The BMW iX3 marks a change of direction for the famous German brand, at least when it comes to building electric cars.
Overview of BMW iX3
BMW’s only previous EV (electric vehicle) was the much smaller i3 hatchback, which was built from the ground up to run on batteries. It had oddball looks, a lightweight carbon-fibre construction and fancy rear-hinged back doors; at the time it seemed like the future had come early.
It’s just another X3. Which is actually BMW’s biggest selling car – yes bigger than the 3 Series. The X3 can be had as petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and now full-electric. The version fuelled by unicorn wee is eagerly awaited.
Motor systems
Described by BMW as a fifth-generation eDrive system, it delivers 210kW and 400Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a single-speed gearbox and an electro-mechanical Performance Control differential, with three different driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport.
Despite its rather modest torque loading, there’s urgency in the new BMW’s step-off qualities, as evidenced by the iX3’s official 0–60km/h claim of 3.7sec. But as speeds rise and aerodynamic resistance builds, the performance begins to trail off, resulting in a 0–100km/h time that is ultimately 0.7sec slower than the four-wheel-drive X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid at 6.8sec in Sport mode.
Interior and visual changes of BMW iX3
The iX3 doesn’t look all that different from its gas-powered sibling. Trim-exclusive design elements like new front aprons, a faux dual kidney grille, and electric blue accents – the latter available as an option – are the only elements that give away its identity. The fancy aero wheels come standard, and not only do they save 15 percent in weight versus traditional alloys, but they’re also five percent more aerodynamic, adding an extra six miles of range.
The iX3 isn’t all that big in the back, which is the same trouble the Mercedes EQC has. Same as a standard X3, and much less than the Jaguar I-Pace. Still, the comparatively short wheelbase means a long rear overhang, and with it a big boot.
The cabin has a load of tech, but it’s mostly straightforward to use. Hardware switches cover the climate, driving modes and assists, and much else besides. The forward-reverse lever is where you expect it to be, down on the not-transmission-tunnel.
The iX3 also debuts BMW IconicSounds Electric – a system of subtle, synthesized noises pumped into the cabin to match acceleration and braking inputs. The sounds have been created in collaboration with famed film composer Hans Zimmer.
Charging and battery
BMW iX3 have only one 74-Kilowatt-Hour Lithium-Ion battery, this smallish battery will charge fast if it’ll accept 150kW. The iX3 should be compatible with almost every kind of charging station or power outlet, including super-fast 150kW chargers, which can give an 80% recharge in just 34 minutes. This means you can add 60-ish miles of range in about 10 minutes.
Charging from less powerful outlets (such as a home wall-box charger or three-pin plug) will take longer – BMW reckons a full charge from empty will take around 12 hours.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Incredibly quiet on the move
- Still spacious and practical
- Feels beautifully built
iX3 does have a few advantages that other manufacturers don’t – the key of which being that the iX3 borrows nearly all of its packaging from the base X3. But since there are no major changes to the exterior and cabin versus the standard X3, that also means there are some drawbacks. The iX3 has no extra trunk (or frunk). No noticeable increase in passenger space compared to the gas model, and no additional power.
Disadvantages:
- Adjustable lumbar support is expensive
- Rear drive-only, so no good off-road
- Not as comfortable as rivals
There were a couple of problems. First of all, EVs didn’t catch on as quickly as many had anticipated. Indeed, it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that it eventually became clear that EVs aren’t just an alternative to petrol and diesel cars but will eventually replace them altogether. And second, it turned out that many buyers didn’t necessarily want an electric car that looked different from a ‘regular’ car.
BMW iX3 price
Deliveries of the iX3 will start at the end of January 2021, with prices starting at €66,300 and the ability to deduct up to €7,500 in incentives. For comparison, the X3 M40i starts at €69,210 euros in Germany.
Nevertheless, almost €70,000 is a lot of money. Next year, not only will the BMW iX3 hit the market, but also other, cheaper electric crossovers.
Conclusion
BMW admits it isn’t an off-roader, because few people go off-road. And it doesn’t carry the weight and cost of dual motors in pursuit of a crazed 0-62 time, because after one or two trial runs most people find they don’t want to be human cannonballs. That said, 0-62 in 6.8 sec isn’t none too shabby by the standards of the diesel crossovers.
And those engineering choices mean it wears not so hight price. Mind you, it’s arriving at about the same time as the Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya and the VW Group’s ID.4/Enyaq. People might soon have other questions about what’s a good-value electric crossover.
Competitor
Electric SUV with great price and quality guarantee – JAC iEV7S.
Electric car iEV7S equipped with industry-leading SAMSUNG Ternary lithium battery. 300km range traveling. Acceleration: 0-50km/h is 4s. Good for urban driving.
More information about JAC iEV7S you can find here.
And JAC iEV7S electric car, you can order here.
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