BMW ready to produce its electric iX3

The BMW iX3 recently underwent cold weather testing. Photo: BMW Group

BMW expects to start building its first full-electric crossover, the iX3, mid-year, its chief executive told shareholders.

The vehicle will be the first BMW model built exclusively at the automaker’s Chinese joint venture plant in Shenyang and exported globally, says Automotive News Europe.

“The preparations are proceeding according to plan despite uncertainties that have resulted from the coronavirus pandemic,” BMW CEO Oliver Zipse said during the company’s recent annual general meeting.

The iX3 will also be the first BMW to use the automaker's flexible architecture that can underpin combustion engines, plug-in hybrid and battery-powered cars. The platform is also expected to be used by the i4 electric four-door fastback due next year, says Automotive News Europe.

The iX3 will be the first electric crossover for BMW. Photo: BMW Group

The iX3 has a 74-kW-hour battery providing a range of more than 440km. The battery includes high-density cells that are 80 per cent nickel and 10 per cent each for cobalt and manganese. BMW says that means the iX3's range matches that of rivals with larger capacity batteries.

The iX3 will also feature the fifth-generation of BMW's eDrive, with an electrically powered induction motor that does not require the use of rare earth materials otherwise needed due to their magnetic properties.

We can expect to see the iX3 in New Zealand next year.