BMW was one of the early adopters of electrification – being years ahead of rival firms with its i3 EV hatchback, plug-in hybrid i8 sports car and with its comprehensive line-up of plug-in hybrids.
But we haven’t seen an all-new electric ‘i’ BMW for some years, though that looks to change when the iX3 goes on sale.
We’re focusing here on the iX3, which is a hugely important car for BMW as its first electric SUV – important given firms such as Audi, Mercedes and Jaguar already have vehicles in this class. Here’s what you need to know about this new car.
Fast-charging and a 250-mile electric range
While we’ve only seen a concept and camouflaged version of the iX3 so far, BMW has been quite generous with the information already known about the new car.
The German firm says it will be equipped with a powerful electric motor – producing around 270bhp. Thanks to a large 70kWh battery, the iX3 should be capable of a range of 400km (249 miles). That figure puts it in a similar ballpark to rival electric SUVs – including the Mercedes EQC and Audi e-tron.
BMW has also said the iX3 will be able to equipped to deal with the most rapid chargers as it will be able to charge at a rate of 150kW.
Based on the excellent BMW X3
As with the Audi e-tron and Mercedes EQC, the iX3 will not sit on its own EV-specific platform, but one that’s shared with combustion-powered models.
With this new EV being based on the X3, those are some excellent foundations for this SUV. The X3 is great to drive, stylish and spacious, and electrification should only enhance that formula. As shown in the camouflage, the iX3 will retain the same structure as the regular car, but will feature a revised front end and rear, to set it apart from other models in the range.
With a new plug-in hybrid version of the X3 going on sale shortly, the X3 will become one of BMW’s most electrified cars.
‘No compromise on functionality and comfort’
One of the few disadvantages of electrified cars is that the batteries powering them eat into cabin space. But thankfully BMW seems to be ensuring this won’t be the case on the iX3.
BMW showcased the Concept iX3 at the Beijing Motor Show in April 2018, at which point it made this pledge on functionality and comfort. BMW’s concept models are also often quite closely related to the eventual production models, too.
Expected to be on sale in 2020
The iX3 is likely to be unveiled ahead of the new i4 as the brand gears up for its influx of electrified models. The iX3 could be unveiled before the end of 2019, while it’s expected to be in showrooms and be available to order next year, though official dates are still unknown.
A cheaper price tag than rival electric German SUVs
While official pricing is still completely unknown, because the X3 is a slightly smaller model than rivals, it’s expected to be a more affordable electric premium SUV.
With the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes EQC, you’re looking at starting prices of £71,560, £64,495 and £65,720 respectively, so with the iX3 you could be looking at something more attainable.
