All-new BMW iX3 introduced in Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR: After Thailand, BMW chose Singapore as the second ASEAN country to benefit from its fully-electric SUV, the iX3.

This fully electric variant of the ongoing X3 is manufactured at the automaker’s Automotive Plant located in Shenyang, China. And it is from here the EV is imported into the ASEAN region.

The Singapore-spec iX3 is priced at SGD 252,888 (approx. RM 784,950) which includes the compulsory Certificate of Entitlement (COE). When compared with its siblings - the sDrive20i xLine and plug-in hybrid xDrive30 xLine, the iX3 is cheaper! By about SGD 2,000 (RM6000) and SGD 48,000 (RM 149,000), respectively.

Now, the question is, why is the 2021 iX3 cheaper than its cousins? Well, all thanks to Singapore’s A1 Vehicular Emission Scheme (VES). Wherein, it benefits a rebate of SGD 25,000 (around RM 77,557).

In case we do get the new iX3 in Malaysia, we are expecting to see a pretty retail price on it - based on what MARii CEO, Datuk Madani Sahari said recently. His statement mentioned how Malaysia is ready to offer a good amount of tax incentive to pick up the country’s EV plan.

Enough about the pricing, let’s now move on to the power stuff. The iX3 gets the latest version of electric motor, charging tech, power electronics, and high-voltage battery - all developed in-house by the automaker with inspiration taken from its first-ever full EV, the i3.

What’s interesting is that for the first time the power electronics, electric motor, and transmission are placed in a central housing. The drivetrain is juiced by 5th-gen BMW eDrive high-voltage battery with the latest battery cell tech, it develops 80 kWh and gives an operating range of up to 460 km.

As for the 5th-gen current-excited synchronous motor, it pumps out a maximum power of 286 hp along with a peak torque of 400 Nm. All this calls for a century sprint in 6.8 seconds and top speed of 180 kmph (electronically-limited). In case you are wondering, the power is sent to the rear wheels as per BMW fashion. Also, the adaptive suspension comes as standard.

Charging details -

• Wall box charging: Full 100% charge in 7.5 hours at 11 kW
• DC fast charging: 80% charge in 34 mins at 150 kW

Singapore-spec BMW iX3 inclusions -

• 20-inch light-alloy wheels
• Sport seats
• Acoustic glazing
• BMW Head-Up Display
• Vernasca leather trim
• Harman surround sound
• Parking Assistant Plus
• Anti-lock Braking System
• ASC and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control)
• Hill Descent Control
• Six airbags

So, what are your thoughts on the new BMW iX3 EV? Do let us know in the comments if you’d like to see one in Malaysia.

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