This is the new BMW iX3, the brand's first electric SUV

The day has arrived and, following the presentation of various body styles powered entirely by electric energy, it was the turn of the SUVs from the Bavarian marque. Specifically, it was the turn of the BMW iX3, the electric version of the already well-known crossover.

Thus, taking the popular and, in terms of sales, long-established BMW X3, the one we are concerned with now stands out as the first electric SUV from BMW.

Therefore, in terms of styling and, as had already been revealed through leaks, the new electric BMW X3 differs from its siblings with traditional combustion engines in changes such as the grille typical of most electric vehicles. Although it does not give up its traditional ‘kidney’ grille, it has not been significantly altered as has happened with the new BMW 4 Series. The bumpers and rear diffuser are also exclusive, with blue accents, and the wheels are 19-inch as standard, or 20-inch as an option.

Notably, the drag coefficient or Cd of this car is 0.29; undoubtedly a figure that favours both energy efficiency and increased range.

The specifications of the new BMW iX3

The battery, located between the axles of this vehicle, which allows a low centre of gravity (7.5 cm closer to the ground than the combustion-engined BMW X3s) and an optimised weight distribution, has a net storage capacity of 74 kWh, which means it is capable of offering a maximum range of up to 460 km.

The fast-charging process, which can accept a voltage of up to 150 kW, allows recharging up to 80 percent of its storage capacity in 34 minutes and provides 100 km of range in 10 minutes.

This capacity is linked to the electric powertrain. The motor, with 210 CV of power, equivalent to 286 CV, and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, delivers its output through a single-speed transmission that regulates the energy sent to the rear axle, making this SUV a rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle with adaptive suspension whose 0 to 100 acceleration is nothing to be ashamed of compared with sporty vehicles, reaching 6.8 seconds with a top speed of up to 180 km/h.

Given its architecture, based on the modular CLAR platform, on which its combustion-engined siblings are also assembled, its interior dimensions have been modified due to the structural change this involves, not least the removal of the fuel tank to make way for a battery.

In fact, a notable point is that its boot offers 510 litres, compared with the 450 of the BMW X3 xDrive30e with 292 CV and all-wheel drive.

As for the price of the BMW iX3, it has not yet been announced, but sales will begin at the end of this same year, 2020, and production will take place exclusively in China under the alliance agreement between BMW Group and Great Wall Motors under the name Spotlight Automotive Limited. The first units are expected to arrive in Spain in the first quarter of 2021.