The new BMW iX3 Premier edition will be a new model to BMW i’s all electric range and will be available in two derivatives: the BMW iX3 Premier Edition and the BMW iX3 Premier Edition Pro. The BMW iX3 heralds a new era of emission free sheer driving pleasure and has managed to combine innovation and expression. Elevating traditional X model design with clear, powerful contours and amazing levels of refinement and flair, the new look and feel is a celebration of BMW’s first all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle. Being the first fully electric SUV from the German manufacturers, BMW iX3 is squarely aimed at the Audi e-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes EQC and Tesla Model Y.
The styling of the iX3 closely resembles the standard petrol and diesel-powered BMW iX3 but it also has 20” aerodynamic alloy wheels, BMW i blue accents and an i specific kidney grille featured along with reshaped flatter headlights with a new light graphic. The new iX3 could be available in adaptive LED headlights with matrix function. BMW Laser Light is also expected to be included in the list of optional extras. With the laser light option checked, the headlights should offer a high beam range of up to 650 metres
Engine And Battery Performance Of BMW iX3
The high voltage battery is specially developed with lithium-ion cells that powers the electric motor. This full-electric SUV, has an 80 kilowatt-hour battery that provides a 460 kilometres range, a 0 to 100 kilometres / hour time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 180 kilometres / hour. The power train offers a peak torque of 400 Nm. Being a rear-wheel drive, the iX3’s power and top-end speed limit is very well explained. The direct drive delivers the maximum torque from a standing start and enables spontaneous and uninterrupted acceleration. The battery pack is mounted under the floor with improved, fifth-generation pack architecture and power systems that enables an estimated range of 458 kilometres on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) testing cycle.
The iX3 consists of DC charging with range up to 150 kilowatt and AC charging with a range up to 11kW. It can accomplish 80 % charge in 34 minutes and according to the automobile industry tycoons.
BMW boasts of the fact that their latest battery is lighter and more energy-dense than before, which should result in greater efficiency and a more accurate range during motorway driving. BMW’s new procurement strategy for important battery materials is taking effect for the first time with the iX3. The company purchases raw materials such as lithium and cobalt directly from the mines and then makes the material available to cell manufacturers. Compared to the previous battery generation, the proportion of cobalt used in the production of the high voltage storage device has been reduced to around one third.
Interior Highlights of BMW iX3
The interior of the BMW iX3 is everything that you would expect from a BMW. Standard interior kit includes leather trimmed seats with a choice of four colours, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, ambient interior lighting and wireless smartphone charging. A significant change in the interior would be the upgradation of the 10.25 inch infotainment system to the larger, 12.3 inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Impressive standard features like the sun protective glazing and fully electric seats in Vernasca leather take comfort to the top of the pyramid. A 40:20:40 split seat arrangement allows increasing the luggage capacity from 510 litres to a maximum of 1560 litres. BMW debuts the BMW Iconic Sounds showcased in the i4 concept in the iX3 which is developed with the maestro, Hans Zimmer.
Exterior And Safety Aids of BMW iX3
The trim lines are equipped with a list of features. It includes LED headlights, a panoramic glass sunroof, a power boot door, ambient lighting, seats with a memory function for the driver and a three-zone automatic climate control system including pre-heating and pre-conditioning function.
Then there are also several driver aids such as Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go functionality, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Lane Change Warning, front and rear parking sensors, a tyre pressure indicator and an alarm system. The Parking Assistant Plus makes parking and manoeuvring the vehicle easier. It features among others: Surround View system including Top View, Panorama View, Remote View 3D, as well as a lateral parking aid, the emergency braking function, Active Park Distance Control, Parking Assistant with longitudinal and lateral guidance and Reversing Assistant. The Steering and Lane Control Assistant with extended functions can be activated to support the driver in monotonous traffic situations. It helps you to keep the vehicle in the centre of its lane, assists you in narrow places and, with active route guidance, makes navigation on motorways easier.
BMW claims future ‘i’ models will be distinguished by signature looks, by which it means subtle design touches to easily restyled parts such as the bumpers and side skirts, rather than big sheet-metal alterations. The iX3 bears testament to the fact that its front bumper incorporates slimmer ventilation intakes and smoother contours than the more aggressively surfaced regular X3, and the side skirts and rear bumper are reprofiled, too – the latter incorporating a distinctive diffuser section.
Production And Manufacturing of BMW iX3
Production of the BMW iX3 takes place at the BBA (BMW Brilliance Automotive) plant in Dadong (Shenyang), China. The BBA JV plant uses sophisticated technologies like the new custom high-voltage battery installation and AI part monitoring to ramp up the production rate and maintain quality. The prices are set at a range of ₹80 lakhs which is moderate enough for this ultra luxury electric beast.
BMW is plotting pure electric variants of the BMW 3 Series & 5 Series, a BMW X1 electric (BMW iX1), and a BMW 7 Series electric (BMW i7) to further expand its EV range to 12 models by 2022.
