BMW iX3 Electric SUV Debuts at Beijing Motor Show

By Farzana Chaumoo

BMW used the 2018 Beijing Motor Show to debut an electric version of its X3 SUV that will be available in 2020. However, only a concept was on display labelled the Concept iX3.

The new all-electric X3 SUV is set to arrive in 2020 and will be built in China at the automaker’s Shenyang plant. The iX3 has been developed to rival the likes of the Jaguar I-PACE, Audi e-tron quattro, Tesla Model X/Y and the Mercedes-Benz EQC.

Styling

Much of the standard X3 can be seen in the styling of the Concept iX3. What stands out is the newly styled closed-off kidney grille (for aerodynamic benefit), re-profiled bumpers with slimmer ventilation, a new rear diffuser, and elusive additions to the sills. The iX3's structure is a development of BMW’s CLAR structure, which reinforces the new X3, the new 5 and 7 Series models, and the 2019 3 Series.

Furthermore, it carries blue accents that are trademarked for BMW’s electric cars and similar to the i Vision Dynamics, which may, possibly, also make it to production. Blue accents make its way across from the front fascia, to the side skirts and up to the rear diffuser.

The Concept iX3 has a unique set of lightweight wheels that have been designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind.

The display model has been painted in a Moonstone Silver shade with a matte finish. BMW has yet to issue pictures of the iX3’s interior.

Power

The Concept iX3 is powered by a single electric motor that’s good for 201 kW (270 hp). The motor, transmission, and power control units have all been packaged into a compact modular unit. The German automaker says this unit can then be scaled up to fit several of its core models. BMW is pushing forward rapidly with its electric division and very soon most of its models will have the powertrain option of internal combustion engine, plug-in hybrid or pure electric.

The iX3 benefits from BMW’s fifth-generation electric drive system that produces 200 kW. Its large battery pack has a capacity of more than 70 kWh and can offer drivers a range of 400 km’s (400 miles). This range is on par with Audi’s e-tron but less than Jaguar’s I-PACE 479 km range and Tesla’s Model X 75D which claims 417 km’s. Also noteworthy is fast charging at 150 kilowatts using the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard can complete an 80 percent charge in half an hour. This is possible through clever battery cooling and temperature control technology.

The production version of the iX3 will be BMW’s third all-electric model, following the recently facelifted i3, and should arrive in showrooms by late 2020 as a 2021 model.