BMW is one of those carmakers that has not hidden its intent to go electric within the next few years. And Auto China 2018 in Bejing is the perfect venue for it to signal its first salvo in the form of the Concept iX3.
While it may look more or less like a regular X3, the SAV has a few details that help distinguish it from its gasoline-powered sibling. The grille is closed off and has blue accents. Then there are the wheels that are designed to provide the utmost in aero efficiency.
What really sets this iX3 apart is the use of BMW’s electric drive system. Now on its fifth generation, the zero-emissions drive unit utilizes a large battery with a 70kwh capacity and produces about 270hp. This is good enough to take the Concept iX3 to about 400kms on a single charge. Fast charging can give you more than enough juice to get back on the road in as little as 30 minutes.
For now, the BMW iX3 is merely a concept vehicle. It is slated to hit the production floor around 2020. And it will only be the first of a vehicle lineup that includes a host of electric and hybrid models.
