BMW's Electric SUV, the iX3, Pushing Boundaries - Has This Vehicle Raised the Bar?
Revved Up and Rebranded: The BMW iX3 - The New Class is Back with a Bang!
The "New Class" label has been resurrected by BMW, and it's no walk in the park. High expectations are piled on the engineers to design a groundbreaking electric platform. In Europe, electric drives aren't popular, China leads the electric revolution, and the US market is troublesome with tariffs. Yet, the new iX3 can't afford to fall flat.
Camouflage shrouds the SUV in its early stages, but that doesn't stop us from delving into the cutting-edge infotainment and technology. The central touchscreen demo reveals a peek of the unmasked iX3, but the real buzz lies in the digital-native-friendly Panoramic iDrive band stretching from the instrument panel to the windshield.
Driving Bliss is the Goal
For the tech-savvy, the Panoramic iDrive band offers customizable topics, like music stations and altitude displays. The luxury isn't endless, as simultaneously showing the altitude and daily mileage counter isn't an option.
But let's talk about the driving dynamics. On the test track, the iX3 handles tight corners with surprising lightness and precise steering. Electric vehicles are often criticized for losing emotionality due to the lack of engine sound, but the iX3 offers a unique compromise. Drivers craving lateral dynamics might even forget they're cruising in an electric vehicle.
Controlling the car's weight and handling is the "Heart of Joy," as BMW calls the electronic nervous system of the platform. Four control units manage it all, and it reveals Tesla's disentangled complexity in controlling the chaos.
Speaking of chaos, who wants to induce a rear swing through heavy load changes? Well, rest assured the iX3 will catch it early, depending on the driving program, and handle it gently. You can switch between Sport and Normal modes to find your sweet spot. The sportier setting makes the steering noticeably firm while adding a dose of extra fun.
Finessing the brakes, the system modulates the braking torque until the vehicle comes to a gradual stop, reducing the infamous jolt at traffic lights. There's even a lonely bicyclist safeguard, ensuring the brakes engage if you're squeezing the pedal too hard.
With the chassis and controls dialed in, there's only one question left: how much electricity does the battery take on? We'll have to wait for BMW to drop the data. Until then, prepare to be wowed at the IAA Mobility in September when we see the unmasked iX3 in all its glory.
Stay tuned for more details on the iX3's range, top speed, and available variants. And hey, who knows, maybe an M version will make an appearance. We can dream, can't we?
Source: ntv.de
A Closer Look
The BMW iX3, slated for IAA Mobility 2025 and launching as part of BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup, promises a significant technological leap for the brand. Key features include:
- Electric Range: A striking electric range of up to 800 km (WLTP), 900 km (CLTC), or about 400 miles (EPA)
- Charging Performance: Rapid charging at up to 400 kW, with over 350 km (over 200 miles) of range in just 10 minutes
- Driver Assistance and Safety: Cutting-edge systems like lane change warning, road priority warning, and safe exit assist are onboard
- Infotainment and User Interface: The sleek Panoramic iDrive system boasts a high-tech windscreen display, configurable central touchscreen, and an optional 3D head-up display
- Interior and Comfort: The futuristic interior is outfitted with a multifunction steering wheel featuring illuminated "shy-tech" buttons and a concept-like dashboard design
More Info | Twitter Feed | Whatsapp | Email | Print | Copy Link
- The BMW iX3, part of the revamped Neue Klasse lineup, is set to make a significant technological leap, boasting an electric range of up to 800 km (WLTP), 900 km (CLTC), or about 400 miles (EPA).
- Notably, the iX3 can charge rapidly at up to 400 kW, providing over 200 miles (350 km) of range in just 10 minutes.
- Drivers can enjoy sophisticated features like lane change warning, road priority warning, and safe exit assist, all part of the advanced driver assistance and safety systems.
- In terms of infotainment and user interface, the Panoramic iDrive system incorporates a high-tech windscreen display, a configurable central touchscreen, and an optional 3D head-up display, catering to drivers' preferences and lifestyle.
