BMW iX3 Leading

BMW iX3 is probably the fastest electric crossover

BMW iX3, an electric version of the X3 sports crossover, was presented at the Beijing Auto Show in 2018. Serial production of the electric crossover began in 2020. At first, the electric car was supplied only to the Chinese market, but very soon it began to be exported to other countries.

Options

BMW iX3 is available in two trim levels - basic and top-end. The difference between them lies not in the technical characteristics, but in the quality of the equipment. Thus, in the basic configuration, electric vehicles are equipped with alloy wheels with tires measuring 245/50 R19. The top-end configuration features light alloy wheels with tires measuring 245/45 R20.

Not included in the basic package:

• keyless entry;
• wireless phone charging;
• electric trunk;
• heated seats;
• high-quality Harman/Kardon audio system (16 speakers)
• all-round viewing system (360 degrees).

Appearance

Unlike most manufacturers, BMW has not abandoned radiator grilles, although they serve a purely decorative function. This is due to the fact that radiator grilles are the calling card of all BMW cars without exception.

At first glance, the electric iX3 is extremely difficult to distinguish from the gasoline or diesel X3. The electric car also has an almost completely closed decorative grille and L-shaped air intakes.

Flat Adaptive LED headlights underscore the dynamic and purposeful character of the BMW iX3. The claw-shaped LED taillights are covered with 3D glass. There are red horizontal indicator lights located under the trunk door.

The electric car is equipped with light sensors, and it is possible to adjust the front optics in height. There is also a function to automatically switch from high to low beam.

Under the spacious wheel arches are alloy wheels in the signature M Aerodynamic design and signature Jet Black color. Additionally, you can order Double-Spoke alloy wheels in Bicolour.

There are recesses on the side door that increase the aerodynamic properties of the body. Vertical air intakes are installed on the rear bumper. Diffusers on the bumper complete the appearance of the rear of the electric vehicle.

Interior

The interior is upholstered in Sensatec synthetic leather in black or volcanic red. Some interior elements can be finished in refined brushed aluminum with pearlescent chrome surrounds or can be finished in dark grain matte ash wood.

Seats for the driver and front passenger emphasize the sporty character of the car. These seats are equipped with electrical adjustment and position memory. The front and rear seats are separated by armrests.

The driver's area is designed in the signature BMW Live Cockpit Professional style. This is:

• sports multifunction steering wheel, upholstered in soft and pleasant leather;
• a fully digital instrument screen, which displays all important information about the movement and condition of the electric vehicle. Active navigation is also displayed on the instrument screen - proprietary BMW technology;
• a HUD projection screen, which duplicates the information from the digital instrument screen onto the lower part of the windshield;
• 12.3-inch touch screen multimedia system. It displays GPS navigation, audio system controls and some proprietary functions.

The BMW iX3 interior is equipped with an electric panoramic sunroof. It has a sun shade.

Additionally, you can order all-weather graceful and elegant floor mats in black and with the X3 logo.

Main technical characteristics

BMW iX3 is built on a modular CLAR architecture with a longitudinal electric motor. Its weight and size characteristics:

• length – 4.74 meters;
• width – 1.89 meters;
• height – 1.68 meters;
• wheelbase length – 2.86 meters;
• curb weight – 2205 kg.

The front axle is equipped with independent suspension and ventilated disc brakes. The rear axle is equipped with a multi-link independent suspension and non-ventilated disc brakes.

The suspension is controlled by the intelligent BMW eDrive electric vehicle system. It changes the stiffness of the suspension depending on the nature of the road surface. In addition, the driver can turn on the Sport mode, which adds sporty stiffness to the suspension.

Engine and battery

The BMW iX3 is equipped with a permanent magnet electric motor with a power of 210 kW. It creates a torque of 400 Nm. The electric motor accelerates the car to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, and the top speed is forcibly limited to 180 km/h. An automatic single-stage transmission interacts with the engine. Initially, the BMW iX3 was produced only with rear-wheel drive.

The BMW iX3 has a battery with a capacity of 80 kWh. On this charge, the electric car will travel 550 km without recharging in the basic configuration, and 535 km in the top configuration. The difference of 15 km was due to more electrically intensive equipment installed on the top-end configuration of the electric crossover.

During slow charging from a household network, the battery fully restores its charge in 7.5 hours. At DC fast charging stations, 80% of the battery charge is restored in 45 minutes. This charge is enough to drive on city streets.

The operation of the electric motor and battery is controlled by the fifth-generation intelligent BMW eDrive system. It improves engine efficiency in any situation that may occur on the road.

The eDrive system changes the nature of the engine's operation and the level of its electrical energy consumption depending on where the electric vehicle is moving - on a city street, on a country road, in a traffic jam or on a road trip.

Security level

In terms of electronic safety systems, there are no differences between the base and top-end configurations of the BMW iX3. The following are installed on the electric crossover:

• front and rear parking sensors;
• tire pressure monitoring;
• anti-lock braking system (ABS);
• brake force distribution (EBD);
• Brake Assist;
• traction control system (TCS);
• stabilization system (ESP);
• active braking system;
• assist system for ascent and descent;
• blind spot monitoring system;
• automatic parallel parking system.

As for passive safety systems, the following are installed in the BMW iX3 interior:

• front airbags for driver and passenger;
• front side airbags;
• front and rear curtain airbags;
• fasteners for Isofix child seats.

Comfort level

In all trim levels, the BMW iX3 is equipped with:

• automatic air conditioning;
• separate climate control for driver and front passenger;
• central locking and its remote control function;
• adaptive LED headlights;
• adaptive cruise control;
• panoramic ceiling;
• decorative interior lighting.

The BMW IconicSound Electric acoustic system is integrated into the cabin. It improves the sound quality of music tracks. This system also creates acoustic responses to electric vehicle maneuvers. This creates the feeling that the driver is not behind the wheel of an electric crossover, but behind the wheel of a racing car. In addition, the BMW IconicSound Electric beeps when the road situation suddenly changes, for example when the electric vehicle enters a pedestrian zone.

An animated active navigation system is displayed on the digital instrument screen. It is an advanced function of the steering assistant. Active navigation will prompt the driver to change the route depending on the traffic situation ahead.

Conclusions

The BMW iX3, which has become fully electric, has not lost its sporty character. Yes, it is impossible to accelerate in an electric car to the speeds that are available in cars with a gasoline or diesel engine. But the maximum is 180 km/h. – This is a significantly higher speed threshold than the maximum speed available for other electric vehicles.

In general, this is the same sports crossover from the Bavarian automaker, only now with an all-electric engine. But the BMW iX3 still has sporty handling and maneuverability, and the acceleration dynamics have even improved.