2021 BMW iX3 Revealed, Electric SUV Gets 460 Km Range
The German automaker's first electric SUV is based on the current X3.
The 2021 BMW iX3 has been revealed and the brand’s first electric SUV gets an impressive 460 km range.
Given this is the first SUV that the German automaker makes, the 2021 BMW iX3 has not veered of the path in terms of design.
That said, there are a number of changes to the SUV that is based on the current X3. Notable features on the car are – partially blocked off kidney grille with blue accents, blue accent on the side skirts and rear bumper.
The grille, BMW says, reduces air resistance and along with the new 19-inch alloy wheels designed to reduce drag by around five percent, increase the iX3’s range by 10 km. Overall, the iX3’s drag coefficient is 0.29.
Inside, the blue accent theme continues with BMW i logos dotted around along with model-specific displays for the EV powertrain.
There are five interior trims to choose from along with the option of standard or sports seats and six exterior metallic color options.
The BMW iX3 features a fifth generation eDrive system that boasts of an 80 kWh battery pack and an electric motor that is capable of producing 282 HP and 400 Nm of torque.
BMW’s 460 km per charge range is based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).
Power goes to the rear wheels only, propelling the car from 0-100 km/hr in 6.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 180 km/hr.
BMW states that its fifth generation eDrive technology is 30 percent more power-dense when compared to the current system that it uses.
The iX3’s electric motor, electronics and transmission are arranged in a common housing to make it compact and thus easier to use across different models in BMW’s range.
The new 2021 BMW iX3 is compatible with up to 150 kW of DC fast-charging, during which it can recharge from 0 to 80 percent in 34 minutes. BMW reckons a fast charger will add 100 km to the iX3’s driving range in 10 minutes.
Moreover, there is a separate auxiliary heater to take care of the high-voltage battery pack till -30 degrees Celcius. Another liquid cooling/heating system keeps the temperature of electric motor, power electronics and storage unit under check.
All models will come as standard with adaptive suspension, featuring electronically controlled dampers.
First of three new electric models that BMW will put into production, the 2021 BMW iX3 will be available later this year in China and in 2021 in Europe. It will also become the firm’s first car to be produced for export at the Shenyang factory in China.
2021 BMW iX3
- BMW’s first electric SUV will have 460 km range per full charge
- Has an 80 kWh battery pack and an electric motor that makes 282 HP and 400 Nm of torque
- EV is compatible with fast charging of up to 150 kW
