The electric version of the X3 is on sale for the first time in Vietnam, having a 80 kWh battery with an active range of 460 km and an electric motor with a capacity of 286 hp.

On July 31^st, BMW Truong Hai (Thaco) launched the pure electric BMW iX3 model priced at VND 3,499 billion and inaugurated a new showroom in Binh Duong. This Bavarian brand’s model is the third electric car model sold in Vietnam along with i7 and i4.

According to a BMW Group statement, BMW iX3 for the global market is manufactured only at the factory in China under the BMW-Brilliance joint venture.

iX3 is developed on the platform of X3 gasoline version, the design is therefore similar. Exterior features that are identity of electric version such as logo trim, fog light trim or blue-painted rear bumper. Particularly, the kidney-shaped grille is sealed since it is no longer responsible for cooling the internal combustion engine and its surrounding border is also blue.

The iX3 has a muscular, masculine style with striking edge lines like the X3 gasoline version. The car is equipped with laser headlights, and M Sport-styled 20-inch wheels. The fuel tank cap on the C-pillar (passenger seat side) is replaced by a combined charging port.

The interior of the iX3 is the same as the X3 with a driver-oriented interface. The infotainment screen and speedometer are both 12.3-inch digital forms. Sporty driver’s seat with back pump function and seat hug control. The front seats are equiped with heat system. The vehicle has a 16-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system.

The biggest difference of iX3 from the gasoline version is the electric powertrain, driven by a single motor mounted on the rear axle, with a capacity of 286 horsepower, 400 Nm of torque. Power is provided from an 80-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, giving an active range of 460 km after each full charge. The car is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 180 km/h.

BMW offers standard chargers as gift with the car to customers. The iX3 can be charged by using either 14 kW single-phase AC current or 11 kW 3-phase, with charging time from 0-100% in about 7.5 hours. The vehicle is compatible with a 150 kW DC fast charger. Currently, customers in Vietnam only have the option to charge at home.

In Vietnam, the iX3 is in the same segment with the Mercedes EQC SUV but the three-pointed star brand has not distributed this car in Vietnam. In the next few months, their pure-electric SUVs will be launched such as the EQE, EQB and EQS.

The price of 3,499 billion VND of iX3 is more expensive than the domestically assembled X3 gasoline versions priced at 1,799-2,439 VND billion. With limited charging station facility in Vietnam, iX3, like many other luxury pure electric models, is the second choice of Vietnamese rich mans and mainly for experience. Sales are therefore should not be highly expected.

Source: vnexpress.net