BMW Mzansi has launched a statement model that will redefine how people see and use Electric Vehicles in Mzansi. Already a World Car of the Year, the IX3 offers EV driving without the "Range anxiety" that many EV owners have been accustomed to. We attended its the official local launch in Cape Town.
The BMW IX3 brings a new design DNA and is the first model to bring what BMW terms "Neue Klasse" in what might be a repeat of what BMW did with "Flame Surfacing" in 2001 when the then BMW 7 Series reinvented how cars were designed. The Neue Klasse brings with it a new design identity for BMW with the BMW kidneys and twin headlights – both distinctive BMW design cues – still taking centre stage visually. The air intakes lower down are finished in black accents with side air intakes also gaining a black gloss finish. All BMW IX3 models sold in Mzansi will come standard with the M-Sport pack with the option of an M Sport Pro being the design line that can be added as an extra.
The M Sport Pro brings black high gloss finish for the side mirrors, BMW Iconic glow with kidney grille in shadow line. M-Sport brakes with red callipers and high-gloss black diffuser finish complete the M Sport Pro design line.
Adaptive LED headlamps with LED Daytime lights in twin design lines come standard across the range with LED design lines linking the headlights to the grille (more prominent with the Iconic Glow LED Grille). A full set of ADAS (Autonomous Driving) sensors are placed on the glass grille. There is a storage compartment under the bonnet for that added practicality when storing items (something that will get attention at the mall when you open the bonnet to load some grocery items).
There are 3 wheels sizes to choose from ranging from 20 inch to 22 inch with the 21 inch available with run flat tyre technology. Flush glass surfaces and door handles are also features of the side view. The rear end also cuts a new design DNA for a BMW. The LED taillights extending well into the centre of the rear end represent a horizontal interpretation of the signature BMW “L” shape. The tailgate is electrically operated with no hands gesture using your foot to aid opening when you have items on your hands.
The interior has an uncluttered, reduced design, providing the ideal stage for the digital experience. Another prominent influence in the horizontally arranged cockpit is the new control/operation system BMW Panoramic iDrive. The BMW Panoramic iDrive is the first tech interface to be seen on a BMW. BMW Panoramic iDrive brings four central elements together into a unique display and control/operation system. The BMW Panoramic Vision projects information across the full width of the windscreen, from A-pillar to A-pillar. The content in the centre and on the front passenger side can be adapted to personal tastes and requirements. Key driving information appears in the driver’s field of vision.
There are 3 design lines for the steering wheel to suite the style wanted by the owner. And above the BMW Panoramic Vision, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display (if specified) can now also show integrated navigation and automated driving displays on the road with spatial depth. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has been significantly upgraded and now includes two new voices, a new appearance for the BMW Panoramic Vision and additional assistance for the driver through proactive suggestions and personalisable routines. A 3 Zone climate control is standard across the whole range.
Large window surfaces and the optional panoramic sunroof with climate comfort glazing generate an ambience bathed in light. The elegantly minimalist seats of the new design stand out with their excellent comfort levels over long journeys, sporty character, and wide range of adjustment. All IX3 models launched in Mzansi feature 8 way electrically adjusted seats with massage function (10 way adjusted seats if one opts for the M-Sport Pro).
The rear seat bench offers a single, sofa-like seat surface. An attractive range of colours enables a perfect match between the interior tones and exterior paint finishes. The rear seats can fold in 3 ways to add more practicality for the occupants.
There are two engine options available at launch. The iX3 50 xDrive has a range of up to 820 km with an output of 345 kW and electric all-wheel drive. Further fully electric variants will follow, starting with an entry-level rear-wheel-drive model, the BMW iX3 40, which will be available in South Africa from the first quarter of 2027 and that model will have a range of up to 650km from a 235 kW and 500 Nm of torque drivetrain. The iX3 40 will be a rear wheel drive only model.
As much as the iX3 is an EV, it still has to entertain BMW Sheer Driving Pleasure style. One of four “superbrains” in the electronics architecture of the Neue Klasse, the Heart of Joy looks after drivetrain and driving dynamics management. This high-performance control unit is responsible for the drivetrain, brakes, energy recuperation and steering subfunctions thus enabling the iX3 to entertain. Together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack developed fully in-house, the Heart of Joy calculates all the driving dynamics parameters with a new level of speed and precision
Pricing
Prices:
BMW iX3 50 xDrive – R1,690,000.00
BMW iX3 40 – R1,498,000.00
All models come standard with a 5 year/100 000km Full maintenance plan with an 8 year warranty on the batteries.