Fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle expanding electrification footprint
BMW Philippines expands its electric vehicle footprint in the country with the launch of the first-ever BMW iX3. This is the second fully electric model in BMW Philippines’ lineup.
Sustainability at its core
Powering the BMW iX3 is the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology. These encompass the latest version of the electric motor, power electronics, charging technology and high-voltage battery.
It all starts with an innovative charging unit, sending power to both the 400V battery and the 12V on-board power 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 in the iX3 can therefore be charged from 0 to 80 per cent of its full capacity in 34 minutes. At its maximum direct current fast-charging of 150 kW, drivers can inject the power required to add 100 kilometers to the car’s driving range (in the WLTP cycle) in 10 minutes of charging. This gives the BMW iX3 compelling everyday usability. The BMW iX3 is compatible with all Type 2 public charging stations in the country.
To maximize its range, the BMW iX3 features Adaptive Recuperation, which enhances efficiency and driving comfort during a journey. The intensity of the Brake Energy Regeneration is adapted to the road situation described by data from the navigation system and the driver assistance system sensors.
Besides the exceptionally efficient drive system, the iX3 also makes extensive use of secondary raw materials in the manufacture of aluminum castings and thermoplastics, the absence of rare earths, and the across-the-board use of green electricity in production, including the cells for the high-voltage battery, are all contributory factors in the remarkably impressive CO2 assessment in its construction.
Exterior
The iX3 is designed to exhibit the typical proportions of an SAV. The front apron and BMW kidney grille have a largely enclosed design, while the rear end has also been sculpted in order to reduce air resistance. The Philippine variant is available with the “Inspiring” equipment line. This standard specification comprises a wide array of details including the M Aerodynamic Package, M high-gloss shadow line, M roof rails, aerodynamically designed 19-inch light-alloy wheels, and adaptive LED headlights.
Interior
The same attention to details continues inside. Understated blue accents in the interior allude to the presence of its electric drive system. Combined with clearly structured controls, high-quality materials and stylishly designed surfaces create the premium interior ambience typically associated with an SAV.
One of the interior highlights of the iX3 M Sport is the use of sustainable elements aligned with the BMW Group’s direction to substantially reduce the carbon footprint of BMW i models. This includes the presence of interior appointments that incorporate man-made materials. Such is the case with the Sensatec perforated upholstery in the cabin.
Also incorporated are a M Leather steering wheel, M headliner Anthracite, electrically adjustable seats with memory function on the driver’s side, fine-wood trim - ash trunk wood open-pored with highlight trim finisher Pearl Chrome, a panoramic glass sunroof, acoustic glazing for the front door windows, ambient lighting, three-zone automatic climate control system, the BMW Comfort Access System, and automatic tailgate operation.
Convenience
For the enjoyment of the driver and passengers, the iX3 M Sport features the BMW Live Cockpit Professional (complete with an on-board navigation system) which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch widescreen display which operates on the iDrive Operating System 7.0. It comes with wireless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Remote Software Upgrade, and telephony with wireless charging can all be found on the standard equipment list too. And for an even more exclusive flair and driving comfort, it also includes the hi-fi loudspeaker system by Harman Kardon as standard.
It's also got space and flexibility thanks to the 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear seat backrest. Load capacity can be increased from 510 to a maximum of 1,560 liters as required. Through-loading is also available for greater flexibility.
Safety
Finally, iX3 comes with the latest set of technology that includes High Beam Assistant, Parking Assistant, Cruise Control with braking function, Acoustic Protection for pedestrians, Active Protection, plus Park Distance Control with front and rear sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring sensor.
“We are proud to say that BMW in the Philippines now has a product that flawlessly combines the familiarity of BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicle DNA and the excellent capability of a fully electric motor. The iX3 is the perfect choice for customers who want to take their first step toward a truly sustainable driving experience,” said Spencer Yu, President of SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp.
“We are hoping that the recent issuance of Executive Order No. 12, reducing export taxes for electric vehicles, will help shift the market towards electrification in order to create a more sustainable planet for future generations,” he added.
The BMW iX3 M Sport retails at P4,590,000. Every purchase of the model comes with a BMW i Wallbox that will be installed by BMW i partners in the customer’s home, a five-year BMW factory warranty, an eight-year high-voltage battery warranty, and six-year BMW Service Inclusive warranty. This model is now available at authorized BMW i retailers RSA Motors Libis and RSA Motors Greenhills.