BMW has finally revealed the production version of its new iX3, positioned as a fully electric version of the popular SUV.

Previewed by the Concept iX3 unveiled in 2018, the rear-driven iX3 (no xDrive arrangement here, interestingly) is scheduled to hit the market in South Africa in the final quarter of 2021. From what we understand, the newcomer will be imported from China rather than built alongside the standard X3 at Plant Rosslyn.

The new iX3’s current-excited synchronous electric motor, single-speed transmission and power electronics are arranged together in a single housing. The powertrain’s maximum outputs are 210 kW and 400 N.m, translating into a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 6,8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.

The battery pack’s gross capacity is 80 kWh (of which 74 kWh is utilised), which the Munich-based firm says is enough to offer a range of “up to 459 km” on the WLTP test cycle (and 520 km on the older NEDC cycle).

BMW says it has implemented an “innovative” charging unit in the new iX3, sending power to both the 400 V battery (positioned low down in the car’s underbody) and the 12 V on-board supply. When using alternating current terminals, it enables both single-phase and three-phase charging at up to 11 kW.

Plugging the vehicle into a direct current fast-charging station facilitates charging outputs of up to 150 kW. The high-voltage battery can thus be charged from zero to 80 percent in 34 minutes, says BMW.

Original article from Car