On September 5, BMW will lose weight at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich. While some details have already been officially unveiled or leaked, the company’s CEO has now shared a previously unknown treat. During his speech after the publication of the half -year results this week, Oliver Zipse announced the energy consumption of the electric crossover.
The IX3 (Na5) sips 15 kWh per 62 miles (100 kilometers), a remarkable number compared to the outgoing G08. When EV was passed by the previous generation three years ago, BMW quoted the consumption of 18.9 to 18.5 kWh/100 km. The improvement is even more impressive when you consider that the new IX3 will initially start with XDRIVE, while its predecessor was strictly in the rear wheel drive. As a result, the new model will have two motors instead of one.
According to reports, the new IX3 will be somewhat larger. An unconfirmed curb weight of 2,285 kilograms (1,036 pounds) would also make it more difficult. The Clar-based model used a battery with a net capacity of only 74 kWh, while its successor reports reported 113.4 kWh. In view of the promised BMW-WLT range of 800 kilometers (497 miles) and the 15 kWh consumption figures, we can certainly say that the battery capacity exceeds 100 kWh.
However, the improved efficiency does not exclusively come from batteries and electric motors of the sixth generation. When BMW unveiled the new class X concept vision in March 2024, it emphasized its slimmer body with a 20% lower resistance coefficient. In addition, new brakes were introduced, which were specially developed for EVS and contribute to an increase in efficiency of 25%.
Zipse even claims that the next generation of the next generation will be the “benchmark in the industry”. He has valid reasons to call the Na5. It supports 400 kilowatt loads and enables 350 kilometers (217 miles) WLTP range in just 10 minutes. BMW estimates a maximum range of 644 kilometers under EPA tests and 900 kilometers (559 miles) using China’s more optimistic CLTC.
Additional IX3 derivatives are probably in the pipeline. For BMW, it would be logical to introduce a one-engine variant with rear wheel drive. With less weight by placing the front engine, it could possibly exceed the area of the IX3 50 XDrive. After all, BMW has explained that 900 kilometers (559 miles) are possible with the new cylindrical batteries.
The new IX3 will pave the way for many NEE class models. In 2026, BMW is planning to start the i3 sedan, followed by several other EVs by the end of 2028. The X5, X6 and X7 of the next generation will remain on clarity, but will receive electrical variants with gene6 batteries and engines. Even Alpina reports that the EV room with its setting to i7 and a next generation of the next generation without combustion engine.
With other brands under the BMW group, new class hardware also goes to Mini and Rolls-Royce.
Source: BMW
