Price: R1 290 000 Powertrain: Permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, rear Power: 210 kW @ 6 000-17 000 r/min Torque: 400 N.m @ 0-5 000 r/min 0-100 km/h: 6,8 seconds* Top speed: 180 km/h Range: Up to 460 km* Rivals: Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge, Mercedes-Benz EQB350 4Matic
A new dawn is upon Munich, whether South Africa is ready for it or not. After a century of producing vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, BMW i, the Bavarian carmaker's electrified branch, was born to signal a shift into the next milestone of mobility. This was ushered in by the outlying first generation of i-badged vehicles but over the past decade, BMW has been gearing up for an electric takeover, with its silent sub-brand entering the mainstream. Now, BMW has amassed a collection of battery-electric vehicles it has officially introduced on to our market, and hopes to shift buyer perception in their categories.
Moving forward as an intended volume product in the electrified line-up is the BMW iX3. It looks and drives very much like its ICE counterparts. The BMW X3 has by now become a mainstay for the German automaker, so it made sense for an electrified version to help lead the charge into greener mobility.
At its core, premium mobility and utility are melded together into one well-rounded package. The exterior doesn't deviate far from the model upon which it's based, sharing many panels and parts with the existing G01 third-generation X3. Although it may look humdrum in comparison to other SUVs in the BMW portfolio, this familiarity will likely contribute to its success in the role of carrying the i brand forward in South Africa, for the time being.
This story is from the October 2022 edition of CAR South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2022 edition of CAR South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
RED-LETTER DAY
After a 50-year absence, there could be no better way to celebrate the centenary of the world's greatest endurance race, than victory by one of the most revered names in racing
Citroën C3 Feel 1,2 manual
There's a lot to like about the new, India-sourced Citroën C3 package, not least its compelling price point
Silk road
Two brands debuting in South Africa also happen to compete in the same segment. Here's our verdict on the new Omoda 5 and BAIC Beijing X55
GWM P Series 2,0 LTD 4X4 Auto
On the back of impressive market inroads for this budget-friendly double-cab, GWM has upped the ante by introducing a more rugged P-Series LTD derivative. Can its competence match its stronger presence?
Boardroom brawl
One of performance motoring's favourite inter-brand battles is back. But step aside, Merc C63 and BMW M3, it's time for the middleweights to spar
ΚΟΜΒΙ COMRADES
Car collectors Anton Lubbe and Werner Viljoen let us in on what makes their friendship so special
If it ain't broke...
Subaru's updates to its popular raised-ride-height XV include a new name. Meet the Crosstrek
Defenders, assemble
The already comprehensive Land Rover Defender range has welcomed a new eight-seater 130 edition
Wicked viking
With 300 kW on tap and a trendy sloped-roof design, the Volvo C40 takes the fight to its German EV rivals - and then some
LIFTED LAMBO
The Bolognese Raging Bull has unleashed arguably the wildest take yet on its mid-engined V10 supercar: the rugged-looking Huracán Sterrato