BMW iX3 Model Upgrade, Available To European Markets In Autumn 2021

Welcoming the new era of electric mobility is the new BMW iX3, the first model featuring fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. This model combines sporting prowess, exceptional efficiency, and long-distance ability with a range of up to 460 km in the WLTP test cycle.

The BMW iX3 will debut in the European market at the IAA Mobility 2021 event in Munich. Production of the model is said to commence at the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture’s Shenyang facility in China in September 2021 for local and export markets. 

Highlights of the exterior include a larger BMW kidney grille, slimmer headlights, a new sculpted front apron, muscular surfacing at the rear, three-dimensional LED rear lights, as well as model-specific accents in BMW i Blue at the front and back. 

Coming standard on the new BMW iX3 is the M Sport package and Adaptive LED Headlights. Not only can customers order the BMW Laserlight as an option, but they can also opt to switch from the standard 19-inch aerodynamic wheels to the new M aerodynamic wheels in 20-inch format instead.

As for the interior, the model is equipped with a fully digital screen grouping now with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, an enlarged control display, a redesigned control panel on the centre console for the gear selector lever, BMW Controller, Start/Stop button and the buttons for the Driving Experience Control switch and parking brake. 

Also standard are sport seats in the new Sensatec perforated upholstery variant and interior trim strips in the new Aluminium Rhombicle dark finish. Not forgetting the BMW i Blue accents on the gear selector lever, Start/Stop button and steering wheel. 

Not only does it come with a highly integrated drive system with electric motor, transmission and power electronics in a single housing, but it also has a space-saving arrangement in the rear axle subframe. 

The new BMW iX3 produces a maximum output of 286 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It is equipped with rear-wheel drive and can make a century sprint in 6.8 seconds. 

Following that, the model also comes with a model-specific high-voltage battery with a gross energy content of 80 kWh, along with a Combined Charging Unit that enables direct current (DC) fast-charging at a rate of up to 150 kW. 10-minute fast charge adds around 100 kilometres (62 miles) of range in the WLTP cycle.

Moving on to the aspect of sustainability, did you know that the design of the electric motor allows the use of rare earth metals to be avoided in the manufacture of the rotor?

Instead, it uses secondary raw materials. BMW Group oversees the monitored procurement process for cobalt and lithium for high-voltage batteries.

The manufacturing of battery cells, as well as the vehicle, is powered only by green energy. 

In addition to that, this model comes with two options for equipment lines that include “Inspiring” and “Impressive”. 

“Inspiring” includes metallic paintwork, adaptive suspension, automatic tailgate operation, a panoramic glass roof, electrically adjustable seats, a sports leather steering wheel, a storage package and a three-zone automatic climate control system with pre-heating and pre-conditioning function. 

While “Impressive” option is fitted with the 20-inch light-alloy wheels, acoustic glazing, Vernasca leather trim, BMW Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System and BMW IconicSounds Electric.

Next to that, a generous selection of driver assistance systems come as standard in the vehicle. Among them are Driving Assistant Professional with the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, automatic Speed Limit Assist, route monitoring, Parking Assistant with Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant. 

Other standard features include BMW Live Cockpit Professional with cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto preparation, Remote Software Upgrade and other digital services from BMW Connected.