BMW's 270bhp, 249-Mile E-SUV Concept Looks Weirdly Familiar

BMW has unveiled its vision for the future of its SUVs… and it looks a bit like a Kia. The Concept iX3 has just launched at the Beijing Motor Show with a new grille that sees the traditionally separate ‘kidneys’ now merged into one in a design that seems to mimic the original Kia ‘tiger nose.’

Powered by a 270bhp electric motor, BMW claims a driving range of 249 miles on the tougher new WLTP efficiency test cycle. The 70kWh battery can be recharged to full in as little as 30 minutes, although the 150kW charging stations needed for that are still few and far between.

While the output falls short of the 335bhp that comes with the M40i model sold in some markets, the iX3 should be faster at typical speeds thanks to instant delivery of vast torque.

A next-generation drivetrain is actually smaller than the one in the i3. The motor, transmission and electronics have been bunched together into a single unit, opening the door for creative packaging solutions elsewhere. It’s also now a simpler unit that can be dropped into just about any other BMW chassis in the future.

Decked-out with aerodynamic light-alloy wheels and blue trim accents, the eventual production iX3 will be BMW’s third pure EV after the i3 and the Mini E, which is due next year. The mid-sized four-wheel drive will go up against the likes of the Audi E-tron and Jaguar I-Pace, and we’re slightly relieved because it was starting to seem like hyphens were compulsory.

Interestingly, BMW claims to have built this new drivetrain without the use of rare earth minerals, the relatively dirty mining and supply of which has in the past been cause for environmental concern. Extra eco-points for Munich, there.