The New BMW iX3 40 Proves Less Can Be More
A fully-electric vehicle (EV), the BMW iX3 was introduced last year (featured on MHH International. See the article on this page) to great acclaim, being the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) that introduced premium car maker BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ design language to the world.
Since then the model has won a number of awards including ‘World Car of the Year’, so they must have done something right. Now, to augment the range, the prestige German manufacturer are producing a new variant, the ‘iX3 40’, that will be available from this Summer. This compact family-sized SAV offers less than the other models in the range and, it has be said, this is a clever move by BMW.
Consider this: With the unsurprising revelation that a lot of car makers are hedging their bets regarding full electrification, it has dawned on some brands that a mix of motive power to suit all consumers might be the way to go; at least for the foreseeable future. It makes sense then to understand that some drivers have no real need of long range vehicles as their driving priorities are mostly confined to urban and suburban local areas: Enter the BMW iX3 40.
This car introduces the second drive system variant of the fully electric Neue Klasse’ SAV. Equipped with a 320bhp electric motor and only rear-wheel drive, the new model variant shares both its styling and standout technological innovations with the longer range, all-wheel-drive BMW iX3 50 xDrive sibling.
Power And Charge
The new iX3 40 is powered by a new sixth-generation ‘BMW eDrive’ technology developed especially for the ‘Neue Klasse’, which represents a technological leap forward. All components are designed for 800V technology. An electrically excited synchronous motor with high levels of efficiency is integrated into the rear axle and drives the rear wheels only. The electric motor develops 235kW 320PS / 316BHP equivalent) and 500Nm of torque. The BMW iX3 40 accelerates from rest to 62MPH (100KPH) in 5.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 124 mph (200KPH).
Short charging times and a maximum range of up to 395 miles (depending on how it is used) are on offer. Plenty of scope for a decent drive out. The high-voltage battery has a usable energy content of 82.6 kWh. Its lithium-ion cylindrical cells have twenty per cent greater energy density than the prismatic cells used for the previous ‘Gen5 eDrive’ technology and are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery. The pack-to-open-body construction turns the battery into a structural component of the vehicle and reduces the amount of material required and cuts weight and that’s the idea. For shorter journeys, less weight is always an advantage.
The maximum charging rate is 300 kW when plugged into an 800V direct current (DC) fast-charging station. Doing so enables the new SAV to be topped up with enough energy to add up to 186 miles to its range in just 10 minutes. Plenty of power to get you home from a potentially longer trip.
The Neue Klasse Design
Like the more powerful BMW iX3 50 xDrive (electric range: 421 – 500 miles), this new entry-level model features the clean, reduced and unmistakable exterior design language of the ‘Neue Klasse’. This includes the re-interpreted kidney grille and light signature, as well as precise lines and expansive surfaces.
‘Neue Klasse’ design continues inside the cabin, where the revolutionary display and operating concept, BMW ‘Panoramic iDrive’ with new BMW ‘Operating System X’, enables complete driver orientation while redefining the user experience. As with its exterior and interior design, range and power aside, standard specification for the new BMW iX3 40 is otherwise identical to that of the BMW iX3 50 xDrive.
The Brain
It’s important that, whatever the power source, a BMW should drive like a BMW. Fortunately, as the world’s motoring journalists found out, this ‘Neue Klasse’ technology takes driving pleasure to new heights in the new BMW iX3 40. This is underpinned by the new electronics and software architecture, where four ‘super-brains’ bring owners a top-class driving experience. These high-performance computers deliver more than twenty times greater processing power than those utilised within previous models.
The romantically named but scientifically inclined ‘Heart of Joy’ control computer with BMW ‘Dynamic Performance Control’ software developed fully in-house, responds ten times faster than previous systems to provide effortless, agile and assured handling, while also setting new dynamic standards. Another milestone is the ‘Soft Stop’ function. Thanks to precise control of the electric motor, the new BMW iX3 40 brakes to a complete halt without any jerks or noise, delivering the smoothest stopping process in the history of the brand. This is a point not to be overlooked on busy urban roads.
Ask Alexa
The multimodal operating logic of the BMW ‘Panoramic iDrive’ combines touch, haptic and voice-based interaction. The ‘Intelligent Personal Assistant’ plays a central role in the operating concept of the new BMW iX3, in collaboration with Amazon.
The BMW ‘Intelligent Personal Assistant helps to operate the windows, air conditioning and seating comfort, manage phone calls, control in-car entertainment and more. It can also be used to call up many function menus and operate certain apps. Upgrading the ‘Intelligent Personal Assistant’ to include Amazon Alexa+ AI technology provides additional functionality.
The integration of this technology represents a massive leap forward offering added value for owners. The AI technology used is a ‘Large Language Model’ apparently delivering a generative AI that understands language and can formulate its own responses. This makes for more conversational voice interactions; it enables intuitive and intelligent exchanges, and supports access to external knowledge bases, cloud-based services and media content, as well as the control of vehicle functions. Certainly a step up from back seat drivers. Linking to an Amazon account allows seamless integration of relevant services and extends the range of use well beyond traditional vehicle operation.
MHH International & BMW
As buyers are well aware, BMW offer an astonishingly wide range of vehicles in their portfolio. The expression ‘something for everyone’ has never been more apposite. MHH International offer a very wide cross section of new and used BMW models (see them here) for export from the UK to global destinations that include Kenya and New Zealand. Their tried and tested, comprehensive export service (with VAT-free options) offers the maximum choice combined with absolute convenience. Please see the Home Page for full details and please get in touch with your enquiry.
