Features
25 avr 18

BMW iX3 SUV unveiled in Beijing

The fully electric BMW iX3 SUV concept, set to arrive in showrooms in 2020, has been unveiled at the Auto China motor show in Beijing. It is the first BMW to be driven purely by electric power. More all-electric models are expected to follow.

The iX3 will be a global car, exported from its production plant in Shenyang, China. It is the first time a high-tech premium car is being imported into Europe and the US from China.

Fifth generation

The iX3 uses what BMW calls its fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology. A key benefit of this latest generation is the grouping together of the electric motor, transmission and power electronics within a new, separate electric drive component. It also includes new and more powerful batteries.

BMW is confident this new technology brings advances in terms of performance, operating range, weight, packaging space and flexibility. The future series-production of the iX3 will also benefit from the technological basis underpinning the powertrain of the BMW iNext flagship, due to be presented in 2021.

Competition

BMW is only one of many carmakers that are preparing to take on Tesla. Jaguar came first with its I-Pace, Audi is joining in later this year with its e-tron and Mercedes is entering the fray with its EQC SUV in 2019.

It is unlikely that the iX3 will be a one-off as BMW has trademarked model names iX1 through iX9.

Design

The iX3 concept is clearly related to the X3. The front end has been redesigned. The classic kidney grille is now filled in for better aerodynamics and the wheels have also been designed to be as aerodynamic as possible.

At the rear, the bumper has two eye-catching diffusers in eDrive blue. Other i accents are more subtle.

The interior of the car has not yet been presented.

Technology

The iX3 generates a maximum output of over 200kW/270hp and its high-voltage battery pack has a net capacity of over 70kWh. That should be enough to give the car a range of more than 400km in the WLTP cycle.

Another new feature of BMW's fifth generation EV tech is its optimised charging capability. The energy storage system has a newly developed Charging Control Unit that is designed to be hooked up to fast-charging stations generating op to 150kW where the battery can be charged to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Image: BMW iX3 concept (source: BMW)

Authored by: Benjamin Uyttebroeck