the strategy for The electrification of BMW takes shape. Designed around an ultra-versatile, it is expected to enable the bavarian manufacturer, for a silhouette given, the choice with the broadest possible mode of propulsion : gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid or 100 % electric. It is interesting to note that Audi and Mercedes, the other two German brands premium the most important, preferred, they, develop platforms that are 100% electric specific. The first model to illustrate this wide spectrum of choice is the X3, the 3rd generation launched in 2017, the SUV family, which is among the best selling BMW.
BMW iX3 © Fabian Kirchbauer / BMW
Less of cobalt in the battery
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Christened iX3, version, zero-emission model will launch at the end of the year a new generation of chain of electric traction. Compared to that of the i3, the motor is always synchronous with permanent magnets, has been reduced by 30% per unit of power and doesn't contain more of the rare earths. For the battery, the amount of cobalt required was reduced two-thirds per unit power while the energy density mass has been increased by 20 %.
BMW iX3 © BMW
The platform remains propulsion
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Built into the floor, the battery helps to lower the center of gravity of 7.5 cm compared to a X3 heat. With a rated capacity of 80 kWh, of which only 74 are actually used, it allows a range of 460 km on the cycle WLTP in iX3. The set supplies power to an electric machine 210 kW (286 hp) driving only the rear wheels, and allowing you to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,8 s. In comparison, the X3 30i of 252 hp just 6.4 s on the same test. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h to conserve battery power on the servings of" autobahn " - speed free.
BMW iX3 © Fabian Kirchbauer / BMW
No bonus
The presence of the electric motor under the boot floor reduces the volume of the last forty litres, for a total of 510 dm3 flexible up to 1 560 by folding down the rear seats. Assembled in China in Shenyang that BMW operates with its local partner Brilliance, the iX3 is expected to arrive in dealerships by the end of the year. Its price will start at 72 950 € on the French market, which does not give the right to any bonuses, restricted to models of less than 60 000 €. The BMW iX3 can be found on the road, the Tesla Model Y, and the Volvo XC40 Charging.
BMW iX3 © Fabian Kirchbauer / BMW
