BMW i4, iX3 and iNEXT go testing in the snow

These are the three fully-electric vehicles that BMW is now working on, those nearest to discharge; the BMW i4, iX3 and iNEXT. While their releases are still quite far away, they are the nearest we’ve got to proper EV Bimmers. And right now, they’re currently doing some testing in the snow.

BMW’s test facility in Arjeplog, Sweden is a vast frozen tundra designed to place batteries, electric motors and charging capabilities to the test. But in temperatures well below freezing, it’s not only motors and batteries being tested. Even simple, common bits like suspension parts, brakes and electronics are analyzed in the brutal conditions.

Though, it’s all about BMW’s newest electric powertrain. Of the three cars, the BMW iX3 will be the first of the three to introduction and it will feature the newest ’s new fifth-gen eDrive technology, as the first BMW production vehicle to do so. The Bavarians are claiming about 400 km (248 miles) of variety and 150 kW charging. Those are the same figures as the Audi e-tron but better than the Jaguar I-Pace and the Tesla Model X 70D.

As for the BMW i4, it will also feature the new fifth-gen EV powertrain however, as a result of its lighter weight and smaller size, it will have a better range. In accordance with the Bavarians, the BMW i4 will have over 600 km (372 miles) of range, which would be industry-leading right now, though we could ’t say that’ll stand by the time it finally debuts. BMW also claims a 0-100 km (62 mph) time of about 4 seconds for the i4 and it’s being designed to be sporty and fun to drive as well.

The BMW iNEXT will have the exact same range as the BMW i4 but will likely be slower due to its extra mass. However, the iNEXT will be concentrated more on independence than anything else. So it will have an advanced Level 3 autonomous driving system and be the newest ’s technological flagship.

It has to be stated that all of BMW’s range amounts have been calculated on the WLTP cycle, so they should be quite accurate. It’s not only BMW blowing smoke.

While BMW might be a bit late to the EV game, with a number of its much smaller competitors already having debuted fully EV SUVs, it seems as if these three will probably be quite nice and very competitive the moment they start. We’re eager to see what becomes of them when we could see them, and push them, without camouflage.