I is for all-electric BMW SUV

BMW South Africa is earmarked to expand its electric portfolio with the introduction of the new iX3 slated to arrive in Mzansi from the first quarter of 2022. 

The new BMW iX3 becomes the first all-electric model to spawn the fifth-gen eDrive technology giving it a pure electric range of up to 460 km. 

Powering the SAV is an 80 kWh battery pack that can be recharged using a DC fast charger at a rate of up to 150 kW. Charging the battery pack for 10 minutes using a fast charger adds around 100 km of range. 

The new BMW iX3 powertrain churns out 210 kW and 400 Nm granting the fully-electric SAV a 6.8 seconds sprint to 100 km/h from a standstill. Power is sent entirely to the rear wheels. 

On the outside, the iX3 features a larger kidney grille, slimmer headlights as well as a sculpted front apron. The rear comes fitted with three-dimensional LED rear lights. It also features model-specific accents in BMW i Blue at the front and rear.

Offered as standard is the M Sport package, new 20” M aerodynamic wheels and adaptive LED headlights. Buyers can also opt for Laserlight headlights as an option.  

The interior is fitted with a 12.3” instrument cluster, a newly designed control panel on the centre console for the gear selector lever plus an enlarged control display. Furthermore, the features list extends to BMW Live Cockpit Professional with integrated SATNav and Intelligent Personal Assistant as standard. The infotainment system allows Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. 

There are sports seats in new Vernasca leather upholstery and interior trim strips in the new aluminium Rhombicle dark finish that are offered as standard and to reinforce its i positioning, there are Blue accents on the gear selector lever, Start/Stop button and steering wheel. 

Buyers can choose between two equipment lines; Inspiring and Impressive. The Inspiring trim level features metallic paintwork, adaptive suspension, automatic tailgate operations, panoramic glass roof, electronically-adjustable seats, sports leather steering wheel, storage package and a three-zone automatic climate control system. 

The Impressive trim adds a Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System plus the brand’s IconicSounds Electric.

Safety comes courtesy of standard driver assistance systems in the form of Driving Assistant Professional with steering and lane control assist, active cruise control, automatic speed limit assist and park assist with reverse assist camera. 

Production of the new iX3 will take place at the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture’s Shenyang facility in China in September 2021.