Just a couple of hours ago, (14^th Tuesday, midday) the BMW Group world-premiered the first-ever BMW iX3 with a range of 460 km and supported by 300,000 charging stations. I bring you the details, straight from the horse’s mouth, along with some of the best pictures they have released. Here are the relevant excerpts from the launch address of Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. Let’s ride…

In 2007, we began a new era of sheer electric driving pleasure with PROJECT i, and around 180,000 customers of the fully electric BMW i3 are proof of this. BMW i3 was launched in 2013 and the i8 in 2014. The PHEV fleet was introduced in 2017. Today, with our broad range of plug-in hybrids customers can enjoy electrified driving in all of our model segments.

In 2019, the Mini Electric was launched; BMW i4 and the iNEXT vision are planned to be revealed in 2021 and now, our first pure electric Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) the BMW iX3. Our timing is perfect because customer demand is rising steadily, and with convenient charging solutions both at home or at work, we will boost demand even more.

In terms of holistic sustainability, what BMW plans to do…

We have decided to implement a completely new and an even more comprehensive strategy for sustainability. We will focus on three areas. First, to strengthen our position as a role model in sustainable resource-saving production; second, creating a sustainable CO₂ neutral supply chain; third, further reduce CO₂ emissions, even beyond the EU target.

What BMW has already done for holistic sustainability…

In production, we reduced our CO₂ emissions per vehicle by 25% last year compared with 2018. We are sourcing all of our external power from renewable energy. We are working hand in hand with our suppliers to reduce our CO₂ footprint in the supply chain. For example, we have signed contracts with all our cell suppliers to only use renewable energy to produce our fifth generation battery cells. This will save around 10 million tons of CO₂ in the next 10 years, which is roughly how much a city of one and a half million people, like Munich, emits each year.

We have greatly reduced the CO₂ footprint of our complete vehicle fleet. From a 17% less CO₂ emissions between 2006 and 2008, in 2020 alone we will cut it by 20%. We are achieving this by offering a wider range of electric models and also by increasing the efficiency of our conventional engines.

In Europe, the ratio of electric vehicles in BMW’s total presence is growing impressively. In 2020, it is already 14% of the group sales and is expected to be a quarter of sales in 2021, one-third in 2025 and half of all sales in 2030.

The versatile X3

BMW X3 clearly embodies our strategy of intelligent and flexible vehicle platforms. We can fit this model with any drivetrain we need and produce them on the same production line. (And I promise you) all variants will have the same high level of functionality, comfort and quality.

Four drivetrains and who are they for? The highly efficient diesel engine with 48V mild hybrid support is an important technology for customers who drive longer distances. We also offer petrol engines with four different performance levels right up to the sporty X3M. With the new particle filters and 48V support, they are the cleanest conventional engines we’ve ever built. The X3 is also available as a plug-in hybrid for commuters who desire very low CO₂ footprint. And now…

BMW iX3, our first fully electric Sport Activity Vehicle

BMW iX3 is our first model to feature self-developed and self-produced Gen5 electric drivetrains. It is highly integrated without any rare earth materials (so there is no dependency worries on supply fluctuations) and extremely efficient. The cobalt and lithium we use originates from trusted suppliers.

How far does the iX3 take you?

This car has taken efficient dynamics to the next level. When we engineered this vehicle our focus was on achieving an attractive range. The iX3 has a range of more than 500 km in the new European Driving Cycle (EDC) and 460 km according to WLTP. And of course it drives like a real BMW!

The balance of low energy consumption and 150 kW fast charging is perfect for every distance and also for long journeys. In Europe, with over 150,000 charging points and worldwide, at least double that, ‘BMW Charging’ is the most comprehensive charging network available! We have also included a new App that recommends charging stops on longer routes, showing the estimated charging time required. Besides BMW Charging, there are other digital innovations like over-the-air-updates that upgrades software of the car remotely, using the latest BMW operating system 7.

How does electric mobility ‘sound’?

Together with famous music composer Hans Zimmer, we created BMW iconic sounds for our electric vehicles. For example, on the press of the start button, you will be surrounded by the full emotional thrill of electro-mobility.

Our aspiration is to provide sustainable driving pleasure for our customers, no matter where they are around the world. There will be many more exciting emission-free vehicles to come.

[I have eschewed punctuations such as inverted commas or the editorial hiatus, and thrown in additional information, for a more complete reading. Hope you enjoyed the ride.]