Electric range, recycled materials, and smarter design are coming together in BMW’s next-generation SUV. Next month, we’ll get our first look at the iX3, but we’re already learning more about it. The all-electric SUV is the brand’s first production foray into its Neue Klasse design and aims to offer 400 miles of range, a very unique interior, and a lot of artificial intelligence baked in.

Now, there’s another notable point: roughly 33 percent of the iX3 is made from recycled materials.

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BMW says that it applied what it calls “design for circularity”. In other words, it prioritized the use of secondary (recycled materials) wherever it could. For example, the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material used in some of the seat covers increases recyclability. The yarn used therein is recycled PET already.

The engine cover and the storage compartment under the front hood also source 30 percent raw material from maritime plastic. Those are things like old fishing nets, ropes, and other debris. BMW didn’t stop there: 80 percent of the aluminum in the wheel carriers and swivel bearings is recycled, while 70 percent of the wheels are from recycled aluminum.

That’s all well and good, but what if all this work added more carbon to the atmosphere than it saved?

BMW evidently thought of that from start to finish with the iX3. The high voltage system relies on 50 percent secondary cobalt, lithium, and nickel and leverages renewable energy sources to produce the anode and cathode materials and the battery cells it uses.

In total, it’s decreased CO2 emissions in its supply chain by 35 percent, it says. Notably, that makes it so that this car reduces overall emissions after just a year, or 21,500 km (13,360 miles) of use.

This all sounds great, but it’ll be important to see. Production for the iX3 begins later this year, with deliveries to begin shortly thereafter. We’ll know more once we see it at the Munich Motor Show this fall. 

BMW has released new details about the redesigned iX3, ahead of its debut at the Munich Motor Show this fall. Set to become the first Neue Klasse vehicle, the crossover promises to be a major leap forward.

That isn’t just hype as BMW confirmed the model will use new cylindrical battery cells that have a 20% higher energy density than the prismatic cells being used today. Thanks to this change, the iX3 50 xDrive is slated to have an EPA range of up to 400 miles (800 km WLTP / 900 km CLTC).

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That’s a truly impressive number, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg as the model also has a 400 kW DC fast charging capability. This will enable the crossover to get more than 217 miles (350 km) of range in as little as 10 minutes.

Faster and Smarter Charging

Speaking of charging, the iX3 has an “intelligent charging flap” that automatically opens thanks to the use of artificial intelligence. As the automaker explained, when the driver approaches a familiar or learned charging point, the flap automatically opens when it arrives to make the recharging process a little faster and convenient.

Customers will also find bidirectional charging capabilities including Vehicle-to-Load, Vehicle-to-Home, and Vehicle-to-Grid. The latter functions are enabled by a new 19.2 kW Wallbox and they enable the crossover to act as an emergency power source.

Panoramic iDrive And New Driver Assist Technology

While most of the cabin is covered by cloth camouflage, the iX3 features a Panoramic iDrive system that consists of a pillar-to-pillar display as well as a large center-mounted screen running BMW Operating System X.

They’re joined by a funky, “shy-tech” steering wheel that has buttons that illuminate when various functions are available. They’re joined by slender air vents, door-mounted seat controls, and an optional 3D head-up display.

On the topic of technology, BMW confirmed the iX3 will have next-generation driver assistance systems that use AI. The crossover also has processing speeds that are 20 times faster than the previous system.

The automaker was hazy on specifics, but mentioned hands-free highway driving as well as an automatic lane change function. They’ll be joined by a new Motorway & City Assistant system, which “helps the driver in complex driving situations in urban areas.” It can reportedly handle tight corners and roundabouts as well as automatically brake for red lights, before resuming when they turn green.

There’s even cooperative steering and braking, which will allow drivers to turn the steering wheel or apply brakes “just a little.” Doing so will adjust the response of the automated driving system without shutting it off.

We can also expect an advanced parking system that offers an “AI-based selection of parking assistance services, parking space recognition, maneuver planning, and an improved parking experience.”

Production of the iX3 will begin late this year and deliveries will, presumably, begin shortly thereafter.