The German carmaker has shared details of its updated 2022 BMW iX3, which is basically an all-electric version of the X3 SUV.

Whether we like it or not, the electric car era marches on and BMW SA has confirmed its 2022 BMW iX3 will be arriving in South Africa in the first quarter of 2022.The BMW X3, on which the iX3 is based, is the first BMW model that’s available in either petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric guise.

The all-electric BMW iX3 was first revealed in the middle of 2020 and while it was initially earmarked for an SA introduction, that appears to have fallen away in favour of the updated 2022 BMW iX3. The updates are significant and while visually, there’s only the smallest of changes with fresh design accents on the nose, a larger kidney grille, revised headlights and 3D LED rear lights. Inside, there’s a new 12.3-inch dashboard, new control panel for the gear selector, new sport seats and customers can give their iX3 the M Sport package.

Internationally, there are 2 trim levels to choose from: Inspiring and Impressive. We’ll have to wait for early 2022 to see what the SA-spec BMW iX3 comes with.

Inspiring

Metallic paintwork, adaptive suspension, automatic tailgate operation, a panoramic glass roof, electrically adjustable seats, a sport leather steering wheel, a storage package and a three-zone automatic climate control system with pre-heating and pre-conditioning function.

Impressive

The above content, plusacoustic glazing, BMW Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System and BMW IconicSounds Electric.

The vehicle also comes with impressive levels of semi-autonomous safety kit, which falls under BMW’sDriving Assistant Professional. Tech includesSteering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, automatic Speed Limit Assist and route monitoring, along withParking Assistant with Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant.

Powering the 2022 BMW iX3 is an electric motor that’s packaged with the gearbox and electronics in one single housing. Outputs are rated at 210 kW and 400 Nm, and BMW says its updated iX3 is good for a 0-100 kph of just 6.8 seconds. Power consumption is said to be18.9–18.5kWh/100km and the vehicle has a range of 460 km based on the WLTP cycle.Fast-charging is available and a 10-minute charge from a 150 kW charger will give you around 100 km of range.

When is the 2022 BMW iX3 coming to SA?

The updated BMW iX3 will be touching down in the first quarter of 2022.

Further Reading

All-electric BMW iX3 revealed

Mercedes EQC – First taste of Benz’s EV

Audi e-tron (2019) International Launch Review

New electric cars coming to SA in 2022