Fifth-generation BMW electric drivetrain being tested on iX3 SUV

By CARSIFU | 10 May 2019


Prototype production of future fifth-generation e-drivetrain: electric motor, transmission and power electronics are combined in a separate, compact e-drive component.


MUNICH: The BMW Group is currently developing the fifth generation of its electric drivetrain and the first model to receive it will be the iX3 from 2020.

BMW said the Gen 5 drivetrain will see the electric motor, transmission, power electronics and battery being further optimised. Integrating the electric motor, the transmission and power electronics also helps the company to drive down costs. Furthermore, the electric motor does not require rare earths, enabling the BMW Group to reduce its dependence on their availability.

The iX3 will be the first all-electric SUV from BMW and will be produced for the world market in Shenyang, China.

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Based on the same platform as the current X3, the iX3 is expected to have a 400km range as it will be fitted with the biggest BMW battery ever - a 70 kWh battery - which is double the 33 kWh pack in the new i3. The i3 has a range of 183km.

The rear-wheel drive iX3, currently undergoing testing, will have an electric motor producing around 270hp.

Meanwhile, over 10 new or revised models equipped with fourth-generation electric drivetrain technology are expected to roll out by the end of 2020 ahead of the Gen 5 introduction.

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This wide range of electrified models on offer will be made possible by highly flexible vehicle architectures and an agile global production system.

Going forward, the BMW Group will be capable of manufacturing models with all-electric (BEV), hybrid-electric (PHEV) and conventional (ICE) drivetrains on one production line. The ability to integrate e-mobility in its production network will enable the BMW Group to respond even more flexibly as demand grows.

 

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