Electric BMW iX3 SUV set to arrive in 2020 – likely to be the first in a big line-up of all-electric BMWs
The concept arrives as several premium manufacturers gear up to take on the Tesla Model X. Jaguar is first into the fight with the new I-Pace that will be available this summer, while Audi will join later this year with the arrival of the e-tron. Mercedes will muscle in on the act too, with an all-electric SUV called EQC arriving in 2019.
All change at BMW
The iX3 marks a significant shift in BMW’s electric car story, as unlike the i3 and i8 it’s a fully-fledged i model based on an existing car in the firm’s line-up. With BMW having trademarked iX1 through to iX9 it could be the first in a broad line-up of all-electric BMW SUVs. After the arrival of the iX3 in 2020, BMW promises that it’ll be able to fit any new series model with an all-electric powertrain thanks to flexible new platforms.
From a design point of view, the Concept iX3 reimagines the regular X3 with a number of unmistakable electric car styling features. At the front end of the car, the apron has been redesigned with slimmer ventilation and smoother surfacing, while the classic kidney grille is now filled in for aerodynamic benefit.
The EV charging port sits behind the left side front wheel arch, while fresh side skirts and a new rear bumper complete with an eye-catching diffuser arrive, both sporting trademark BMW i blue accents. It rides on a set of bespoke, lightweight wheels, which BMW says have been designed to be as aero-efficient as possible.
The overall changes compared to the regular car aren’t numerous then, but BMW says that these sorts of tweaks are to be expected going forward in its future electrified series models, and that the Concept iX3 highlights the level of design differentiation it believes will be enough to separate conventionally powered cars from all-electric counterparts at a glance. BMW has yet to issue pictures of the interior. Under the skin, the Concept iX3 features BMW’s latest and fifth-generation eDrive electric technology, grouping the electric motor, transmission and power electronics into a new, separate electric drive component. However, BMW says that one of the biggest advantages of its latest systems comes in the form of more powerful, denser batteries, saving weight and serving up packaging advantages.
Battery Pack
The battery itself boasts a capacity of ‘over’ 70kWh, while BMW’s new-generation electric motor is rated at a claimed 266bhp. It’s unclear for now, but it means that if BMW plans to offer the iX3 with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive drivetrain, total system power could come in at 532bhp. A claimed range of 249 miles under the tough new WLTP regulations is touted, which is on par with Audi’s e-tron but behind the Jaguar I-Pace. A 75kWh Tesla Model X 75D claims 259 miles, though under now redundant NEDC regulations.
Like the Audi e-tron, the iX3 will arrive ready to support 150kW fast charging thanks to clever battery cooling and temperature control tech. It means that an 80 per cent recharge will be possible in less than half an hour, when plugged into a charge point capable of delivering the super high voltage.