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The production version of the fully-electric BMW iX3 has been revealed ahead of an Australian arrival by mid next year.

 

When it arrives locally, the iX3 will compete against the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Jaguar I-Pace and the Audi e-tron.

 

The iX3 uses a 74kWh (usable, 80kWh net) lithium-ion battery pack to drive an electric motor on the rear axle. It produces 210kW of power and 400Nm of torque while offering a driving range of up to 460km (WLTP test cycle). At this stage, there’s no all-wheel drive option.

 

According to BMW, the iX3 can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 6.8 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 180km/h.

 

Owners can use both single-phase and three-phase charging at up to 11kW. Charging via a DC fast-charging station allows charging outputs of up to 150kW. The latter can take the battery from 0 to 80 per cent capacity in 34 minutes. BMW says drivers can add up to 100 kilometres of range to the car after just 10 minutes of charging.

 

The iX3 also features three modes of regenerative braking with each recuperating differing levels of energy under deceleration.

 

When compared to its conventionally powered X3 siblings, the iX3’s centre of gravity is around 7.5 centimetres lower, BMW claims this results in noticeably enhanced lateral dynamics.

 

The standard adaptive suspension includes electronically-controlled dampers that continuously alter settings to adapt to the road surface and situation at hand.

 

BMW’s sound designers and acoustic engineers have produced a drive sound originating from the collaboration between Hans Zimmer and BMW sound designer Renzo Vitale.

 

On the inside, the layout is not far removed from the regular X3 models, the car is equipped with BMW’s Operating System 7.0 which runs a pair of 12.3-inch displays. The system can also be updated over the air.

 

The load capacity is 510L which can be increased to 1560L thanks to a 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrest.

  

The BMW iX3 will arrive in Australia by mid-2021 with specification and pricing information to be announced closer to the launch date.