Well logic (and some arithmetic) points us to an electrified BMW X3 doesn't it? Well if we dive into the press release it turns out it is in fact a purely electric SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), so that's a 'yes' and 'pretty much'.
The BMW Concept iX3 just been unveiled at the Auto China 2018 show and is set to be every bit the X car with all the luxury and capability that typically affords, now with zero emissions. This is the fifth generation of electric motor a la BMW eDrive and in this guise has a maximum payload of 200kW and with it a 400km range (WLTP Cycle), courtesy of a high voltage battery with a net capacity of 70kWh - chargeable in just 30 min via a fast-charging station.
BMW i Vision Dynamics concept
The iX3 previews iNext, the future flagship SUV meant to spearhead BMW's forward thinking electric initiatives, due in 2021. Styling is reminiscent of the BMW i Vision Dynamics concept car of last year but with real-world styling, so plenty blue style accents and flat plastic where a traditional engine would require cooling vents and such. In visual shorthand a marriage between the i3 and X3 then.
And that's the iX3 in a nutshell then, an SAV that is mostly silent - putting the 'sh' in sheer driving pleasure.
Okay but what is iPerformance?
BMW iPerformance is to electric what M Performance is to fossil fuels, a division meant to push the performance envelope within the constraints of its fuel source. That's speed and efficiency. A great case example here would be the 2015 BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance (petrol/hybrid) which burns at the rate of 3.3l/100km, emits 72g/km of carbon and is properly fast to boot.
