BMW launches all-new iX3 with groundbreaking new EV

Uncompromised redesign creates BMW’s most impressive electric car yet

By carsales.com.au

BMW has laid the foundations for its future with the arrival of the second-generation iX3 electric SUV.

The German car maker revealed the clean sheet redesign ahead of the Munich Motor Show in September, with the battery-powered mid-sized SUV showcasing the brand’s retro-futuristic ‘Neue Klasse’ design language, as well as an all-new vehicle architecture and the sixth generation of its EV powertrain that delivers enhanced efficiency and ultra-fast charging.

Due to arrive in Australian showrooms from mid next year, BMW has only revealed details for a dual-motor configuration so far, with the iX3 50 xDrive producing 345kW of power and 645Nm of torque and capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

More importantly, with a 108kWh battery pack, the iX3 promises to deliver more than 800km of driving on a single charge plus the ability to replenish the battery with 350km of range in just 10 minutes.

One key element to its extended range is the fact the new EV powertrain is 10 per cent lighter than before, while energy losses have been slashed by 40 per cent, with the mid-size SUV able to average a very respectable 15kWh/100km.

Another is the exterior design which, while echoing classic BMWs of the early 1960s such as the iconic 1500, features a host of wind-cheating devices to optimise the aerodynamics for a low drag coefficient of 0.24cd.

Under the sleek new skin, the iX3 is built on a new generation dedicated electric vehicle platform with 800-volt architecture that allows the battery to ingest up to 400kW charging rates, giving it the ability to be replenished between 10-80 percent in just 21 minutes.

All versions come with an intelligent charging flap that opens and closes automatically when it thinks you’re about to charge your car.

Bidirectional charging is also available, with an optional vehicle-to-load (V2L) function able to power devices at up to 3.7kW.

Within the cabin, the iX3 comes with the BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive tech that includes a 43.3-inch screen that stretches across the width of the dashboard and projects information directly into the driver's line of sight.

The displays can also be personalised, with the driver choosing what to see.

A further 3D head-up display also shows off the navigation and automated driving tech. The central display, meanwhile, measures in at a massive 17.9-inch and is angled towards the driver.

All the tech runs BMW’s latest Operating System X that is said to be both quicker to react and more intuitive to use.

At the same time, the iX3 introduces a new ‘Heart of Joy’ supercomputer to dictate the driving character of the car, controlling its powertrain, braking and suspension components to deliver a “BMW-typical driving feeling”.

The tech is said to be 10 times faster than conventional units, delivering what’s promised to be a smoother power transfer with high levels of stability and efficiency.

According to engineers, 98 per cent of all braking is achieved via regen in normal every day driving, clawing back as much energy in the process.

Available from launch in nine different colours, standard equipment on the iX3 revealed in Munich included 20-inch alloy wheels, an electric tailgate, large panoramic roof with UV protection (a sunblind is an option), dual-zone climate control and wireless phone charging.

Physically, the iX3 now matches the latest-generation X3 SUV in almost every dimension, measuring 4782mm in overall length. Its boot has 520 litres of storage capacity with extra space under the bonnet thanks to a 58-litre frunk.

Thanks to greater use of recycled materials and more sustainable manufacturing practices, BMW says you now only need to travel 17,500km using renewable energy sources before the iX3 matches the carbon footprint of an equivalent combustion-powered car, with real carbon savings netted from then on.

More details of the all-new BMW iX3 will be revealed closer to the vehicle’s arrival in Australian showrooms next year.

^{Disclaimer: Images supplied by BMW.}