2021 BMW iX3 Completes Homologation Testing, First Deliveries To Begin Late This Year

BMW is gearing up for the production launch of the all-electric 2021 iX3 at the BMW Brilliance Automotive Dadong factory in China, which is scheduled to start in late summer as originally planned.

The German carmaker has successfully completed the homologation process of the 2021 iX3, with the results submitted to regulatory authorities in key markets.

“This is the first time we have completed the entire homologation process for a fully electric model in China and Europe at the same time. The staff on our testing team mastered this unique challenge with tremendous dedication and efficiency,” said Arno Keller, head of Development for the BMW iX3.

The whole process required more than 340 hours of testing, including over 7,700 km (4,780 miles) of test drives to be completed within four weeks. The factory in China, which will be responsible for supplying the global market (excluding the North American region), recently completed the build of the 200th pre-production example of the iX3.

BMW says that the iX3 will offer around 273 miles (440 km) of driving range, according to preliminary data on the European WLTP cycle, from a 74 kWh battery pack mounted within the floor. The electric motor will be mounted on the rear axle and produce 282 HP (286 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.

The upcoming iX3 will be the first BMW to feature the “fifth-generation eDrive technology”, which will be applied to other Bavarian EVs like the i4 and the iNext flagship SUV. BMW’s latest electric powertrain will have the motor, electronics, and transmission integrated into a common housing, making it more compact and very flexible to install into different bodies. In addition, the carmaker claims that their electric motor doesn’t require the use of rare earth metals, freeing them up from any potential availability issues.

The BMW iX3 will be produced on the same line as the ICE-powered X3. The final production iX3 is basically using the same body with the X3, but it will feature model-specific aero addenda and wheels to make it more slippery through the air and visually distinctive.

First customers will take delivery of the 2021 BMW iX3 by the end of the year.