All electric SUV spotted during development testing ahead of likely production reveal sometime next year.
Photographers have captured images of the upcoming BMW iX3 undergoing testing in Europe, giving us a closer look at the company’s first allelectric SUV.
Looking very much like the Concept iX3 that previewed it in April – as is the BMW norm these days – the iX3 prototype seen here appears to borrow much of its sheetmetal from the standard X3, albeit with minor modifications.
Going by the placement of the blue camouflage wrap on this vehicle, the production iX3 will sport unique bumpers compared to its combustionpowered equivalent, along with a closed version of BMW’s signature doublekidney grille.
Other than that, it doesn’t look like much will separate the EV version from the wider range, though we can expect modelspecific wheels (likely with an aerooptimised design) and some special exterior and interior trims to remind owners that they chose the electric X3.
Specifications for the production model are yet to be confirmed, but the Concept iX3 claimed a power output of “more than 200kW” from its single electric motor, and was capable of up to 400km range on the WLTP cycle.
The concept had a battery pack that was quoted at “around” 70kWh in capacity, which could also be charged in around 30 minutes using a 150kW fastcharge station.
As for timing, we know the iX3 will commence production for the Chinese market from 2020, at the company’s Shenyang plant which has just started manufacturing the current X3.