFLS 3.0 with an RTK antenna (two optional) as well as several cameras and ToF sensors are used for navigation and obstacle detection. Instead of most Robotic mowers without boundary wire with cameras only in the front, the Navimow X3 also has one lens on each side. This allows the robot to look to the side, which is important for the following special feature, among others.
Navimow has given the X3 a side connection for modules. Navimow has already announced a trimmer for perfect edge trimming. More on this below. But it is also possible to implement other attachments, optionally also self-made and programmed. Let's wait and see what the future holds...
Set-up and maintenance: robotic lawn mower with automatic mapping
After a brief setup including establishing a Wi-Fi connection, which worked without any problems in the test, it's time for exploring the lawn. For this, it is not only possible to drive the Navimow X3 manually using two virtual joysticks on the smartphone display, but also to use AI mapping. The robot then automatically recognizes the edge of the lawn with its cameras.
This worked well in our test procedure. Wherever the edge of the lawn (e.g. due to lawn edges, adjacent beds, etc.) is clearly visible, the Navimow X3 reliably mapped it on its own. If there are any problems, it is possible to intervene manually anytime. It works quite well, but could be a little more sensitive given the relatively high speed. It is practical that there is an eraser function to correct errors and that the map can be easily adjusted later.
The six blades on the mowing disc are well protected and, in our opinion, do not get dirty so quickly. Changing them is easy. Thanks to IP66 certification, the robotic lawnmower can be cleaned using a garden hose.
App and control unit: huge display and comprehensive app
The Navimow app is very clearly laid out on the start screen. An image of the created map shows the live progress. Several icons are positioned around it, for example for map management. Here you can also create several and restricted zones, desired mowing pattern and more.
While large buttons at the bottom allow you to start and stop the robot, the icon at the top left opens the menu. This is quite long. On the one hand, this is confusing, but on the other hand it allows direct access to many settings without submenus.
Various things can be adjusted here, but not as much as with some other models. Unfortunately, for example, we did not find an option to deactivate obstacle avoidance when mowing the edges. This would prevent it from avoiding plants hanging over the lawn from adjacent beds. In practice, however, at least thin branches did not bother him.
The connection to the app can be made via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and/or 4G. Mobile connectivity is included in the price for one year. After that, the service costs about $30 per year, but can be useful for large properties without comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage.
The Navimow X3 has a huge dot-matrix display on the top, which sets it apart from all other robotic lawnmowers. Although it does not offer a high-resolution, it is always easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
The display uses animated pictograms to provide information on the current status (including mowing and charging progress). In addition to the obligatory stop button in red, Segway Navimow has also installed three buttons for the most important functions.
Navigation and obstacle detection: Systematic and reliable
The Navimow X3 comes as a modern Robot mower without a boundary wire wire. Instead, it relies on an RTK antenna to maneuver systematically across lawns. This can certainly lead to problems on plots with lots of trees, which is why cameras and other sensors provide support.
During our review progress on two test areas with admittedly rather few obstacles for GPS reception, there were no problems. The robotic lawnmower always had stable connection and systematically moved across the lawns in straight lines.
The EFLS 3.0 RTK system is supported by cameras and ToF for obstacle detection. This was already used in the Navimow i105 and worked excellently. The same applies to the new Navimow X3. In the test, it reliably detecteded all obstacles, including our hedgehog dummy and a piece of garden hose lying on the lawn. The only thing it "failed" on one out of three attempts was a small tennis ball. In short: almost perfect.
Mowing performance and edge cutting: Efficient, but (still) a missed opportunity
Depending on the mode, the Navimow X315 accelerates slowly to up to 0.8 m/s after a turn. This makes it slightly faster than the already speedy Ecovacs Goat A2500 RTK ($1,799 on Amazon). The X350 and X390 even drive up to one meter per second (1 m/s).
Together with the 23.7 cm single mowing disc, this results in a considerable area output per hour. Here, however, it lags behind the aforementioned competitor from Ecovacs, as it is equipped with two mowing discs and therefore has an even greater cutting width. If Navimow had opted for a comparable solution, even more impressive figures would have been possible.
But even so, the Navimow X3 leaves a very good impression in out review. It mows quickly and efficiently. According to our impressions, its special turning maneuver is gentle on the lawn and it has an optional traction control to prevent wheel spin. It also changes direction automatically every time it mows, which improves thoroughness and leaves fewer tracks. Manual adjustment is not possible.
In our test, the Navimow X315 was able to pass through some narrow passages up to 90 cm wide. However, it feels more comfortable from a clearance width of 1 m, which is not surprising given its generous dimensions of around 70 x 55 x 30 cm in length, width and height. Ultimately, it is a garden robot designed for large areas and not for small and winding gardens. On our test ramp with artificial turf it was not able to reliably demonstrate the 50 percent climbing ability claimed by the manufacturer.
Edge mowing is where the Navimow X3 should really shine. After all, it has a side connection for modules and Navimow offers a trimmer for edge mowing - at least in theory. Unfortunately, the accessory is not yet available in Germany and was therefore not available for our Navimow X3 review. As soon as this changes, we will post our impressions and test results with the edge trimmer.
Without a trimmer, the Navimow X3 performs passably well when mowing the edges. The mowing disc is not positioned at the edge, but is offset inwards by around 9 cm and cannot be moved as in the Dreame A2. This means that even with good and relatively close navigation along the edge of a lawn, at least 10 cm of lawn will remain if the property is not prepared accordingly. Unless it can drive over an edge at ground level (e.g. on a patio), it already mows without edges (without a trimmer).
Runtime and volume: Quiet, but energy-hungry
The Navimow X315 mowed for around two hours on a single charge, covering 400+ square meters in "normal mowing" mode. With 15 percent charge remaining, it automatically returns to the charging station to recharge and then resume its task as required.
The charging process was carried out with up to 158 W and only took around an hour. This means that the Navimow X not only mows quickly, but also charges quickly. During this time, approx. 140 Wh flowed into the battery. The standby consumption is a fairly high 18 Wh.
Let's assume that the Navimow X3 is supposed to mow 500 square meters three times a week. Even though the X315 is capable of much more, it allows us to compare the energy costs of the robot mowers we tested. In this scenario, the monthly energy consumption would be around 14 kWh, making the Navimow X315 a very energy-hungry robot lawnmower. On the other hand, it is pleasantly quiet at around 55 dB (depending on the mowing activity).
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
