• Market Watch

The new iX3: Sporty, luxurious and electric

BMW showed its concept iX3 two years ago and now the production model has finally arrived in Namibia, with Pupkewitz BMW launching this exciting new electric vehicle (EV) to great fanfare this week.
Speaking at the launch, Pupkewitz BMW dealer principal Armand Barnard emphasised the massive leap forward this vehicle represents.
“While the i3 led the way when introducing production EVs to the local market, the new iX3 represents a entirely new evolution in the technology, which will go far to enhance the mainstream appeal of fully-electric vehicles.
“Not only does the iX3 bring a new level of sporty practicality to the wider market, but it heralds a new age in terms of specification and advancement,” he added.
The iX3 is powered by a fifth-generation eDrive high-voltage battery with gross energy content of 80kWh that translates into a range of up to 460 kilometres in the statutory new WLTP test cycle (up to 520 kilometres in the NEDC test cycle).
BMW said the power density of the electric drive system has increased by 30% in comparison to the current EVs in its range.
The eDrive electric motor pumps out a 210kW and peak torque of 400Nm and can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.
Interestingly, the power is sent to the rear wheels exclusively.
When it comes to charging, BMW highlighted its charging capacity of up to 150kW at DC fast-charging stations, while recharging from flat to 80% of the high-voltage battery’s capacity takes 34 minutes. A 10-minute charge adds 100 kilometres of range.
The iX3 is also able to charge via normal mains electricity, which sees it gain a 100 km of range after just an hour’s charge, and eight hours to fill the batteries to capacity.
An electric car doesn't emit any noise as it has no engine, but the iX3 benefits from the brand's IconicSounds Electric system. Essentially, BMW joined forces with world-renowned composer Hans Zimmer to develop sounds for EV models. The carmaker said it adds "extra emotional depth to the driving experience".
The powerful drive sound available in cars with the 'Impressive' equipment line is activated when starting and deactivating the electric drive system.

Visual voltage
The iX3’s trailblazing intent is made clear thanks to its bold front end with increased presence thanks to larger a BMW kidney grille, sharp headlights around 10 mm slimmer than before and a newly sculpted front apron. Striking, three-dimensional LED rear lights and muscular surfacing shake up the rear while model-specific accents in BMW i Blue at the front and rear underline its electric appeal.
The covered front grille and lack of exhaust pipes further add to the iX3 mystique.

Intelligent interior
The iX3’s interior is luxurious, sporty and decked with tech. The fully digital screen grouping now boasts a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an enlarged control display matching its dimensions. There's a newly designed control panel on the centre console for the gear selector lever which houses the BMW controller, start/stop button and the buttons for the driving experience control switch and parking brake.
Occupants enjoy voluptuous comfort in Vernasca leather sport seats, with interior trim strips in the new Aluminium Rhombicle dark finish coming as standard. BMW i Blue accents on the gear selector lever, start/stop button and steering wheel again underscore its electric drive system.
The iX3 also comes with an exceptionally wide selection of driver assistance systems as standard, including driving assistant professional with the steering and lane control assistant, active cruise control with stop-and-go function, automatic speed limit assist and route monitoring, as well as parking assistant with reversing assist camera and reversing assistant as standard.
At this level of specification, the iX3’s N$1.29 million-dollar price tag is absolutely justified, especially once the negated costs of fuel and major maintenance are considered.
For more information, contact Pupkewitz BMW at 061 295 8100.