LCT discounts coming for electrified BMWs

THREE new electrified BMW models are arriving soon priced under the $89,332 Luxury Car Tax (LCT) that was rejigged at the last Federal Budget.

The prestige German manufacturer adds its new i4 eDrive35, iX3 M Sport and iX1 eDrive20 under the LCT threshold as they are classified fuel-efficient vehicles.

Additionally, the three models benefit from Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption for fleet buyers making them more accessible to a wider market. They join the BMW iX1 xDrive model that is already priced to reflect the more favourable tax regime.

The i4 eDrive35 and iX3 M Sport are scheduled to arrive at the end of 2023 with the iX1 eDrive20 following in Q1 next year.

The additions dramatically broaden BMW’s fully electric vehicle portfolio on the run up to even more electrified models in the near future.

BMW says the move underscores its commitment to future mobility and offers an even wider selection of fully electric vehicles to customers.

The new iX1 eDrive20 debuted overseas recently and will become BMW Australia’s new entry point to its fully electric vehicle range at a price of $78,900 plus on-road costs. The debut follows the mid-2023 local launch of the iX1 xDrive30, which is priced at $84,900 plus on roads and is also positioned below the tax thresholds.

The second new reduced tax variant to arrive is the i4 eDrive35, the latest addition to the sporty i4 Gran Coupe line-up that already includes the i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50. It will be priced from $85,900 +ORC and will be available for deliveries at the end of 2023.

The iX3 M Sport is the third new fully electric variant and will be priced at $89,100 +ORC and is due to lob Down Under before the end of 2023. It will be the new base model of the revised iX3 line-up and offer the same electric powertrain as the range-topping iX3 M Sport Pro with a revised (lesser) equipment level.

With the arrival of the i4 eDrive35 and iX3 M Sport later in the year, BMW will have 12 variants across six fully electric models in its line-up.

BMW Group anticipates that at least one in five of its new vehicles should have a fully electric drivetrain by the end of next year. The following year it should be one in four, and in 2026, one in three.

This translates into potentially more than two million fully electric BMWs on the road by the end of 2025.

Read more details on the new low-tax BMW range below:

BMW iX1 eDrive20

The iX1 eDrive20 uses an electric motor with a maximum output of 150kW (with temporary boost) and may achieve a range of 430 to 475 kilometres (provisional values according to WLTP).

The integrated drive unit on the front axle generates an instantly available maximum torque of 247Nm in addition to the maximum output of 150kW. The iX1 eDrive20 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 170km/h.

The high-voltage battery is housed in the vehicle floor to save space and has a usable energy content of 64.7kWh. Its high energy density, together with the efficiency of the e-motor, contribute to the car’s favourable power consumption and range compared with the competition.

The Combined Charging Unit of the new BMW iX1 eDrive20 facilitates three-phase AC charging with an output of up to 22kW, enabling a charging time of 3:45 hours. The battery can be charged using direct current (DC) with power of up to 130kW, while its state of charge can be increased from 10 to 80 per cent within 29 minutes at a fast DC charging station.

The BMW iX1 eDrive20 features a comprehensive range of standard equipment, including the new BMW iDrive with "QuickSelect" and the new BMW Operating System 9 with an “advanced platform that enables a wider range of digital content for information and entertainment while providing faster update cycles for over-the-air functions”.

BMW Operating System 9 using a large, curved display, paves the way to customise the system to a high degree with additional digital services such as third-party apps and extended navigation services, when optioned.

BMW i4 eDrive35

The i4 eDrive35 features the BMW’s fifth generation eDrive technology that is also part of every other fully electric BMW model available in Australia.

The power system includes a single motor driving the rear wheels – developing 210kW and peak torque of 400Nm. This gives the new i4 acceleration from zero to 100km/h in six seconds.

The model may have a driving range capability of up to 430km on the Combined Driving Test Cycle in accordance with ADR 81/02. The battery has a net capacity of 67kWh and can be charged at up to 11kW via AC, or at 180kW on a high-speed DC charger.

The i4 eDrive35 boasts a low centre of gravity with weight-minimised body and optimised aerodynamics (Cd of 0.24), which BMW says, “combines with an exterior design characterised by sporting elegance and a driver-focused cockpit, to create a compelling new proposition in the market”.

An extensive array of equipment features is offered as standard on the i4 eDrive35.

BMW iX3 M Sport

The iX3 M Sport’s drive system produces a peak power output of 210kW and torque of 400Nm that help propel the model from 0 to 100km/h in 6.8-seconds.

A driving range of up to 461km is possible from its battery which has a gross energy content of 80kWh, of which 74kWh is utilised. It can be re-charged at up to 11kW via AC, or at 150kW on a high-speed DC charger.

This translates into recharging from zero to 80 per cent capacity in a potential 34 minutes. Drivers can add up to 100 kilometres of range to the car with 10 minutes of charging.

BMW says the iX3 M Sport will be offered with impressive base specification.

2024 BMW FBT and LCT exempt fully electric models*:

*Excludes on-road costs.