BMW electrifies its SAV lineup starting with the iX3

MANILA: The first purely electric-powered BMW X model has been revealed. The BMW iX3 merges performance, dynamic handling, and emissions-free travel with the spaciousness, functionality, and comfort that customers are looking for in a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).

The launch of the iX3 is said to be timely, given the strong appeal of SAV models and increasing global demand for all-electric premium vehicles.

The BMW iX3 is the result of technical experience gained in the development of BMW i models, which is currently starting to surface in fully-electric vehicles (EVs) from the core BMW brand.

Out of all BMW models, the X3 will be the first to offer  a pure-electric drive system, highly powerful diesel and petrol engines or a plug-in hybrid system. This reflects the “Power of Choice” systematic strategy of the BMW Group, which supports a wide variety of customer criteria and constitutional guidelines worldwide.

The significant advancements since the introduction of the BMW i3 in 2013 have resulted in the emergence of the fifth-generation eDrive technology of the company. This consists of high charging capacity, maximized energy density high-voltage battery, and a highly efficient electric motor.

Due to the long-standing investment of the BMW Group in electric mobility, the utilization of relatively large batteries, which negatively impact the weight of the car, electrical power consumption, and driving dynamics, has been prevented in vehicle development.

The fully integrated drive system technology at the core of the new BMW iX3 plays a crucial role in maximizing power development and efficiency. Power electronics, transmission, and the electric motor are now merged into a single housing.

The electric motor power density in the iX3 is 30% more than that of the current EVs within the BMW Group portfolio. The motor attains 93% efficiency, as compared to below 40% for combustion engines.

The new drive system unit produces a peak torque of 400 Nm and a maximum power output of 286 HP, which, in contrast to other electric motors, can be maintained at high revs.

The new BMW iX3 can reach 100 km/h in 6.8 ticks, placing it in the same territory as that of the traditionally powered BMW X3 xDrive 30i. The top speed is electronically restricted to 180 kph.

Among the custom-built components of the chassis construction of the iX3 is the rear axle subframe, which offers the needed space for the drive system unit.

The standard adaptive suspension includes electrically operated dampers, with specifications that adjust to any road surface anytime. This allows thoroughly judged optimization of the driving comfort and dynamics of the vehicle. The optional Adaptive M suspension is designed to provide a sleeker damper response.

BMW played a leading role in boosting electric mobility when it introduced groundbreaking solutions for charging at home or on the go, together with the launch of the BMW i3 in 2013. This trend has continued with the BMW iX3, which features a newly designed Flexible Fast Charger cable that can be linked to regular industrial and household sockets through the use of optional adapters.

Through the combination of high-voltage batteries, charging technology, power electronics, and the newest electric motor, the fifth-generation system shows vivid progress in terms of range, electrical power consumption, and performance attributes.

Such components, which the BMW Group has built in-house, will also be included in the BMW i4 and BMW iNEXT models on 2021.

The BMW iX3 will be rolled out in global automotive markets later this year.

Photos from BMW

Also read: First units of pure-electric BMW iX3 to appear in China by yearend