German luxury carmaker, BMW has unveiled its second fully electric SUV – the BMW iX3. The SUV was first showcased as a concept at the 2018 Beijing Motor Show. It is the first BMW electric SUV to be produced in China for export markets.
The new pure electric iX3 SUV is based on the third-generation X3 SUV. It is claimed to be equipped with BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive system. It features an all-new powertrain that offers 286bhp of power. The new BMW iX3 pure electric SUV is claimed to deliver an official WLTP range of 458km.
The BMW iX3 will be launched in the international markets in the near future. It will be produced at a joint-venture facility of BMW and Chinese carmaker Brilliance in Shenyang Liaoning. The SUV’s design is similar to that of the concept. Some of the design highlights include blanked-off front grille, vertical air ducts, new side sills and revised rear bumper. Blue element is visible on the grille, sills and rear bumper.
The all-new BMW iX3 features an aerodynamically optimised 19-inchhh wheels that contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.29. It is developed as rear-wheel drive vehicle. The SUV has a rear-mounted electric motor that offers 286bhp of power and 400Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a single-speed gearbox.
It is claimed to have 30% more power density than the BMW i3. The new electric motor and battery combination will also power the upcoming i4 compact sedan and the iNext large SUV. These new electric cars are scheduled to be launched by the end of 2021. The new BMW iX3 is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph in just 6.8 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 180kmph.
The SUV features 74kWh lithium-ion battery pack that operates at 400V. The company is also offering multiple charging options with the iX3. With 150KW DC rapid charger, the iX3 battery can be charged up to 80% in 34 minutes.
