BMW Ix3 dubbed as game-changer
ANOTHER super duper find was unfurled only last week by BMW Philippines when it launched a gamechanger named ix3 in yet another proof that the auto industry looks bent on full electrification.
The fully electric SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) is part of the ever-expanding electrification footprint in the archipelago under the aegis of SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., which is the official importer and distributor of BMWS in the Philippines headed by San Miguel Corp. President/ceo Ramon S. Ang.
Already, this is the second fully electric BMW automobile set to conquer Philippine roads, inspiring the market to achieve more innovative and proactive thrusts toward a totally electrified industry.
Spencer Yu, President of SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., said: “We are proud to say that BMW in the Philippines now has a product that flawlessly combines the familiarity of BMW’S Sports Activity Vehicle DNA and the excellent capability of a fully electric motor. The ix3 is the perfect choice for customers who want to take their first step towards a truly sustainable driving experience. We are hoping that the recent issuance of Executive Order No. 12, reducing export taxes for electric vehicles, will help shift the market towards electrification in order to create a more sustainable planet for future generations.”
The BMW ix3 retails at only P4,590,000. Every purchase comes with a BMW i Wallbox that will be installed by BMW i partners in the customer’s home, with a 5-year BMW factory warranty, 8-year high-voltage battery warranty, and 6-year BMW Service Inclusive warranty. This model is now available at authorized BMW i retailers RSA Motors Libis and RSA Motors Greenhills.
The BMW statement:
“The new technical features making their debuts under the banner of the fifth-generation BMW edrive technology include an innovative charging unit, sending power to both the 400V battery and the 12V on-board power supply.
“When using alternating current terminals, it enables both single-phase and threephase charging at up to 11 kw. Plugging the vehicle into a direct current fast-charging station facilitates charging outputs of up to 150 kw. The high-voltage battery in the first-ever BMW ix3 can therefore be charged from 0 to 80 per cent of its full capacity in 34 minutes. At its maximum direct current fast-charging of 150 kw, drivers can inject the power required to add 100 kilometers to the car’s driving range (in the WLTP cycle) in 10 minutes of charging. This gives the BMW ix3 compelling everyday usability. The first-ever BMW ix3 is compatible with all Type 2 public charging stations in the country.
“The power density of the electric motor in the first-ever BMW ix3 is 30 percent greater than that of existing fully electric vehicles from the BMW Group. The motor displays efficiency of up to 93 per cent, in comparison to under 40 per cent for combustion engines.
“The new drive system unit generates maximum output of 286 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm which, unlike with many other electric motors, is sustained at high revs. The first-ever BMW ix3 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.
“A gross energy content of 80 kwh – of which 74 kwh is utilized – and the high efficiency of the drive systems allow the firstever BMW ix3 to offer a range of up to 460 kilometers in the WLTP test cycle.
“Wireless smartphone integration with Apple Carplay and Android Auto preparation, Remote Software Upgrade, and telephony with wireless charging can all be found on the standard equipment list, too. And for an even more exclusive f lair and driving comfort, it also includes the hi-fi loudspeaker system Harman Kardon as standard.
“Another hallmark quality of this breed of car – versatility – is reflected in spaciousness on a par with that of conventionally powered BMW X3 model variants. Thanks to the 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear seat backrest, load capacity can be increased from 510 to a maximum of 1,560 litres, as required. Throughloading is also available for greater f lexibility.
“The latest set of safety technology includes High Beam Assistant, Parking Assistant, Cruise Control with braking function, Acoustic Protection for pedestrians, Active Protection, plus Park Distance Control with front and rear sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring sensor.”
PEE STOP Mikko David says the Xpander Cross redefines the MPV segment as it sports “a more advanced and progressive look seen only in premium vehicles.”…tetsuya Fujita has replaced Noboru Murakami as Isuzu Phil president…honda’s special insurance packages for the BR-V 1.5 model can be availed up to March 31.*