BMW's new electric SUV iX3 makes a powerful statement
The new car is based on the X3, which has high-quality and functional interior fix-ins, well-grounded handling, and a capable eight-speed automatic drive
This article was written by Hannah Elliott for Bloomberg
Call it a rebuilding year at BMW.
As of last month, the Bavarian carmaker trailed arch-rival Mercedes-Benz in sales growth by more than half, with numbers climbing 2.8 per cent compared to a 6 per cent gain at Mercedes. This comes after the company lost its top-selling spot in the luxury auto sector in 2016.
Since then, the brand has publicly doubled down on production to regain its lead, announcing it will debut 12 all-electric cars by 2025, among other new models. Last year, China accounted for almost 90 per cent of sales growth at leading luxury carmakers in 2017, according to The Nikkei.
BMW will begin making its first all-electric sport utility vehicle, the iX3, in China in 2020. This is notable because it will make BMW the first luxury carmaker to export something so hi-tech from the country and because China represents immense growth opportunity for all luxury brands over the next few years.
To save money, the iX3 will be based on the X3 BMW currently sells.
If the US$54,500 crossover is any indication, consumers will have nothing to worry about with its electric counterpart. With high-quality and functional interior fix-ins, well-grounded handling, and a capable eight-speed automatic drive, the X3 M40i is a stable, practical treat from behind the wheel and from the back seat.
Solid value, Solid handling