SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, today announced the availability of the first-ever BMW iX3. This is the second fully electric BMW automobile that is ready to conquer Philippine roads. 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).
Spencer Yu, President of SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., said “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.
“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.
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 6-year BMW Service Inclusive warranty. This model is now available at authorized BMW i retailers RSA Motors Libis and RSA Motors Greenhills.
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 debuts 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 on-board power supply. When using alternating current terminals, it 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 first-ever BMW iX3 can therefore be charged from 0 to 80 per cent 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 kilometres to the car’s driving range (in the WLTP cycle) in 10 minutes of charging. This gives the BMW iX3 compelling everday usability. 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 aluminium castings and thermoplastics, the absence of rare earths, 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 first-ever BMW iX3.
PERFORMANCE & 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 per cent, in comparison to under 40 per cent for combustion engines.
The new drive system unit generates maximum output of 286 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm 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. Top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.
A gross energy content of 80 kWh – of which 74 kWh is utilised – and the high efficiency of the drive systems allow the first-ever BMW iX3 to offer a range of up to 460 kilometres 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-round talents espoused by BMW X models. But it also adds a locally emission-free drive system to the mix without dilution of 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. This standard specification comprises a wide array of details including the M Aerodynamic Package, M high-gloss Shadow line, M roof rails, aerodynamically designed 19” light-alloy wheels, and Adaptive LED headlights.
INTERIOR & COMFORT
Understated blue accents in the interior of the first-ever BMW iX3 allude to the presence of its electric drive system. Combined with clearly structured controls, high-quality materials and stylishly designed surfaces create the premium interior ambience 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 presence of interior appointments that incorporate man-made materials. Such is the case with the Sensatec perforated upholstery in the cabin.
Also incorporated are a 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, three-zone automatic climate control system, the BMW Comfort Access System, and automatic tailgate operation.
For the enjoyment the driver and passengers, the iX3 M Sport features the BMW Live Cockpit Professional (complete with an on-board navigation system) which includes a 12.3” digital instrument cluster and 12.3” widescreen display which operates on the iDrive Operating System 7.0. Wireless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto preparation, Remote Software Upgrade, and telephony with wireless charging can all be found on the standard equipment list too. And for an even more exclusive flair and driving comfort, it also includes the hi-fi loudspeaker system Harman Kardon as standard.
Another hallmark quality of this breed of car – versatility – is reflected in spaciousness on a par with that of conventionally powered BMW X3 model variants. Thanks to the 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear seat backrest, load capacity can be increased from 510 to a maximum of 1,560 litres, as required. Through-loading is also available for greater flexibility.
SAFETY
BMW continues to lead in automobile safety and has successfully integrated several features in the iX3 M Sport to ensure every customer’s peace of mind.
The latest set of technology 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 tyre pressure monitoring sensor.
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