It has been awhile since a new BMW electric car was released. The last one being the BMW i3 in 2013. However, BMW not has three electric cars in the pipeline waiting to be released in the coming years.
The new BMW electric cars will start with an electric SUV in the BMW iX3, which is set to come out next year. Following that will the BMW i4 electric sedan, and BMW iNEXT electric crossover that will release in 2021.
The German automaker showed off some images of these electric prototypes while they conducted simultaneous winter testing Arjeplog, Sweden, just south of the Arctic Circle.
Obviously with worries of batteries losing massive amounts of batteries in cold weather, it is imperative that automakers conduct thorough testing regarding batteries and extreme temperatures.
BMW had the following to say of each one of their cars:
BMW iX3
The latest chapter of the BMW Group electrification strategy will be heralded by a Sports Activity Vehicle. Starting next year, the BMW iX3 will already feature the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology for the first time. An exceptionally powerful electric motor and a high-voltage storage unit featuring state-of-the-art battery cell technology facilitate purely electric driving pleasure in a new dimension. With a range of over 400 kilometres* and the possibility to use DC charging stations with a capacity of 150 kW to charge its battery, the first all-electric SAV is ideally suitable for day-to-day use and long-distance travel. The BMW iX3 will be the first model produced for the entire global market by the BMW Brilliance Automotive Joint Venture at the Chinese production location in Shenyang.
BMW i4
The BMW i4 delivers locally emission-free driving pleasure combined with outstanding sportiness. The four-door coupe positioned in the premium midrange segment combines a dynamic design with inspiring performance and a high level of ride comfort. Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology featured by the BMW i4 facilitates a range of over 600 kilometres*. Moreover, the electric motor’s spontaneous power development can be utilised above all to achieve a dynamic driving experience. The BMW i4 sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 4 seconds and reaches a top speed of over 200 km/h. The BMW i4 will be produced at the BMW Munich plant starting 2021.
BMW iNEXT
With the proportions and dimensions of a luxury Sports Activity Vehicle, a fifth-generation electric drive unit and systems for highly automated driving, the BMW iNEXT embodies the future of driving pleasure in a particularly comprehensive way. As the BMW Group’s future modular construction system, it combines the latest innovations in the areas of design, automated driving, connectivity, electrification and services (D+ACES) defined by the NUMBER ONE > NEXT corporate strategy. BMW eDrive ensures a range exceeding 600 kilometres*. Furthermore, the car is equipped with the latest connectivity features and designed for Level 3 automated driving. The BMW Group’s new technology flagship will be produced at the BMW Dingolfing plant as from 2021.
It’s nice to see the upcoming crop of BMW electric cars progressing, especially with the pressure from fellow German automakers Volkswagen and Audi and their endless laundry list of electric cars coming in the next few years.
Bring in three electric cars simultaneously that cover different vehicle segments is a good look for BMW, now we can only hope that they will be made in sizable quantities.
Source: BMW
