The all-new BMW iX3 – The first model of the Neue Klasse.

The new BMW iX3 underscores the BMW Group’s holistic approach to enhancing product sustainability across the entire life cycle.

In product development, a wide range of measures were implemented throughout the supply chain, production and vehicle use phase with the clear aim of saving resources and reducing the model’s environmental footprint. Extensive decarbonisation measures in the supply chain mean break-even is now achieved sooner: when charged with electricity from the European energy mix, the CO₂e footprint of the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive is lower than that of a comparable model with a combustion engine after about 21,500 kilometres (WLTP combined). When charged exclusively with electricity from renewable sources, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive beats a comparable combustion-engine model after only 17,500 kilometres (WLTP combined), allowing customers to potentially achieve CO₂e benefits in as little as one year.

When it comes to cutting CO₂e emissions, a lot can already be done in the supply chain: the Gen6 battery cells in the high-voltage storage system of the BMW iX3 are made with renewable energies, which are used to produce the anode and cathode materials in the cells, as well as the cells themselves. Plus, the cells consist of 50 percent secondary raw materials such as cobalt, lithium and nickel, enabling a 42 percent reduction in CO₂e emissions per watt-hour compared with the Gen5 cells of the previous model.

The BMW iX3 was developed systematically according to the principle of Design for Circularity. It consists of about one-third secondary materials. The fabric, adhesive and fleece in the Econeer seat covers in the Essential interior trim package, for example, are made of PET. But there are also other components that contain secondary materials, such as the wheel carriers and swivel bearings, which are 80 percent secondary aluminium, and the cast aluminium wheels at 70 percent. The raw material for the engine compartment cover and the storage compartment under the front hatch consists of 30 percent maritime plastics from old fishing nets and ropes. 

The BMW Group produces the BMW iX3 at its new plant in Debrecen, Hungary. Debrecen is the first BMW Group facility to manufacture vehicles without fossil fuels such as oil and gas under normal operating conditions.  

Plant Debrecen is powered purely by electricity from renewable sources. According to current plans, up to a quarter of its annual energy needs are expected to be covered by the photovoltaic system on the plant premises. The remaining electricity is sourced from other renewable energy sources. Surplus solar energy is stored and used as needed to heat paint shop ovens. So, for every BMW iX3 that leaves the factory gates, CO₂e emissions from production at the plant will amount to just 0.1 tons – about two thirds less than at other BMW Group plants.

BMW EfficientDynamics is based on an approach of identifying and harnessing every bit of efficiency potential in every subsystem of the car. In the new BMW iX3, it reduces energy consumption by up to 20 percent (combined WLTP cycle) compared with the predecessor model. The main contributors to these savings are optimised aerodynamic properties, reduced rolling resistance and on-board power consumption, and the drive’s unparalleled combination of efficiency and dynamics.

For years, the BMW Group has released its vehicle footprint, which includes a greenhouse gas report for its vehicles verified by Germany’s TÜV Technical Inspection Association. The report for the new BMW iX3 50 xDRIVE can be downloaded here.