2023 BMW iX3 EV revealed for PHP 4.590 million
After iX, BMW PH launches iX3 EV
After test-driving it for the first time in Singapore last year, BMW distributor SMC Asia Cars Distributors Inc. officially revealed the 2023 iX3. It is essentially the electric version of its popular X3 crossover and serves as the brand’s newest all-electric model after the iX flagship EV.
Starting with the hardware first, the iX3 is powered by an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery that drives a rear-mounted electric motor. It pumps out a healthy 286 PS along with a meaty 400 Nm of torque. From a standstill, BMW claims the iX3 can go from 0 - 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 180 km/h. On a full charge, BMW said the iX3 could travel up to 460 km (based on the WLTP cycle) before needing a recharge.
And speaking of recharge, the automaker also mentioned that the iX3 can be fully charged to 100% in 7.5 hours via a standard charging system. In case owners prefer a faster means of charging, there’s also a DC 150 kW fast-charging system that BMW says can get the iX3’s battery to 80% in just 34 minutes. In fact, BMW said that a 10-minute charge will give the iX3 100 km of range. The iX3 is also compatible with Type 2 public charging stations in the country.
Over to its design, the iX3 is slightly different compared to the regular X3. While it still comes with the traditional dual kidney grille, it gets a unique pattern instead of the signature slats. After all, this vehicle doesn’t come with an engine under the hood. Meanwhile, the front bumper and 19-inch alloy wheels were aerodynamically designed in order to eke out every possible kilometer from the battery.
Other key highlights present on the iX3’s exterior include sharp LED headlights with distinct LED light signatures, eye-catching LED taillights, a unique rear bumper, and bright blue accents throughout the body that indicate this BMW has zero emissions. The Philippine variant is available with the "Inspiring" equipment line. This gives the iX3 added exterior features like M Aerodynamic Package, M high-gloss Shadow Line, M roof rails, and adaptive LED headlights.
Hop inside and the iX3 greets its occupants with not one but two huge digital displays via the Live Cockpit Professional. Both the instrument cluster and iDrive infotainment system are channeled through their own 12.3-inch monitors which deliver crisp graphics and a wide array of menus and screen settings. The infotainment screen is powered by iDrive 7.0 and features wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, satellite navigation, plus many more.
Other in-car amenities present inside the iX3 include three-zone automatic climate control, LED ambient lighting, a glass sunroof, Sensatec perforated upholstery, an M leather steering wheel, M headliner Anthracite, electronically-adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver, fine wood trim, acoustic glazing on the front windows, and an automatic tailgate.
When it comes to luggage capacity, the iX3 impresses. With 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, the iX3 can swallow up to 1,560 liters with the rear seats down. With the rear seats up, it can still carry 510 liters worth of cargo.
Safety-wise, the 2023 iX3 comes with the following; 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. 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," said Spencer Yu, president of SMC Asia Cars Distributors Inc.
The 2023 BMW iX3 is available for PHP 4.590 million and comes with a BMW i Wallbox that will be installed by BMW i partners in the customers' homes, 5-year factory BMW factory warranty, an 8-year high-voltage battery warranty, and a 6-year BMW Service Inclusive warranty. This model is now available at authorized BMW i retailers RSA Motors Libis and RSA Motors Greenhills.
