BMW has announced intentions to launch the production of its new iX3 crossover SUV in a month or two. The BMW Brilliance Automotive joint enterprise in China will produce all cars to be shipped worldwide, and the first shipments will be made before the end of the year.
The manufacturer claims that the accelerated development period became possible thanks to unitization – the new iX3 relies on the regular X3 tech in many respects – as well as thanks to the company’s focus on a single China production line.
Once it hits the market, the iX3 will be the German marque’s first EV released with the usual BMW branding, rather than under the “BMW i” sub-brand name.
The battery SUV takes advantage of the fifth-gen BMW eDrive system, which gives it up to 440 kilometers (275 miles) of range from a single charge. It will ship in several finish options to choose from, and the customers will be able to opt for a number of light blue accents (fake radiator grille, wheels, side sills, and bumpers).