The BMW iX3 All-electric Crossover Will Get More Range Than Power

author: Manish Kharinta   

The BMW iX3 is an electric version of the popular X3 Sports Activity Vehicle.

BMW is actively working to expand its electric portfolio. We recently reported that a prototype of BMW's iX2 electric crossover was spotted during a road test in Sweden. Now, in an official press release, the Munich based automaker has disclosed details about the upcoming BMW iX3 all-electric crossover SUV.

The production of the battery-only BMW iX3 is scheduled to begin in 2020. The Bavarian luxury car manufacturer claims that its electric crossover SUV will get a 74 kWh battery pack delivering a WLTP test cycle range of over 273 miles (440 kilometers).

The iX3 is BMW's first-ever all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) to feature BMW's fifth-generation eDrive technology, which as of 2021 will be offered in the upcoming electric BMW iNext and i4 models. 

In this setup, the drivetrain is a single compact component, housing the electric motor, transmission, and electronic management systems.

BMWs are renowned for their performance, but in the case of the iX3, the carmaker is focusing more on striking the right balance between weight and range. 

The BMW iX3 will mark yet another milestone in the company's history when the SAV will go on sale with three powertrain options comprising of a conventional diesel or gas-powered model, a plug-in hybrid and fully-electric variant.

BMW iX3 will be built on the long-wheelbase version of the standard X3 crossover and feature a battery pack made up of cells supplied by Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL). 

BMW said that the battery pack has been designed to be extremely flat, which will not intrude on the cabin and luggage space.

The BMW iX3 will be powered by a single electric motor with a peak power output of 286 horsepower/210 kW and around 295 lb-ft of peak torque. The electric powertrain will send power to the rear wheels.

BMW also claims that iX3 will get 150 kW DC fast charging capability. The automaker According to BMW, the electric crossover will only need 20 kWh of energy to travel up to 60 miles or 100 kilometers.  

The electric iX3 will also get BMW's "drive design", which will bestow the crossover with BMW's renowned driving experience. 

It would be interesting to see how BMW iX3 will perform in the segment against the likes of the Mercedes Benz EQC, which offers a similar range but delivers 400 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque from its electric powertrain.

Manish Kharinta

Manish Kharinta is a automotive writer based in the Los Angeles area. He has worked for automotive industry websites TheSmokingClutch.com, CarDekho.com and CarBikeindia.com. His experience ranges from covering auto shows, to car reviews and breaking automotive news. Manish aims to bring forth his unique perspective on automotive design and technological innovations in the automotive industry.