BMW reveals Australia pricing for new electric SUV and November launch

BMW Australia has announced pricing and specifications for the iX3 electric SUV and says the China-made vehicle will launch locally in November this year.

Priced from $114,900 before on-road costs, the iX3 will join the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, and the Jaguar I-Pace as luxury EVs for those with deep pockets.

It will have a real-wheel drive configuration, and its 210kW electric motor delivers 400Nm maximum torque for acceleration from 0-100km/hr in 6.8 seconds.

It has an 80kWh battery that offers range of up to 460km in optimum conditions, according to the WLTP test cycle.

Charging at a top rate of 150kW on a DC charger replenishes the battery from 10-80% in 32 minutes, or 100km for every 10 minutes worth of charging. AC charging at a maximum charge rate of 11kW allows a full charge in 7.5 hours. To achieve this charge rate at home will require a specially installed Wallbox, but is not compulsory.

As with many modern EVs, the iX3 offers a distinctive one-pedal experience accessible when driving position B is selected, thanks to the deployment of maximum energy recuperation.

The vehicle engages its coasting function on the open road, where there are fewer intersections and vehicles, activated via the indicators.

When the selector lever on the centre console is moved to the driving position D, adaptive recuperation is enabled.
To suit their demands or style, the driver can select a high, medium, or low regeneration level in the iDrive menu.

Available in six colours – carbon black, mineral white, cashmere silver, piemont red, sophisto grey and phytonic blue, the all-electric version of BMW’s X3 has already been given a facelift since its launch overseas in early 2021.

The 2022 iX3 electric SUV gets more infotainment and new matrix LED headlights and taillights that are more sculptural than previously, having been adopted from the X3 and are reminiscent of the BMW 2 Series.

The M-Sport package now comes as standard giving the SUV a more aggressive stance, and includes larger air flaps and breathers for the drive components and brakes, and rear diffuser elements in grey or optional blue.

20-inch wheels as standard help to lower the vehicle’s aerodynamics giving it a drag coefficient of 0.29, while a wide wheelbase, five-link rear suspension and a balanced axle load distribution are said to enhance handling and dynamics.

The iX3 keeps BMW’s fifth-generation electric drive which consists of a synchronous motor without the need for permanent magnets.

In the cockpit of the BMW, there is a larger 12.3 inch infotainment touchscreen and a restyled centre console aimed at emphasising the iX3’s premium status.

A 16-speaker surround sound system, as well as BMW’s updatable OS7, smartphone integration and wireless charging, DAB+ digital radio, Apple Car Play and Android Auto as well as gesture control make for a connected experience.

Safety features include active cruise control, lane keeping assist with active side collision protection, steering and lane control assistant with active lane guidance, cross-traffic warning for both front and rear, crash evasion, crossroads warning with braking function, and speed limit assist as standard in the Driving Assistant Professional package.

Additionally, the iX3’s Parking Assistant Plus system combines a number of elements to make maneuvering in tight and tricky situations more convenient and safe while also safeguarding the car: park assist, active park distance control, lateral parking help, reversing assistant, surround view system, and a remote 3D view are among the networked features.

Thanks to a deal with Chargefox, every iX3 comes with complimentary 5 years’ free DC fast-charging through its network of EV charging sites expanding throughout Australia.