Forget about the thrilling and unconventional i3 for a moment. The new BMW iX3 and upcoming BMW electric vehicles will be challenging to distinguish on the streets from combustion analogs. BMW has unveiled the long-awaited iX3 model — the first fully electric SUV. Those who silently hoped for the same efficient body as the i3 or i8 will be disappointed. Others, however, will breathe a sigh of relief. iX3 represents a completely different approach to electric vehicles.
Exterior of the Electric Vehicle
Instead of a distinct body at first glance, we get a styling that only slightly differs from the classic X3. Brand enthusiasts will likely notice the differences right away. It has been redesigned, among other things — distinctive nostrils that should already channel air into the engine for cooling.
Bumpers have been changed, rims, bodywork carefully smoothed to achieve a lower coefficient of aerodynamic drag, a few blue accents added, and... that's all.
Furthermore, the iX3 does not significantly differ from the exterior of the BMW X3. In essence — what has not been presented yet — radical changes, we should not see either. The driver should feel in an electric X3 just like in the combustion version.
Under the Hood
BMW iX3 — the same on the outside, something else under the hood. Therefore, BMW decided to move away from futuristic stylings (although not entirely — models like i3 or i8 will still be created), focusing on what's under the hood.
In the case of iX3, we are dealing with a 70 kWh battery, providing a maximum range of about 400 km on a single charge. Energy can be replenished from charging devices with a maximum power of 150 kW — if found, up to 80 percent. The battery capacity will be replenished in 30 minutes.
The German manufacturer has not provided data on the acceleration of the iX3 from 0 to 100 km, but it will definitely not be a slow car — the electric motor generates around 270 hp in this case.
Fifth Generation eDrive
The lack of obvious external differences in the case of iX3 is not the result of BMW designers' laziness. This is the exact plan — BMW electric vehicles should not differ significantly from combustion equivalents. The reason? In the future, any BMW model, regardless of whether it is front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, or both, will have an electric drive.
So let's not be surprised when the launch of a new car will include an internal combustion engine, hybrid, or electric powertrain under the hood. Assisting in this, among other things, is the fifth-generation eDrive system, where the electric motor, transmission, and all control electronics are integrated into one module. Thus, everything becomes easier to integrate with new designs and adapts to the requirements of various vehicles.
Currently, unfortunately, it is unknown how much you will have to pay extra for an electric X3, or when exactly you will be able to place orders for it. The model presented today still bears the name «Concept,» so we will have to wait at least until 2020 for the iX3 to occupy prime positions in European car showroom price lists.
