BMW’s iX3 is a ‘new class’ of EV that packs a lot of range and computing power

For years, BMW has been teasing its next new generation “Neue Klasse” electric vehicle platform, with better batteries, a better range and a whole new “superbrain” with improved calculation power. Today, the German car manufacturer has finally revealed the first Neue Klasse vehicle: IX3. And at first glance, he has a lot to take.

The IX3, which has made its debut today in Munich Auto Show, represents the 109 -year -old company attempt to reinvent itself as an automotive manufacturer focused on the future which includes the growing importance of software in the automotive world. It is also the tip of the spear in BMW’s efforts to challenge the growing influence of China, which has become the number one exporter in the world of high -tech electric vehicles. And the IX3 will soon be joined by 40 models Neue Klasse in the next two years, because BMW radically changes the way it designs, builds and sells what it calls “the ultimate driving machine”.

Of course, everything that will not be for the IX3 is not a convincing EV with the killers who is fun to drive. And from the first glance, it seems that BMW may have left the park.

The IX3 will be the first BMW EV built on an architecture of 800 volts, which, according to the automaker, will allow fast load speeds up to 400 kW, adding up to 230 miles of range in just 10 minutes. (Most Rapid DC chargers in the United States offer speeds in the range of 150 to 350 kW.) The IX3 is also the first EV to receive cylindrical battery cells generated internally from BMW, which offer 30% more, up to 30% of faster loading speeds, and 20% more energy density, and they are more expensive to build.

BMW was not ready to disclose the exact energy content of the new IX3 battery, but said that it would feed the sports activity vehicle (after -sales service) for more than 400 miles of estimated EPA range. This represents less than 600 miles of reach that the automaker predicted in 2022, but would still place the IX3 among the upper level of current electric vehicles in terms of range.

The first variant to move the mounting chain of the newly built factory from BMW to Hungary will be the IX3 50 xDrive, with an integral traction engine configuration capable of spitting 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. This version will strike American dealers by mid-2010, from $ 60,000, with rear traction models to follow shortly after.

The IX3 will be the first BMW model to present the “Heart of Joy” computer from the automaker, which is one of Neue Klasse’s four “Superbrains”. This unpretentious black box aggregates all the functions of traction, stability and management of electric motors which are generally managed by a dozen different processors from a dozen different suppliers and dispersed throughout the car. In the unification of these functions, the IX3 is sure to be an explosion to drive, as experienced by Edge The contributor Tim Stevens earlier this year.

The display collection – the instrument cluster, the high -headed display and the central display – combines to form the panoramic IDRIV, which works on the Android manufacturer of the Android manufacturer X. BMW says that it increases the experience with the IX3 to ensure that drivers keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions. As such, the automaker has included buttons and physical buttons for the most important controls, including CVC, audio volume, mirrors control and warning lights.

(BMW does not mention its suppliers in its press release, but the automaker has also announced today a new automated driver for level 2 plus driving, which it has developed with Qualcomm.)

IX3 is the first BMW foray into the world buzzing with vehicles defined by software. There are therefore a lot of digital features which, according to the automaker, will improve over time thanks to live updates. During the launch, BMW claims that it has obtained a “superior intelligence” in the form of interior lights which appear automatically if the vehicle sensors detect that the driver is looking for something, or a charging port which opens automatically when it detects an approach. Other examples include application notifications if the vehicle detects something moving inside during its locking.

Digital keys on smartphones or smart watches will be the “preferred” means of unlocking and starting the IX3, says BMW, while noting that it supports all the main manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung and Google. And the vehicle supports the Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

The first thing you notice about the IX3 is the thinner and more vertically aligned renal grille, which distinguishes it from some of its predecessors EV. Some may say that the design functionality of the BMW signature has become a little out of control in the EV era, spreading obscene through the frontal of the IX, for example. It can therefore be a bit of a shock that the car manufacturer would reduce its aggressiveness for its new flagship vehicle powered by battery. Instead of a wider grille, we get a new horizontal lightning design which presents itself as more sophisticated.

In terms of size, the IX3 is almost the same length as a i4, while being a little larger (64.4 inch) and a little wider (74.6 inches). And in 188.3 inches, it is not as long as an IX, but is longer than most of the X3 versions powered by petrol.

BMW rushes to follow Tesla and a new generation of Chinese manufacturers, such as Xiaomi and Xpeng, which intuitively include software and have since built vehicles with delicious digital experiences. And the German automaker has made a lot of progress, with its electric vehicles and rechargeable hybrids by seeing a growth in two -digit sales from one year to the next.

While governments around the world remove their incentives from electric vehicles, BMW will face a new challenge around affordability. The luxury and premium EV space is packed with gills, with players inherited like BMW, Mercedes and Audi in competition against newcomers like Tesla, Lucid and Rivian. The IX3 will not upset the balance too much, but it is an important part in the BMW mission to convince buyers that, with regard to electric vehicles with the perfect balance between the range, power and software, this is the ultimate choice.