BMW has confirmed that the all-electric iX3 will be
built in China from 2020 and exported around the world. Local production of the iX3 comes
part of a new long-term framework agreement signed between BMW and its Chinese
partner Brilliance Automotive Group Holdings through the BMW Brilliance
Automotive (BBA) joint venture.
In a statement, BBA said that it will increase the
capacity of its two local production facilities in Tiexi and Dadong to build
520,000 vehicles in 2019. Last year, roughly two-thirds of the 560,000 BMW
brand vehicles delivered in China were built locally.
The iX3 will be constructed at BBA’s engine plant
and battery factory in Shenyang from 2020. Shortly after the vehicle was
unveiled as a concept at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year, it was
speculated that it would be built in China. However, it wasn’t confirmed until
now.
Powering the Concept iX3 is an electric powertrain
delivering 270 HP that utilizes a 70 kWh battery. This allows the SUV to travel
up to 400 km on a single charge under the new Worldwide Harmonized
Light-Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). When plugged in to a 150 kW quick-charger,
the iX3’s battery can be topped up in just 30 minutes.
Interestingly, the iX3’s electric motor,
transmission, and control module are all incorporated into a single component,
making it easy to use the powertrain in a selection of future vehicles. BMW has
also developed the iX3’s powertrain to not use any rare earth metals. Pricing details for the BMW iX3
haven’t been announced, but it’s almost certain that it will command a premium
over ICE-powered X3s.
