BMW iX3 arrives with 285-mile range

BMW has revealed its latest electric vehicle – the iX3.

Sitting as the firm’s second battery electric vehicle (BEV), the iX3 arrives after first being showcased at the 2018 Beijing motor show.

Arriving above the smaller i3 in BMW’s range of EVs, the iX3 is the first car from the German car maker to be produced in China for export around the world.

BMW iX3
BMW iX3

Essentially an electric version of BMW’s popular X3 SUV, the iX3 packs a newly developed rear-mounted electric motor and battery setup, which produces 282bhp and should help it to travel up to a claimed 285 miles between charges. Power is driven through a single-speed gearbox.

BMW claims that 0-60mph will take 6.5 seconds, while its top speed is limited to 112mph. The iX3 boasts 150kW DC rapid charging too, which should result in an 80 per cent charge time of just 34 minutes.

Introducing the #BMW iX3. Our first fully electric sports activity vehicle. Stay tuned for more information about UK iX3 Premier Edition. Model shown not available in the UK. Find out more: https://t.co/r2nUttT9N8pic.twitter.com/34rI9TlX5T

— BMW UK (@BMW_UK) July 14, 2020

In terms of design, it follows the look of the regular X3, albeit with a few noticeable changes. The front grille is blanked off, for instance, while the sills and rear bumper have been lightly revised. Blue styling elements have been included in the grille, sills and rear bumper which do help to differentiate the EV from its petrol-powered stablemates.

The first of three new electric BMW models set to go on sale in the next 18 months, the iX3 is the result of a partnership between BMW and Chinese car maker Brilliance. It’s expected that the iX3 will arrive in the UK in March next year.

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