BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ iX3 electric SUV is proving popular in the European markets, with Der Spiegel reporting that total orders for the model in the region have now surpassed 100,000, since order books originally opened last September. BMW has responded by moving its Hungary iX3 plant to a 24-hour production schedule.
BMW iX3 popularity surges, with production set to ramp up in response
The 100,000-plus orders only account for Europe, where the iX3 makes up one in three BMW Group BEVs currently sold. BMW has also said that more than half of ‘X3’ orders in Europe are now for the fully-electric iX3. Interest is also reportedly strong in North America and notably China – where western automakers have struggled to hold on to EV market share in recent years.
There’s plenty to like about the new iX3. It’s the first BMW EV to debut on the new 800-volt Neue Klasse architecture (the i3 saloon has since followed), bringing new highs in efficiency, charging speed, and range. Depending on specification, the new iX3 can charge at up to 400kW and manage a range of up to 500 miles, making it one of the longest range electric cars on the market.
In response to this exceptional demand, BMW is boosting production capacity for this electric SUV, and the car’s production facility in Debrecen, Hungary, is now running 24 hours a day to meet demand. BMW will be able to boost that production capacity further soon, with its plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, set to start producing US-bound iX3s from next year, allowing them to fulfil even more orders.
