BMW reveals iX3, appears similar to the concept version

KUALA LUMPUR: Leading German luxury carmaker BMW has revealed the all-electric iX3 sports utility vehicle (SUV) at a presentation that marked the launch of the i4 fastback-styled sedan. The latter was slated to debut at the now-scrapped 2020 Geneva International Motor Show.

The production-specific model of the iX3 resembles its concept version which BMW showcased at the 2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. The iX3 SUV will be built entirely in China and then shipped to other markets.

The Munich-headquartered company, in February, teased the aerodynamic wheels of the iX3 electric vehicle (EV). BMW claims that the wheels have been designed to reduce the car’s weight while improving aerodynamic efficiency. Earlier spy images revealed that the company was actually carrying out on-road tests for the wheel.

The production-specific iX3 retains the wheels as well as the front fender panel with the BMW insignia on its. The only major change seems to be the grille which has a more conventional look as compared to the rest of the X3 series.

BMW has already confirmed that the all-electric iX3 will be powered by a 74 kWh battery, which the company claims, will return a mileage of 440 km on a single recharge. The run-range has been measured according to the European World Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle. The iX3 will be hauled by BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive all-electric motor which is expected to output 290 PS maximum power and 400 Nm peak torque. The motor has been developed entirely by the company. The iX3, contrary to earlier reports, will come with a rear-wheel-drive powertrain.

The X3 is currently available in the Malaysian market in its third-generation avatar. The XDrive30i, priced at RM 313,800 is the only trim on sale. It is hauled by a 4-cylinder, turbocharged 2.0-litre engine which produces 252 PS maximum power and 350 Nm peak torque. The motor is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission (AT).

The BMW iX3 is expected to be commercially rolled out later this year. It will be first available in European markets. The X3 brand will be BMW’s first car to be available both with the conventional diesel and petrol engines, a plug-in hybrid version, and an all-electric trim.

Also read: BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport launched in Malaysia, priced at RM 233,800