SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official importer, and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, has launched its second fully-electric vehicle offering in the country – the first-ever BMW iX3. The iX3 blends locally emission-free driving pleasure with the sporting ability – for which BMW is renowned – and the comfort, multi-faceted functionality, and spaciousness of a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).
“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.
Sustainability at Its Core
The first-ever BMW iX3 sees the BMW Group pressing ahead with the model offensive set out in its NUMBER ONE > NEXT corporate strategy in the segment for vehicles with electrified drive systems.
The premiere of the first-ever BMW iX3 fired the starting gun for the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology. The latest version of the electric motor, power electronics, charging technology, and high-voltage battery have enabled clear progress in the areas of performance characteristics, electric power consumption, and range.
The new technical features making their debut under the banner of the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology include an innovative charging unit, sending power to both the 400V battery and the 12V onboard power supply. Using alternating current terminals 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 BMW iX3 can be charged from 0 to 80 percent 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. The first-ever BMW iX3 is compatible with all Type 2 public charging stations in the country.
To enjoy more miles on the road, 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.
The exceptionally efficient drive system, the extensive use of secondary raw materials in the manufacture of aluminum castings and thermoplastics, the absence of rare earth, 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 for the BMW iX3.
Performance and Range
The power density of the electric motor in the first-ever BMW iX3 is 30 percent greater than that of existing fully electric vehicles from the BMW Group. The motor displays efficiency of up to 93 percent, in comparison to under 40 percent for combustion engines.
The new drive system unit generates maximum output of 286HP and a peak torque of 400Nm which, unlike with many other electric motors, is sustained at high revs. The first-ever BMW iX3 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 180 km/h.
A gross energy content of 80 kWh – of which 74 kWh is utilized – and the high efficiency of the drive systems allow the first-ever BMW iX3 to offer a range of up to 460 kilometers in the WLTP test cycle.
Exterior
The exterior design of the first-ever BMW iX3 displays the typical proportions of an SAV, providing a visual showcase for the robust premium character and all-around talents espoused by BMW X models. It adds an emission-free drive system without diluting core SAV attributes. 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. The M Aerodynamic Package, M high-gloss Shadow line, M roof rails, aerodynamically designed 19” light-alloy wheels, and Adaptive LED headlights come standard with each vehicle.
Interior and Comfort
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, they create the premium interior ambiance 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 incorporation of man-made materials, such as the Sensatec perforated upholstery in the cabin.
Also incorporated are an 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, a three-zone automatic climate control system, the BMW Comfort Access System, and automatic tailgate operation.
The iX3 M Sport features the BMW Live Cockpit Professional (complete with an onboard navigation system) which includes a 12.3” digital instrument cluster and 12.3” widescreen display and operates on the iDrive Operating System 7.0. Wireless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto preparation, Remote Software upgrades, and telephony with wireless charging is also standard equipment. And for an even more exclusive flair and driving comfort, it also includes the hi-fi loudspeaker Harman Kardon system as standard.
Another hallmark quality of this breed of car – versatility – is reflected in spaciousness, 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, and through-loading is also available for greater flexibility.
Safety
The BMW iX3 M Sport comes with the latest technology for ultimate passenger safety. This 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.
The BMW iX3 M Sport retails at Php 4,590,000. Every purchase of the model comes with a BMW i Wallbox that will be installed by BMW i partners in the customer’s home, 5-year BMW factory warranty, 8-year high-voltage battery warranty, and a 6-year BMW Service–Inclusive warranty.
The BMW iX3 M Sport is now available at authorized BMW i retailers RSA Motors Libis and RSA Motors Greenhills. For more information, visit www.bmw.com.ph.