Designed to preview a production model that will arrive in
2020, the iX3 concept will have a new and likely controversial interruption of
the company’s twin kidney grille. As you can see, the grille is a single piece
unit with nothing in the middle to separate its two sides.
Besides looking like a combination of a BMW and Kia
grille, the component has two different interior designs and serves no
functional purpose as the model is an electric vehicle.
The crossover is largely identical to the standard X3 but
it has been equipped with a charging port on the front fender. The model also
has a new rear bumper as the iX3 doesn’t need an exhaust system. Engineers also
appeared to have reduced the ride height in an effort to minimize drag and eke
out a little more range.
Additional modifications are expected and the grille
on the iX3 concept could be preview one of the possible changes. Of course,
we’ll get a better look at the model when it is officially unveiled later this
month.
There’s no word on powertrain details but BMW
Chairman Harald Krüger has previously suggested the company will have plenty to
say about the model at Auto China. However, BMW has already confirmed the
production crossover will be a “Gen 4” battery electric vehicle like the
upcoming MINI EV. This suggests the crossover will miss out on the Gen 5
technology that will debut on the 2021 iNext.
