The first of BMW’s next-generation electric cars has arrived and it is called the BMW iX3. New BMW iX3 will be the brand’s first model to also be produced for export at the Shenyang manufacturing facility in China. Market launch will begin in China later in 2020.

On the outside the iX3 doesn’t deviate from the usual X line SUVs,  you get characteristic proportions of a BMW X model combined with model-specific design features. Innovative BMW aerodynamic wheels: 19-inch light-alloy items with new, drag-reducing design fitted as standard.

Inside you get a premium interior ambiance with model-specific accents. User-friendly, variable-usage cabin with a high level of comfort for five people over everyday journeys and longer distances; load capacity can be expanded from 510 liters to as much as 1,560 liters.

Wide-reaching standard specification (“Inspiring”) includes metallic paintwork, LED headlights, three-zone automatic climate control with pre‑heating and pre-conditioning, automatic tailgate operation, panoramic glass sunroof, Driving Assistant Professional and ambient lighting.

Optional equipment line “Impressive” also brings 20-inch light-alloy wheels, acoustic glazing, sport seats, Vernasca leather trim, BMW Head-Up Display, Parking Assistant Plus, and Harman Kardon Surround Sound.

The car also gets BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Maps cloud-based navigation system and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant as standard. Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto preparation, Remote Software Upgrade, and digital services from BMW Connected Charging also come standard.

The iX3 is based on the X3 crossover and thus Tesla Model Y–sized. It’s powered by a single rear-mounted and newly designed fifth-generation BMW eDrive electric motor that produces a maximum output of 210 kW/286 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h [62 mph] in 6.8 seconds and top speed (electronically limited) to 180 km/h.

An 80-kilowatt-hour battery pack mounted under the floor—with improved, fifth-generation pack architecture and power systems—enables an estimated range of 458 kilometers on the European WLTP testing cycle.  The iX3 is equipped for DC fast charging at up to 150 kilowatts. That will add 60 miles of range in 10 minutes of charging or accomplish an 80% charge in 34 minutes, according to BMW.

The company is also providing bespoke charging products and services namely the BMW Charging Card provides that provides simple and convenient access to currently more than 450,000 public charging points worldwide.

There is a new Flexible Fast Charger (allowing use of different socket types) and high-output Wallboxes now available as options. Individual packages offer the optimum charging solution for every customer need.

There are also new digital services from BMW Connected Charging in the car and via the app promote user-friendly electric mobility and enhance navigation planning, including recommendations for charging stops.

Navigation system factors mid-journey breaks to charge the high-voltage battery (includes detailed information on individual charging points) into route planning and calculation of arrival times.

BMW still plans 12 all-electric models by 2025. Both the Tesla Model 3-like i4 sedan and the iNext SUV are due in 2021. Both are headed to the U.S.