BMW iX3 here in November from $114,900

BMW Australia’s inbound iX3 electric SUV will bear a $114,900 (plus on-road costs) sticker price when it arrives here in November, placing it third from top of the wider X3 portfolio, updated versions of which are due to touch down almost imminently.

Topped on price only by the flagship X3M Competition and semi-skim X3 M40i, the iX3 will share many of the X3’s updated cabin design cues and features, along with a collection of unique touches to single it out as the range’s dedicated EV.

As per the exterior, the iX3’s interior is dripping with blue trim accents and lighting denoting the car’s all-electric nature while model-specific lettering on the centre console and door sills ensure even colour-blind occupants know what they’re in.

Given its position within the X3 family, the locally delivered iX3 will be generously appointed, to the point it could be simpler to list what it doesn’t have.

Rolling on aerodynamically optimised 20-inch alloy wheels, the Australian versions will be fitted with the M Sport Package for an extra bit of visual flair in addition to the adaptive LED headlights, enclosed BMW kidney grille, imitation rear diffuser and LED tail-lights.

Inside the cabin are heated sports front seats upholstered in ‘Vernasca’ leather with electric adjustment, panoramic glass sunroof, 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional, Sensatec instrument panel, a head-up display, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, reclining second row, through-loading system and powered tailgate.

Multimedia duties are catered for by the BMW Operating System 7 and accessed via a prominently mounted touchscreen hosting wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio and wireless charging with the whole thing pumping audio though a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon surround sound system.

Other technology highlights include gesture control, Connected Package Professional, comfort access, tyre pressure monitoring, vehicle pre-heating and pre-conditioning, Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus.

Like the base X3 sDrive20i, the iX3 is exclusively rear-wheel drive. Its single rear axle-mounted electric motor is fed by an 80kWh lithium-ion battery good for a range of up to 460km on the WLTP cycle.

The system has a maximum output of 210kW/400Nm, enough to launch the iX3 from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 180km/h.

Once the battery is low or flat, it can be recharged from 10-80 per cent in 32 minutes when using a 150kW DC fast charger with around 100km of range being added in only 10 minutes.

Included in the price of the iX3 is an unlimited five-year Chargefox ‘Fast and Ultra Rapid’ charging subscription, as well as a domestic charger that will take the battery from empty to full in 44 hours when plugged into the a regular mains outlet – a Type 3 public charging cable is also included.

To get the most out of the battery in between charges, BMW has fitted the iX3 with an adaptive recuperation system that determines its intensity using information from the driver aids.

“If the iX3 determines a junction or vehicle is ahead, it will engage the full level of recuperation, increasing the deceleration effect and using the electric motor to return energy to the battery,” BMW said in a statement.

“On the open road where intersections and vehicles are less prevalent, the vehicle engages its coasting function. However, it will intelligently intervene when required during this mode by initiating recuperation when the turn indicators are activated.”

Speaking of driver aids, the iX3 is filled up to its would-be eyeballs with safety tech including the Driving Assistant Professional suite (active cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping assist, crossing-traffic warning, evasion assistant, crossroads warning with city braking and speed limit assist), Parking Assistant Plus system (park assist, active park distance control, lateral parking aid, reversing assist, surround view system and remote 3D view) and acoustic pedestrian protection (emits a sound below 30km/h).

The iX3’s arrival will be the first of three key EV arrivals, set to be followed in the fourth quarter by the larger iX flagship before the i4 gran coupe arrives in the first quarter of 2022.