BMW Concept iX3 revealed at 2018 Auto Shanghai

-    BMW Concept iX3 previews the all-electric X3.

-    The Concept iX3 uses the fifth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology.

-    The iX3 Concept has an output of 270bhp from 70kWh battery pack with a range of around 400km.

BMW is busy developing their first all-electric crossover, the X3 electric, for quite some time now. The Bavarian carmaker has now taken to the stage at the 2018 Auto Shanghai with the Concept iX3 which previews the electric X3. 

The Concept iX3 carries the unmistakable styling of the X3 with its stylish headlights, LED tail lights, and the distinct SAV silhouette. But the concept is wearing an all-new kidney grille akin to the one seen on the i Vision Dynamics Concept from last year. However, this one was slightly blacked out on the inside with a blue hue lighting. This grille will be the new signature for all future BMW Concepts but it won’t make it to the production model of the iX3.  

The same blue accents can also be seen on the sides at the bottom of the doors and on the rear diffusers. The wheels are futuristic in typical electric vehicle style. The body paint is matte-finish Moonstone Silver to go with the electric nature of the crossover. 

The Concept iX3 is powered by the fifth generation BMW’s eDrive technology. In this new generation of powertrains, the electric motor, transmission and power electronics are now grouped into a single component. This makes it easier to integrate the same powertrain into different vehicle architectures. The battery pack of 70kWh feeds the motors for a total output of 270bhp and an electric range of more than 400km according to WLTP cycle. It comes with fast charging feature as well. With the fast-charging stations generating up to 150kW, it can be fully charged in just 30 minutes, says BMW.

The production-ready electric X3 is likely to be revealed in a couple years, probably in 2020. It will be followed by BMW’s flagship electric vehicle, the iNext. The Bavarian carmaker is betting big on its electric portfolio, having trademarked all the monikers from iX1 to iX9. By 2025, BMW plans to have 25 electrified models on the road. When the all-new iX3 arrives, it will face rivalry from the Tesla Model X, Jaguar I-Pace apart from the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQC and Audi E-Tron.