BMW is expanding its electric lineup from the niche i3 subcompact and i8 supercar. The first new model in that new line debuted today at the Beijing auto show. The Concept iX3 is the brand's first all-electric SUV.
The iX3 concept debuts the fifth-generation of BMW's electric vehicle powertrain technology. The new motor generates over 270 hp, and has a battery storage capacity of over 70 kWh. BMW says that's enough to give the iX3 a range of more than 400 km on the new WLTP economy cycle. The battery also has a new charging control system that allows a 30-minute charge using a 150 kW fast-charge station. The new electric motor does not require rare earth materials, meaning that BMW is not restricted by the high cost and limited availability of those metals.
Another new innovation for the iX3 is a new BMW kidney grille. Instead of the twin grilles the brand has been using for decades, the iX3 has one large opening. The kidneys have been twinned, taking a page from the i Vision Dynamics concept. Overall, the design is very similar to the conventional X3, with a few electric design accents like the new grille and some blue trim.
The concept is based on the gas-powered X3 crossover. The new and smaller electric eDrive components are designed to scale into that platform and allow BMW to offer multiple drive options. The iX3 uses a special rear subframe to help integrate the eDrive components.
The production version of the iX3 is expected to arrive by 2020.
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