What you see here is the production version of the BMW iX3. It looks more or less the same as any other X3 variant, except for a few elements such as the aerodynamic wheels. And yes, it does look different when compared to the Concept vehicle, which broke cover back in April 2018. With its introduction, BMW’s X3 marque becomes the first in its family tree to get an all-electric powertrain. Also, the X3 is the only BMW nameplate which is available with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric powerplants.

The main highlight of the iX3 is, of course, what’s powering it. BMW has managed to incorporate the electric motor, transmission and power electronics in a single housing, which saves space. As for the electric motor, which feeds a maximum output of 282bhp/400Nm to the rear wheels, does not have any magnets in it. That design allows BMW to avoid digging up rare stuff from within the earth in the manufacturing of the motor. The iX3 can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 6.8 seconds and reach an electronically-limited top speed of 180kmph.

The iX3 packs an 80 kWh battery, of which 74 kWh is usable. That’s enough for a range of up to 459km, as per WLTP cycle. The number shoots up to 520km if the SUV gets tested according to the NEDC procedure. As you’d expect, the iX3’s battery can replenish itself using AC and DC feeds. BMW claims that the iX3 supports up to 11 kW of AC and up to 150 kW of DC. In other words, one can recharge the EV’s battery from 10 to 80 per cent in as less as 34 minutes. The iX3 also gets BMW’s adaptive recuperation system which, depending on the driving conditions, changes the intensity of charging the battery pack.

In the features department, the iX3 packs a panoramic glass roof, 19-inch wheels, active cruise control, lane change and departure warning systems, electrically-adjustable seats with memory function, ambient lighting, a digital instrument cluster and wireless mobile charger. There’s also an options list, which includes 20-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, a head-up display, gesture control, Harman Kardon sound system and WiFi hotspot.

BMW will manufacture the iX3 for export at the Shenyang facility in China. The market launch will take place sometime later this year.