Tesla, which launched the ‘Pleos Connect’ featuring a display approximately 16 inches in size, and Hyundai, which presented a 17-inch screen, have taken the lead in the recent trend within the automotive industry to increase display sizes. However, German car manufacturer BMW raised a different issue: “How can drivers concentrate more on driving?”
On June 18, I had the opportunity to test drive the new iX3 at BMW’s Driving Center track located on Yeongjong Island in Incheon, as well as along a 16 km stretch of the island. I came to understand that BMW had integrated this issue into the new model. The new iX3 stands out as the first mass-produced vehicle to implement BMW’s next-generation technology concept, ‘Neue Klasse’ (New Class).
The first thing that drew my attention when I settled into the driver’s seat was the ‘interior without a dashboard.’ Rather, a ‘Panoramic Vision’ display covered the entire lower section of the windshield. Information such as speed, navigation instructions, driving range, weather, and other key details were shown on this screen. Although many major manufacturers have concentrated on increasing screen sizes, the new iX3 appeared to focus on delivering essential information in a more understandable manner.
At first, it seemed strange, but I adjusted quickly. I even found it more practical than big screens or HUDs (Head-Up Displays). The necessity to switch between looking at the dashboard and the central display, as seen in traditional cars, was greatly decreased. In the past, drivers frequently had to glance down to view navigation details on large screens, but this model significantly reduced that requirement.
The “driving experience” was equally remarkable. The new iX3 utilized the “Pack to Open Body” technology, which incorporates the battery pack into the vehicle’s framework. This resulted in a significantly lower center of gravity. The car did not lean easily during turns and maintained good stability at higher speeds. Nevertheless, the ride comfort was somewhat below expectations. Its capacity to absorb vibrations and bumps from speed bumps or rough roads was somewhat insufficient when compared to other electric SUVs.
Nevertheless, the vehicle’s greatest advantage remains its ‘extended driving range.’ The newly launched iX3 50 xDrive in South Korea provides a peak power of 469 horsepower and can cover up to 611 km on a single charge, according to local certification regulations. This range is adequate for a round trip from Seoul to Daegu with minimal charging worries. Surpassing the symbolic ‘600 km’ mark in the electric vehicle industry carries substantial importance.
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