MUNICH: The all-electric BMW iX3 made its world premiere in digital format today.
The broadcast of the live stream began at 10:00 CEST (4pm in Malaysia).
As published before, the all-electric iX3 model will hit showrooms by the end of 2020. It is built at its China-based BMW Brilliance Automotive joint-venture (BBA) plant in Dadong.
The X3 is the first model to be available with a petrol or diesel engine, plug-in hybrid drive system or all-electric drive system.
With the iX3, the BMW Group is adding another fully-electric vehicle to its portfolio that will not only tap into new customer groups but also arrives on the market at a time when demand for electric vehicles is expanding significantly.
The electric car is based on the X3 and combines the versatility and robust functionality of a premium mid-size SAV with ground-breaking drive technology for locally emission-free driving pleasure.
The iX3 comes ready with BMW's fifth-generation eDrive technology, including a drive unit with the electric engine, power electronics and transmission highly integrated into a central housing.
This significantly reduces the installation space and mass of the drive technology relative to output and offers added flexibility for installing new electric powertrain components in different vehicle derivatives and its iX3's electric motor no longer requires the use of rare earth materials.
The fifth-generation electric drive train also includes new and more powerful high-voltage batteries thanks to their scalable and modular design that can be used flexibly in the respective vehicle architecture and at the respective production locations. Power density of the electric drive system increased by 30 per cent over the BMW Group’s existing fully electric vehicles.
With a range of around 460km in the WLTP test cycle, the iX3 paves the way for BMW eDrive technology, which will also be used in i4 and iNEXT models from 2021 on.
The eDrive electric motor produces maximum output of 210 kW/286hp and peak torque of 400Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100kph in 6.8 seconds (the X3 30i does it in 6.4 seconds), top speed (electronically limited): 180kph.
Power transfer to the rear wheels delivers a classical BMW driving experience. The iX3 promises a combination of low electric power consumption and high charging capacity, enabling long-distance journeys at high average speeds. Adaptive suspension, fitted as standard, optimises sporting responses and comfort. Also standard are 19-inch light-alloy wheels with new, drag-reducing design.
With a 150 kW DC fast-charger, recharging from 0 to 80 per cent of the high-voltage battery’s capacity takes 34 minutes. A 10-minute charge adds 100km of range (WLTP).
BMW worked with award-winning composer Hans Zimmer to create the soundscape for electrically powered models. The various sounds make their debut in the iX3 and adds emotional depth to the driving experience. Powerful drive sound are available in cars with the equipment line “Impressive”. when starting and deactivating the electric drive system.
The SUV has 510 litres of storage space that can be expanded to as much as 1,560 litres.
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