To better communicate the new BMW iX3, the company has just unveiled the new vehicle two months after the launching of the facelifted BMW X3 and X4 M variants. The iX3 is the fully electric variant of the X3 SAV that was launched just last year.
Rather than a different product altogether as executed by Mercedes-Benz via the GLC and electric EQC 400 models, the BMW iX3 share the majority of the G01 BMW X3 to make customers feel more comfortable embracing electric power as well as a quick solution for corporations to have a fleet of practically sized fully-electric BMWs.
Plenty of new design motifs from the larger BMW iX and BMW i4 electric vehicles have been added to the new BMW iX3. Facelifted items include a new front and rear design, featuring new slim adaptive LED headlamps, unique “pincer” tail lamps and sportier bumper profiles. Sporty and gloss black is the new theme for the iX3, as BMW is only offering the facelifted model with just the M Sport styling.
The slightly enlarged kidney grille now sports the same black panel and the indent “nugget” seen on the BMW i4. The inner edge of the kidneys is also highlighted with BMW i-style blue accent, complementing the L-shaped elements in the headlamps.
Completing the facelifted exterior look are a set of aerodynamically sculptured 20-inch dual-tone jet-black and aluminium inlay M Sport wheels with low rolling resistance tyres. While fitted with M Sport bumpers as standard, BMW says the new iX3 still has a relatively low Coefficient of drag (Cd) figure of up to 0.29.
Inside, the M Sport styling continues with a pair of sports seats up front. Other popular M Sport items found in the new facelifted BMW iX3 include the steering wheel and metallic foot pedals. Similar to the recently updated BMW X3 and X4 models, the interior features a redesigned centre console, beginning with the fitment of a larger 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display.
Switches have been regrouped for better aesthetics and usability and the lower console features the latest BMW “control island” panel with blue accented start-stop button and new shift lever.
The interior is offered in two new equipment lines- Inspiring and Impressive. The range-topping Impressive line includes acoustic front windows, BMW head-up display, BMW Gesture control and Vernasca leather upholstery.
The Inspiring line already includes adaptive suspension, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice command as well as wireless charging.
However, occupants driving the new BMW iX3 Impressive line will be thrilled by the BMW IconicSounds synthesised driving “noises” pumped out of the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. An extra layer of emotion has been crafted into this feature that was developed by Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer and BMW.
In terms of power outputs, the new BMW iX3 has maintained key performance indicators, such as 286 hp peak output, 400 Nm peak torque as well as 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The range is up to 460 km under WLTP testing methods with a battery that has a gross energy capacity of 80 kWh.
With a Wallbox charger, the battery in the iX3 will only need 7.5 hours for a full charge. Meanwhile, using a direct current (DC) 150 kW fast-charging station, the batteries can be charged up to 80% in just 32 minutes. A 10-minute charge supposedly offers up to 100 km in electric driving range.
In the most established ASEAN markets for BMW, only Thailand and Singapore have introduced the pre-facelift BMW iX3.
Production of the new facelifted BMW iX3 will begin at the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture’s Shenyang facility in China next month, where it will serve the local demand as well as be exported to the rest of the world.
GALLERY
