BMW coined the term Sports Activity Vehicle with the launch of the first X5 in 1999.
The term is making a comeback with the launch of the all-electric iX3 and launch version, the iX3 50 xDrive — due mid-year.
Priced from $109,900 plus on-roads, it will have an impressive WLTP range of up to 805km, not to mention 345kW of power and 645Nm of torque.
It comes standard with M Sport Package and is able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.9-seconds on the way to a top speed of 210km/h.
Unveiled at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, BMW says iX3 represents a milestone in the transformation of the BMW Group while also playing a key and foundational role in the future direction of the company.
The fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) spearheads the arrival of the Neue Klasse model generation and gives customers their first taste of the significant strides forward BMW has made in the areas of design, electrification, driving dynamics, digitalisation and circularity.
The pioneering electronics and software architecture, incorporating four “superbrain” high-performance computers, covers driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment, and basic and comfort-enhancing functions.
It integrates sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, with a characterful design language and holistic sustainability concept.
The high-voltage battery – which features cylindrical cells and 800-volt technology – has a usable capacity of 108 kWh.
More than 350km of range can be added in 10 minutes and it can be charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 21 minutes, with three-phase 22kW AC charging standard, delivering 0-100 per cent charging in 5.5 hours.
In the cabin, alongside other features, is BMW Panoramic Vision, a system that projects in outstanding clarity key vehicle information from A-pillar to A-pillar (110 cm) on a nano-coated black printed surface.
The “Heart of Joy” drivetrain and driving dynamics management technology introduces customers to unprecedented dynamism, precision and efficiency.
It integrates four “superbrains” covering driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment and basic and comfort-enhancing functions.
iX3 joins an evolving BMW Australia electrified product portfolio comprising both fully electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models.
BMW says these are in complement to a range of highly efficient combustion engined models as part of BMW’s technology openness strategy, tailored to cater for all customer needs and requirements.
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