The BMW iX3 Electric SUV: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The BMW iX3 Electric SUV

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BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG), is a leading global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany. BMW is well known for its portfolio of luxury vehicles, to include the famed Rolls-Royce luxury cars. The group manufacturers a number of cars under its BMW brand, to include battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The BMW i3 EV is an excellent example of a successful pure electric car. The company currently has the following portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs):

• The all-electric BMW iX3
• The all-electric BMW iX1
• All-Electric BMW i7
• The all-electric BMW iX
• The all-electric BMW i4
• The all-electric BMW i3

The BMW iX3 electric SUV is an evolution of the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) BMW X3 SUV. Put another way, unlike many of the recent electric vehicles (EVs) introduced in the market, the all-electric BMW iX3 was not developed on a dedicated electric vehicle platform. However, the German manufacturer has done well in making the most of the incumbent petrol X3 and transforming it to a zero-emission electric vehicle (ZEV).

The production version of the pure electric BMW iX3 was unveiled in July 2020. The e-SUV is being manufactured in China and production commenced in September 2020. The battery-electric vehicle (BEV) SUV has been on sale since 2021.

For those customers keen on migration to electric driving, but not keen on ‘futuristic styling’, the BMW iX3 BEV is a potential choice, as its design has not changed from the conventional petrol variant. Of course, as one would expect, there is no tailpipe in the electric iX3 and the front grille is different too! Apart from a few other small changes, much is the same!

The BMW iX3 family SUV is available in one EV battery size: 80 kWh, and has a claimed pure electric range up to 460 km for the entry-level M Sport variant. For the higher performance M Sport Pro variant, the claimed range is up to 454 km. The EV battery size and zero-emission electric range is similar to many of the more recent introductions of pure electric cars i.e. there is a trend of increasing EV battery size and longer zero-emission electric range.

Of course, the real-world EV range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: speed, driving profile, regen braking profile, weather conditions, road conditions, tyre size, onboard services used, payload and more. Expect a real-world electric range closer to 390 km. Useful for both short and longer journeys!

As is the case with electric cars, the BMW iX3 has an onboard recuperation system that converts the kinetic energy during braking into electricity, further enhancing the efficiency of the electric vehicle and e-range. This is also known as regenerative braking. It does take some getting used to, but not long!

We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric car. This way, there is always range readily available and moreover, a topping up approach reduces the amount of time required to charge. Regular charging is also beneficial for the long-term maintenance of the EV battery. BMW offers a 8 years or 160,000 km, which is fast becoming the industry standard for EVs.

The electric vehicle (EV) can be DC charged up to 150 kW and can achieve a 0%-80% in 34 minutes (10 mins = 55 miles). Both variants incorporate a 11 kW (3-phase) onboard charger, which can fully charge the EV in 7 hours and 30 minutes. However, given that most homes in India are restricted to single-phase power supply, expect the EV to take up to 12 hours for a full charge.

The BMW iX3 electric SUV delivers decent performance. The EV is only available as a rear-wheel drive and can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The vehicle delivers a maximum power up to 286 hp and 400 Nm torque. The top speed of the e-SUV is 180 km/h.

The electric SUV is practical, with ample headroom, legroom and space for passengers. The EV offers up to 510 L boot space. Interior quality, level of technology and equipment is in line with the premium price tag. The cockpit combines a 12.3″ fully digital instrument display with a 12″ touch-capable control display. The EV also includes a panoramic sunroof.

The BMW electric vehicle is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
A familiar design for those who prefer continuity (very similar to petrol BMW X3 SUV)	Only rear-wheel drive option
DC charging up to 150 kW. Three-phase onboard charger as standard	Not built on a dedicated EV platform
Practical and a good all-rounder e-SUV	Cheaper alternatives available

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The All-Electric BMW iX3 SUV (credit: BMW)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:	SUV
Engine:	Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (2 Options)
BMW iX3 M Sport
BMW iX3 M Sport Pro

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 80 kWh
Charging:	150 kW DC charging (0%-80%: 34 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1668
Width (mm):	1891
Length (mm):	4734
Wheelbase (mm):	2864
Turning Circle (m):	12.1
Boot Space (L):	510

