BMW prices the all-electric iX3 SUV

Thursday, 14 October 2021

The BMW iX3 is nearly here.

BMW New Zealand has released pricing for its new electric SUV, the iX3.

Due here before the end of 2021, a bit later than originally expected, the iX3 will land in two oddly named trim levels. BMW is asking $114,900 for the Inspiring model and $124,900 for the upspecced Impressive version.

Like other recent electric versions from the German manufacturers, the iX3 lines up to be broadly on-par price-wise with ICE versions with similar power and equipment levelswith the 210kW/400Nm iX3 models slipping into the range above the 185kW/350Nm $102,900 X3 xDrive30i petrol and the 215kW/420Nm $107,700 xDrive30e PHEV, but under the 285kW/500Nm $132,300 X40i and the 240kW/640Nm $134,300 M40d.

The iX3 will launch in New Zealand in two trims, starting at $114,900.

All models get an M Sport package, which increases the size of the lower air intake, adds blue-tinted L-shaped air curtains on each corner with M-specific designs, a rear diffuser finished in either Frozen Grey or the optional ‘i Blue’ colour, and either 19-inch or 20-inch aerodynamic wheels, depending on spec level.

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The electric motor uses no rare earth metals, while the battery has a third less raw cobalt when compared to the 2019 BMW i3.

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Inside are standard Vernasca leather seats, a standard 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, and standard ambient lighting.

Under the skin is a single rear-axle-mounted motor producing 210kW/400Nm, built using no rare earth metals. Additionally, the 80kWh battery uses a third less raw cobalt when compared to the 2019 BMW i3. Range is rated at 460km on the WLTP test cycle.

Fast charging at rates up to 150kW means the battery can be charged from zero to 100 per cent in 7.5 hours, or from 10 to 80 per cent in just over half an hour. Ten minutes at 150kW should add around 100km of range.

Additionally, iX3 buyers get a free ChargeNow (basically BMW’s rebranding of the ChargeNet network) membership card and free membership, as well as a 10 per cent discount on all charging sessions used in the ChargeNow charging network for the first 24 months.

BMW has also tapped Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to work with its own sound designer Renzo Vitale to create “unique acoustic feedback” for the iX3. Every driving state is accompanied by a matching acoustic pattern. When the Start/Stop button is pressed, a short sound composition can be heard while load changes are signalled by a smoothly modulated sound. Recuperations during overrun and braking are marked by a “gently filtered acoustic response.”

For those wanting all-wheel-drive, Arno Keller, the head of the BMW iX3 project, recent told Stuff that there are “no plans to introduce an all-wheel-drive version of the BMW iX3 yet, as customers preferring all-wheel-drive have the option of the X3 xDrive30e PHEV which also has a relatively small environmental footprint.”

And if you’re waiting for an M version, Stuff asked Keller if the sub-brand would get its hands on the all-electric SUV. Keller said that while he wasn’t the best person to answer the question, at this stage there is no iX3 M is on the cards yet.

The iX3 will join the iX in BMW’s electric SUV ranks, the former also set to launch in Q4 2021. Those interested can order reserve an iX3 on the BMW New Zealand online shop before deliveries start.