BMW reveals latest iX3, i4, and iNext electric vehicle prototypes in winter testing

We have often complained about BMW taking its sweet time to release its second electric vehicle since the BMW i3 back in 2013, but the German automaker is now bringing to market 3 all-electric vehicle programs at the same and today it revealed the latest prototypes in winter testing.

After not launching any new all-electric vehicle in 7 years, BMW is about to launch 3 new ones in the next two years.

The BMW iX3, an all-electric SUV, is due to go on sale next year and the BMW i4, an all-electric sedan, and the BMW iNEXT, an all-electric crossover, are being brought to market in 2021.

Today, the automaker released a bunch of images of the latest prototypes from each of those vehicle programs being tested simultaneously for winter driving in Arjeplog, Sweden at the edge of the Arctic Circle.

BMW says that they tested “the icy surfaces of frozen lakes, on snow and in the bitter cold, the electric motors, the high-voltage batteries and the power electronics of BMW eDrive technology as well as the suspension control systems are demonstrating their high level of performance and reliability.”

They said about each vehicle:

BMW iX3

The latest chapter of the BMW Group electrification strategy will be heralded by a Sports Activity Vehicle. Starting next year, the BMW iX3 will already feature the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology for the first time. An exceptionally powerful electric motor and a high-voltage storage unit featuring state-of-the-art battery cell technology facilitate purely electric driving pleasure in a new dimension. With a range of over 400 kilometres* and the possibility to use DC charging stations with a capacity of 150 kW to charge its battery, the first all-electric SAV is ideally suitable for day-to-day use and long-distance travel. The BMW iX3 will be the first model produced for the entire global market by the BMW Brilliance Automotive Joint Venture at the Chinese production location in Shenyang.

BMW i4

The BMW i4 delivers locally emission-free driving pleasure combined with outstanding sportiness. The four-door coupe positioned in the premium midrange segment combines a dynamic design with inspiring performance and a high level of ride comfort. Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology featured by the BMW i4 facilitates a range of over 600 kilometres*. Moreover, the electric motor’s spontaneous power development can be utilised above all to achieve a dynamic driving experience. The BMW i4 sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 4 seconds and reaches a top speed of over 200 km/h. The BMW i4 will be produced at the BMW Munich plant starting 2021.

BMW iNEXT

With the proportions and dimensions of a luxury Sports Activity Vehicle, a fifth-generation electric drive unit and systems for highly automated driving, the BMW iNEXT embodies the future of driving pleasure in a particularly comprehensive way. As the BMW Group’s future modular construction system, it combines the latest innovations in the areas of design, automated driving, connectivity, electrification and services (D+ACES) defined by the NUMBER ONE > NEXT corporate strategy. BMW eDrive ensures a range exceeding 600 kilometres*. Furthermore, the car is equipped with the latest connectivity features and designed for Level 3 automated driving. The BMW Group’s new technology flagship will be produced at the BMW Dingolfing plant as from 2021.

Electrek’s Take

BMW doesn’t have any excuse for not leveraging their work on the BMW i3 sooner to launch new EVs.

They got stuck in the dying PHEV trend, but now they seem to be back on the right track.

Simultaneously bringing 3 new EV programs to market is nothing to scoff at — it’s something only major automakers can do at this point.

Now let’s hope to make full-fledged, high volume vehicle programs out of them.