BMW has eased into the electric future, starting with the BMW X5 I Performance – it’s first plug-in hybrid – back in 2015. Fast forward a few years and here we are looking at the BMW iX3 Concept, an X3-based, all-electric SUV (or SAV as BMW likes to call it) that features the brand’s fifth-gen electric drive system, modular batteries, and some i-specific design cues that we’ll surely see when the iX3 goes into production. As a concept that’s practically ready to roll off the production line, there’s a lot to talk about, so let’s get to it.

2018 BMW iX3 Concept

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  • Model: 2018 BMW iX3 Concept
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BMW iX3 Concept Exterior

The one thing that really sticks out is the fact this concept is based heavily on the BMW X3. And, it should be, as it’s basically the same thing with an electric drive system. With that in mind, there isn’t a whole lot that sets the iX3 apart from is gas-drinking brethren. It features the same body lines and same profile as the X3 and the same headlights. What makes it stand out is the front end where an all-new fascia comes into play along with a new, closed off grille and a revised air dam. The rear end stands out just a bit thanks to a slightly different rear fascia and a new diffuser that features blue accents.

The most interesting thing about the entire exterior of the concept, however, is up front. First off, you should notice that BMW strayed away from putting those fake vents in the corners. The brand decided to go with thin, vertically oriented vents that actually give the front end a revitalizing and advanced look. The next important thing to note is that grille. Sure it’s closed off and is actually a single-piece unit, but it’s still highly identifiable as a BMW. It also features that blue backlight that seems so typical among electric cars from all manufacturers.

BMW iX3 Concept Interior

BMW has remained absolutely silent about the interior of the iX3, and we’ve yet to get a glance inside. Considering the fact that it’s based on the current X3 production model, you can bet the interior is exactly the same, sans a few minor details. First off, as an electric vehicle, the iX3 should be equipped with an all-digital instrument cluster that provides important information regarding driving range, state of battery charge, navigation information, speed, trip distance, among other things. This will probably be a modified version of the now-optional 12.3-inch digital display available on the current model. It could grow in size, however, but BMW may save that for larger electric models down the road.

Expect to see that 10.2-inch touchscreen display to carry over with some minor software updates. It could also be offered as a larger unit if BMW really wanted to as there is room for it above the center stack, but I wouldn’t hold my breath for that. Heated and Ventilated seats are probably included as is the optional ambient lighting and carpet illumination system – all of these features will probably be standard on a production model too. There’s just something about a little glow that screams EV for some reason.

As far as storage space, your guess is as good as ours. BMW’s fifth-gen electric drive system is compact, but 70 kWh batteries aren’t exactly small either. The standard X3 offers 550 liters of storage space with the rear seats in place or 1,600 liters with the seats down. With a battery pack in tow, you can expect the storage space to drop a bit, with the production version concept and upcoming production version offering around 1,300 liters of cargo room at most.

BMW iX3 Concept Performance and Range

This is where all of the important stuff lies. This concept feature’s BMW’s fifth-gen electric drive system, known as eDrive. Its design allows for things like the electric motor, transmission, and power electrics to all be grouped together. It’s modular and scalable, as is the platform the iX3 is based on. To put things simply, the eDrive system found in this concept can be adapted to a number of different models, regardless of size. Larger motors can even be incorporated into bigger vehicles as can a larger battery pack. The same underpinnings and electric drivetrain will be found under the skin of the BMW iNext when BMW introduces it in 2021.

As far as this concept is concerned, it’s equipped with a 70 kWh battery that is said to be good for as much as 249 miles (400 km) on the WLTP scale. The electric motor, on the other hand, is said to be good for “more than” 270 horsepower. There’s no word as to whether or not it features xDrive AWD or whether it’s front- or rear-wheel biased, but chances are it’s probably predominantly rear-wheel drive while the production model ill offer up the option for all-wheel drive. Other performance figures remain a secret for now, but we’ll certainly learn more once the iX3 Concept moves closer to production.

Final Thoughts

The BMW iX3 comes off as a good representation of BMW’s plans to shift into the EV market. Until the ICE is phased completely out of existence and EVs take over altogether, we will see a lot of i-models that are based long-running models in the lineup. It shows how a standard model can evolve into an EV without shedding the traditional BMW design cues and still managing to stand out in its own right. It will be interesting to see what BMW comes up with next. We know the iNext will be coming and if It’s as down to earth as the iX3, it’ll probably be a big hit. The question right now, however, is whether or not the production version of the iX3 will be able to stand on its own four wheels with 249 miles of range – is it enough or does the market require more? Only time will tell.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 BMW X3.

Read more BMW news.

Read more 2018 Beijing Auto Show news.