BMW Concept iX3 revealed at Beijing

BMW has revealed an all-electric version of its X3 SUV – the Concept iX3 – at the Beijing motor show this week.

Capable of a 400km driving range, and able to be charged in around 30 minutes, the iX3 will likely be revealed in production form next year, and will go head-to-head with other electric SUVs including the forthcoming Audi e-tron quattro, Mercedes-Benz EQ, Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X.

When the iX3 goes into production it will share its technological base with the BMW iNext model which is due to be revealed in 2021.

The iX3 fits with BMW's plans for flexible vehicle architectures – in other words – vehicles that can accommodate front-, rear- and all-wheel drive as well as conventional combustion, plug-in hybrid and battery EV configurations.

Aesthetically, the concept can be distinguished from the standard BMW X3 SUV by its closed double-kidney grille, blue accents and unique light-alloy wheels.

While it's far too early to say if the iX3 will arrive Down Under, BMW Group Australia general manager of corporate communications Lenore Fletcher said the company would consider importing a production iX3.

When the iX3 goes into production it will share its technological base with the BMW iNext model which is due to be revealed in 2021.

“BMW is always keen to consider any ground-breaking new product – whether from a performance or sustainability point of view,” she said.

“We already offer a large range of LEVs (low-emission vehicles) in Australia, so of course iX3 has piqued our interest. As the vehicle is still a concept, further details have not been confirmed.”

Detailed specifications for the Concept iX3 are scarce, though BMW has said it uses the fifth generation of its eDrive electric system with a motor that delivers more than 200kW.

BMW also stated that the electric drive technology groups the electric motor, transmission and power electronics in a new separate drive component which translates to improved performance characteristics, weight and flexibility.

With a net battery capacity of 70kWh, the iX3 will travel 400km on the WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) cycle; a significant improvement over the i3 BEV which has a range of 235-255km on the WLTP cycle.

Connected to a fast-charging station that generates up to 150kW, the luxury electric SUV can be charged in 30 minutes.

Would you like to see a production version of the iX3 arrive Down Under? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.