BMW uncovers the first ever BMW iX3

The first fully electrically powered BMW X model is ready to conquer the roads. The BMW iX3 blends locally emission-free driving pleasure with the sporting ability for which BMW is renowned and the comfort, multi-faceted functionality and spaciousness of a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).

The international market launch of the iX3 will begin later in 2020, when sales get underway in China. The BMW iX3 will be the brand's first model to also be built for export at the Shenyang plant in China, which is operated by the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive.

Built upon the platform of the X3, the iX3 makes the compact SUV platform the first to be available with a petrol or diesel engine, plug-in hybrid drive system or all-electric drive system, embodying BMW's strategic 'Power of Choice' approach

The power density of the electric motor in the BMW iX3 is 30% greater than that of existing fully electric vehicles from the BMW Group, thanks to a new highly integrated electric drive system topology that allows a substantial reduction in the installation space required and the weight of the components relative to the power they produce.

The motor displays efficiency of up to 93%, in comparison the typical 40% for combustion engines. The design principle of a current-excited synchronous motor enables optimised power development and allows engineers to avoid the use of rare earths in the manufacture of the motor.

The new drive system unit generates a maximum output of 282bhp and peak torque of 400Nm which, unlike with many other electric motors, is sustained at high revs. A zero to 100km/h sprint time of 6.8 seconds, puts it on equal footing with the petrol-powered BMW X3 xDrive30i. Top speed is electronically limited to 180km/h. A gross energy content of 80kWh - of which 74kWh is utilised - and the high efficiency of the drive systems offer a range of up to 459km in the Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) test cycle.

The new technical features making their debut under the banner of the fifth generation BMW eDrive technology include an innovative charging unit, sending power to both the 400V battery and the 12V on-board power supply. Plugging the vehicle into a direct current fast-charging station facilitates charging speeds of up to 150kW.

The high-voltage battery in the new BMW iX3 can therefore be charged from zero to 80% of its full capacity in 34 minutes. Drivers can inject the power required to add 100km to the car's driving range under the WLTP cycle in 10 minutes of charging.

Adaptive recuperation enhances efficiency and driving comfort during a journey. The intensity of the Brake Energy Regeneration actively adapts to the road situation described by data from the navigation system and the driver assistance system sensors. As an alternative to adaptive recuperation, in driving position 'D' the driver can choose between high, medium or low Brake Energy Regeneration settings. Also, using the selector lever in the centre console to engage driving position B generates the signature one-pedal feeling of the BMW Group's electric vehicles by providing particularly strong recuperation.

The exterior design of the new BMW iX3 displays the characteristic proportions of a BMW X model, combined with model-specific design features optimising the car's aerodynamic properties. The front apron and BMW kidney grille have a largely enclosed design, while the rear end has also been sculpted in order to reduce air resistance.

The innovative, aerodynamically designed 19-inch light-alloy wheels make their debut on the new BMW iX3 and reduce its drag coefficient by around 5% adding 10km to the new WLTP test cycle. This all combines with other aerodynamic enhancements to give the all-electric SAV a drag coefficient of 0.29.

The interior of the iX3 combines clearly structured controls, high-quality materials and stylishly designed surfaces for a premium interior ambience typically associated with an SAV. Another hallmark quality of this breed of car - versatility - is reflected in its spaciousness, which is on par with that of conventionally powered BMW X3 model variants. Thanks to the 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrest, load capacity can be increased from 510 litres to a maximum of 1,560 litres as required.

The debut of BMW IconicSounds Electric provides acoustic feedback to enrich the electric driving experience. Load changes are signalled by a smoothly modulated sound, and recuperation during braking is accompanied by a gently filtered acoustic response, meaning that every driving state is replicated by a matching sound pattern.

Two attractive equipment lines are available. The standard 'Inspiring' specification includes metallic paintwork, LED head lights, three-zone automatic climate control with pre-heating and pre-conditioning, an automatic tailgate operation, panoramic glass sunroof, BMW's Driving Assistant Professional and ambient lighting.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional complete with BMW Maps navigation system, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto preparation, Remote Software Upgrade, the digital services from BMW Connected Charging, telephony with wireless charging and an audio system with DAB tuner can all be found on the standard equipment list as well. The optional equipment package 'Impressive' also brings 20-inch light-alloy wheels, acoustic glazing, sport seats, Vernasca leather trim, BMW Head-Up Display, Parking Assistant Plus and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system.