BMW IX3 Leaked
BMW’s i4 Concept may be the EV the brand currently has to promote, but it’s the iX3 that’s poised to become the brand’s all-electric cash cow. It’s entering a market space most other manufacturers agreed showed enough promise to launch other reasonably sized, plug-in crossovers (e.g. Tesla Model Y, Mercedes EQC, Jaguar E-Pace, Audi E-Tron). These are the vehicles seen as helping EVs pitch into the mainstream, offering both the planet’s preferred body style and adequate range for most commuters.
Up until now, we’ve seen most of what the industry has to offer in the premium electric crossover segment. Even the iX3 has been thrice teased by the manufacturer since announcing its existence at Auto China in 2018. But those were typically issued to us as conceptual renderings between spy shots of a vehicle that looked very much like the standard BMW X3. Recently leaked online, the production-ready iX3 hasn’t altered that opinion. In fact, it’s probably destined to end up being the most normal-looking EV on sale for a while.
Two official press photos were apparently posted to a dummy Instagram account before being scooped up by car-spy website CocheSpias.
“@scott26.unofficial has shared the first photos of the BMW iX3 on his account,” the outlet wrote on Monday (translated from spanish), “What do you think? You like?”
Visually, it’s extremely similar to the gas-powered X3 — with a few embellishments to help indicate that it’s not that model. As with other BMW EVs, the crossover has blue accent lighting running along its flanks. There are likewise some blue-hued trim bits on the bumper (where exhaust ports would be) and grille. The front clip is also different, closing up some ducting (presumably to improve aerodynamics) and removing space for things like fog lamps. The only other items signaling that this isn’t a standard X3 is the large silver cap near the driver-side door and a unique wheel design that’s highly reminiscent of other BMW i vehicles.
Those items also help us compare the car in question with spy shots of BMW test vehicles, giving us high confidence that these images are either legitimate or top-tier forgeries.
BMW has previously said the iX3 would use a 74-kilowatt-hour battery with a single electric motor driving the rear wheels. Presently, that unit is estimated to make 286 horsepower and 296 pound-feet of torque. Under Europe’s WLTP testing cycle, that’s supposed to be good for a maximum range of 273 miles. EPA figures will likely tamp that number down, though BMW has said it doesn’t intend on entering the model in the North America market right now.
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Cash cow? More like loss leader.
Don't they already make this?