BMW teases iX3 and i4 for the first time while undergoing winter testing

-    This is the first time BMW has teased the i4 all-electric sedan.

-    It was joined by electric X3 and the iNEXT electric crossover. 

-    To be revealed in a couple of years’ time with a market launch slated to happen in 2021. 

BMW has released new teaser images from their winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden. The teasers are for three new i vehicles, namely – iX3, i4 and iNEXT – undergoing series development testing in the extreme cold weather. This is the first time that BMW has officially revealed the test mule of the iX3 and the i4 electric sedan. 

The iX3 is slated to go on sale next year. But the i4 and iNEXT will hit the market only in 2021. The iX3 will mark the debut by the fifth generation of BMW eDrive powertrain. This new powertrain consists of a powerful electric motor and a high-voltage storage unit featuring modern battery cell technology. It will have an electric range of over 400 kilometres and get a DC charging slot with a capacity of 150kW. The iX3 will be the first model to be produced for the global market by the BMW-Brilliance Automotive joint venture at the Chinese production location in Shenyang.

The i4 is essentially the pure electric version of the new-gen 3 Series. The electrified 4 Series four-door coupe will be positioned in the premium midrange segment, says BMW. It will be powered by the same fifth-gen powertrain as the iX3 but will have a longer range of around 600 kilometres. The i4 will spring from a standstill to 100kmph in mere four seconds and onto to a top speed of 200kmph, claims the Bavarian carmaker. The i4 will be produced at BMW’s Munich plant starting 2021.

Meanwhile, BMW has already teased the iNEXT as their take on the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC. The same size as the new-gen X5, the iNEXT sits on a radically new platform specially developed for electric vehicles under the BMW Group. The high voltage battery pack powers four motors on each wheel and will have a range of around 600 kilometres. Quick charging will also be available with more than one option in battery packs.