BMW iX3 revealed: New electric SUV to take on Tesla Model X, Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron – and it’s coming in 2020
BMW has jumped on the electric SUV bandwagon with a plug-in version of its popular X3
BMW has revealed its iX3 that'll rival electric SUVs from Jaguar, Tesla and Audi.
It's the first BMW to be all-electric and is expected to hit showrooms in 2020.
The iX3 - based on the popular X3 - promises 249 miles of range on a single charge.
The 70kWh battery can be recharged in just 30 minutes on a fast charger.
It'll take direct aim at the Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model X and upcoming Audi e-tron. Mercedes is also expected to bring out its EQC in 2019.
Revealed at the Beijing Motor Show this week, the iX3 is the first of BMWs new family of electric cars.
Expect an all-electric 5 Series to follow in 2021 with almost 400 miles of range - just like the Tesla Model S.
The iX3 looks very similar to the standard X3 with the trademark kidney grille on the front - but this is filled in as there's no need for an engine to be cooled.
It also gets blue accents to highlight its electric power.
You'll plug the car in via a charging port above the left front wheel arch rather than a traditional fuel tank location.
The electric motor will pump out 266bhp and BMW could ramp that up to 532bhp if it chooses to go for an all-wheel drive option.
While this is only a concept, the fairly conservative design suggests a full production version won't change much.
It'll be built in China at the Shenyang factory.