BMW Korea has high expectations for its upcoming flagship electric SUV — the iX3 — which is anticipated to be a significant sales booster for the luxury automaker.
The iX3 is the manufacturer’s initial mass-produced vehicle based on its Neue Klasse design philosophy. BMW Korea has secured over 4,500 preorders for the iX3 model.
The iX3 represents BMW's vision for future mobility on the new platform.
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According to the German automaker, the model signifies a new path for high-end electric mobility by merging the brand’s legacy with innovative improvements in driving dynamics, design, and digital technology.
The latest iX3 features an innovative design that merges BMW’s heritage with a modern look. Its sleek design results in a leading drag coefficient of 0.24, improving both efficiency and performance.
The kidney grille, positioned vertically, reimagines the design of the original Neue Klasse models from the 1960s, while glowing contour lines substitute for conventional chrome features, establishing a unique visual identity. A newly streamlined BMW logo emphasizes the brand's shift towards the future of transportation.
Within, the cabin features a streamlined horizontal design enhanced by a panoramic glass roof that spans the entire length, fostering an airy ambiance. A newly crafted steering wheel and ergonomically refined center display enhance a futuristic digital cockpit experience, according to the automaker.
The iX3 utilizes four advanced computing systems, referred to as “superbrains,” which manage vehicle dynamics, driver assistance, infotainment, and fundamental vehicle operations.
The Heart of Joy control unit regulates acceleration, steering, and braking in real time through BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, providing the brand’s hallmark driving involvement while also guaranteeing outstanding stability and cornering capability.
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The vehicle incorporates BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology, boasting newly engineered cylindrical battery cells that enhance energy density by 20 percent, while also boosting charging speed and driving range by as much as 30 percent, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) standard.
Consequently, the iX3 offers an official driving range of up to 611 kilometers in Korea and 805 kilometers based on WLTP testing. In a recent European endurance challenge, the vehicle achieved an impressive 1,007.7 kilometers on one charge.
The iX3 can achieve around 250 kilometers of Korean-certified range with just 10 minutes of charging, and it takes about 22 minutes to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent.
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In Korea, the iX3 will first be available solely in the 50 xDrive setup. The dual-motor system generates 469 horsepower, allowing acceleration from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 4.9 seconds. The cost of the vehicle begins at 79.9 million won ($51,600). Deliveries for Korean customers will start in July.