BMW does not seem to
move fast enough when it comes to launching mainstream EVs. The BMW iX3, in
particular, had a too long gestation period, especially considering that it’s
based on the X3, a vehicle that already exists, and it wasn’t developed from
scratch.
BMW unveiled the Concept iX3 in October
2018 and yet the production model has not been launched yet. Mind you, the
debut is probably not that far away as official photos have started to do the
rounds on social media. These two images have surfaced on Instagram uploaded by
scott26.unofficial and are the only images this account ever posted. They look
legit to us, as the iX3 incorporates the lightweight aero wheels BMW recently
teased, blue accents that are typical of BMW i vehicles, and German license
plates for electrified vehicles – that’s what that ‘E’ at the end stands for.
The most significant visual change
compared to the concept is the grille, which continues to feature two separated
‘kidneys’ instead of the study’s Kia-esque iteration where the two grilles
communicated with each other. It looks like BMW has had enough of kidney grille
controversies and played it safe here. Everything else looks just as you would
expect, including the rear end with blue trim pieces where the exhaust pipes
would be on a regular BMW X3.
The BMW iX3 will feature a 74 kWh battery
pack good for more than 440 km of range in the WLTP test cycle. The
battery powers an electric motor rated at 282 HP and 400
Nm of torque. The rear mounted motor drives the rear wheels and there’s no
official indication an AWD iX3 variant will be offered.
The lack of an AWD variant is reportedly
the main reason why BMW won’t offer the iX3 in the United States. The iX3 will
be made in China by the BMW Brilliance joint venture starting this year. The
model’s exact launch date remains uncertain given the current coronavirus
pandemic.
