Initially, two trim levels will be offered: Premier Edition and Premier Edition Pro, priced from $80,000 and $84,000 respectively. Although not confirmed, cheaper options may appear later.
The standard Premier Edition equipment includes 20-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, a power tailgate, adaptive suspension, and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats with power adjustment and heating, wireless smartphone charging, and a suite of driver assistance systems are also included. Four exterior paint colors, two exterior trim colors, and four Vernasca leather colors are offered.
The Premier Edition Pro adds features such as a head-up display, Harman Kardon surround sound system, gesture control, automatic high beams, adjustable lumbar support, and Parking Assistant Plus. Additionally, it uses the new extended "engine" sound generation BMW IconicSounds Electric, developed in collaboration with composer Hans Zimmer.
Based on the third-generation X3, the electric SUV is positioned above the i3 supermini and represents what BMW describes as fifth-generation eDrive technology. It features a new electric motor and battery, providing 282 hp and a range of 450 km.
First unveiled at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, the iX3 breaks new ground as the first BMW produced in China and intended for export to key global markets.
Production of the iX3, the first of three new BMW electric models under the i brand slated to go on sale within the next 18 months, will take place exclusively at the joint venture plant managed by BMW and Chinese automaker Brilliance in Shenyang.
Staying true to the concept's appearance, the production version of the iX3 differs from the standard X3 with a closed-off front grille featuring vertical air channels at each corner, a modified breather element behind the front wheel arches, updated side sills, and a slightly revised rear bumper. Blue elements within the radiator grille, side sills, and rear bumper signal its electric drive. The drag coefficient is 0.29 Cd. The iX3 is planned to be exclusively rear-wheel drive.
The BMW-developed motor avoids the use of rare-earth metals, enhancing environmental friendliness while reducing production costs. It is said to have a power density 30% higher than the i3's motor. It is also designed to achieve peak torque at higher sustained speeds than any previous BMW motor.
In addition to the iX3, this fifth-generation motor will be used in a more powerful configuration in the upcoming i4 and the iNext SUV, both expected to arrive by the end of 2021.
Energy is provided by an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery operating at 400V. Unlike the i3, which uses Samsung battery cells, the iX3 uses cells from Chinese battery manufacturer CATL. According to BMW, cobalt content has been significantly reduced, but the primary reason for using CATL stems from a regulation requiring electric vehicles produced in China to use domestically manufactured batteries.
BMW offers a range of different charging options for the iX3, including 150 kW DC fast charging for an 80% charge in 34 minutes.