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BMW iX3 M Sport
EV Battery Capacity:	80 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	460 km
Electric Energy Consumption (km/kWh):	5.3
Charging:	150 kW DC charging (0%-80%: 34 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	180 km/h
0-100 km/h:	6.8 seconds
Drive:	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	210
Max Power (hp):	286
Torque (Nm):	400
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight-EU (kg):	2,255
Colours:	4
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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BMW iX3 M Sport Pro
EV Battery Capacity:	80 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	454 km
Electric Energy Consumption (km/kWh):	5.3
Charging:	150 kW DC charging (0%-80%: 34 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	180 km/h
0-100 km/h:	6.8 seconds
Drive:	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	210
Max Power (hp):	286
Torque (Nm):	400
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight-EU (kg):	2,255
Colours:	4
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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Types Of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

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“Electric vehicle” is an umbrella term, and a broad one at that. There are a number of different types of electric vehicles (EVs), each with its distinct characteristics and advantages. These include:

• BEVs: Battery-electric vehicles (pure electric)
• PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) combined)
• MHEVs: Mild hybrid electric vehicles (internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) along with regenerative braking)
• FCEVs: Fuel cell electric vehicle (electric with hydrogen as fuel)

The above “types” are powered either entirely or partially by electric energy and have different environmental impacts.

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Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), also known as pure electric vehicles, are powered entirely by electricity (i.e. the vehicle does not have a conventional internal combustion engine). BEVs have zero-tailpipe emissions and help improve local air quality.

BEVs are also very economical to drive. A BEV can cost as little as Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive. Examples of best-selling EVs include, the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the all-electric Renault Zoe. A BEV is charged by plugging in the electric vehicle to a dedicated electric car charging station (home or public charging stations). BEVs are well suited for those living in towns, cities and urban centres. Of course, battery-electric vehicles are also suitable for those living in rural settings.

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Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

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Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) differ from battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), in that, PHEVs use both a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric engine for propulsion. Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine the advantages of electric driving and internal combustion engine driving.

On shorter distances, the PHEV uses the electric mode to drive emission-free, using the on-board EV battery and regenerative braking. For longer distances, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles switches to using the internal combustion engine. With a PHEV, the vehicle can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres to drive on e-mode, without any tailpipe pollution, and also be driven long-distances, without the fear of range anxiety! Most PHEVs have an EV battery of up to 15 kWh and can achieve a zero-emission electric range of up to 50 kilometres. No wonder PHEVs are fast becoming popular globally, with much potential or India. Like a BEV, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is charged by using an external power source (EV charging point) for charging.

PHEVs are suitable for those that drive long-distances on a regular basis but want to lower the negative environmental impact from tailpipe pollution. PHEVs are also suitable for those individuals and families that are seeking to save money by taking advantage of electric driving. The Volvo XC40 PHEV and the Volkswagen Golf 8 are good examples of PHEVs.

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Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)

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Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) are a limited form of electric driving. These vehicles also use hybrid technologies (electric driving and internal combustion engine), but the EV battery is much smaller than a BEV or PHEV. Moreover, in a mild hybrid, the EV battery cannot be charged via an external source (i.e. EV charging station). In a MHEV, the battery is charged by capturing the energy released during braking, a process known as regenerative braking. MHEVs have lower tailpipe emissions, and are more economical to own, run and maintain than petrol and diesel cars. MHEVs are a better option than a petrol or diesel car, but not as good an option as a BEV or PHEV. Mild hybrids are well suited for those living in regions with limited charging infrastructure. Again, MHEVs have great potential in India, given the limited public EV charging infrastructure.

The Toyota Prius is a good example of a mild hybrid electric vehicle.

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) also called hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, have a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen to generate the electricity needed to power the electric vehicle. The fuel cell generates electricity and pure water vapour that can escape via the tailpipe. It is capable of generating electricity as long as there is a steady supply of hydrogen. Fuel cell electric vehicles can be refuelled with hydrogen at purpose built filling stations. Filling an FEC takes no more than five minutes.

FCEVs have a range of about 500 kilometers or more between refueling. Today, the only and major limitation is the very limited hydrogen refuelling station network globally. The Toyota Mirai FCEV is a good example of this type of EV.

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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