2020 BMW iX3 SUV. 1st generation
The BMW iX3 is an electric SUV manufactured by BMW, Germany. Introduced in 2020, the vehicle is based on the popular X3 model. In 2021, the first generation SUV can be found on the Israeli market. It is produced by the joint German-Chinese venture BMW Brilliance in Shenyang.
Distinctive features
The new BMW iX3 is a modern and stylish electric vehicle, featuring comfortable interior packaging and an energy-intensive battery that can provide a range of 400 km. The SUV is not designed for a specific age group and can appeal to both young people and experienced drivers. It is quite roomy. Thus, the 5-door 5-seater SUV is 4,734 mm long, 1,891 mm wide and 1,668 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,864 mm. The trunk can hold 510 liters or 1,560 liters with the rear seats folded down.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2020/2021 BMW iX3 is almost indistinguishable from the ‘regular’ BMW X3. The electric vehicle can be identified by the combined cutouts of the false radiator grille, modernized body kits at the front and rear, as well as the configuration of alloy wheels, designed with due account for the aerodynamic properties. Even the entry-level model presented in Israel comes with 20-inch wheels. To improve aerodynamics, the manufacturer has seriously changed the underbody surface, which has become smooth and airtight due to the absence of exhaust pipes. The geometry of the wheel arches has also changed. All taken together has made it possible to reduce the value of the drag coefficient to 0.29. The SUV’s ground clearance is 179 mm. The manufacturer indicates another interesting figure, namely the fording depth, which is 500 mm. We have not personally verified this yet.
Interior and equipment
The interior of the 2021/2022 BMW iX3 is similar to the regular X3, but unlike the latter, a virtual dashboard is included in the base equipment. The central display is 10 inches. The head-up display is also standard. The vehicle comes with Android Auto and Carplay, voice control, navigation and even an entertainment system for the front passengers.
The standard trim level of the electric vehicle sold in Israel includes LED front headlights and LED taillights, roof rails, panoramic roof, sunroof and tinted windows, active suspension, adaptive cruise control, full leather interior, front sports seats and folding rear seats, hands-free trunk opening system, 3-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, automatic parking, power front seats with driver’s seat position memory, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and much more, including an almost complete set of modern electronic assistants.
The electric BMW iX3 is ‘voiced’ by Hans Zimmer (who composed music for Gladiator, Pearl Harbor, Inception, Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Dark Knight and many other movies).
Modifications
In Israel, the new BMW iX3 comes as a rear-wheel drive version, equipped with one 286 hp electric motor. The electric vehicle accelerates to the first 100 km in 6.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h. The lithium-ion battery of the electric SUV has a capacity of 80 kW/h, while the declared drive range is 454 km. It consumes 19.5 kilowatt-hours per 100 km. It takes 34 minutes to charging the battery from 0 to 80% at 150 kW. The SUV will be fully charged at a gas station in 1 hour.
