Recently Restyled, the BMW iX3 Gains a New Preconditioning System for Efficient Battery Management.
BMW has refined its all-electric iX3 SUV with a significant software update focused on optimizing battery performance and charging efficiency. The highlight of this update is a new, intelligent preconditioning system designed to minimize charging times and enhance the overall electric driving experience.
Improved Battery Management for Better Performance
The latest software enhancements for the BMW iX3 center around sophisticated battery thermal management. While the official WLTP driving range remains consistent, the most notable improvements are seen during DC fast charging. This focus on thermal management ensures the battery operates at its optimal temperature, crucial for both performance and longevity.
A Smart Preconditioning System Steps In
The key to faster charging lies in the iX3’s new preconditioning system. As the driver navigates towards a DC fast-charging station, the system proactively prepares the battery for the upcoming charge. This intelligent system analyzes a range of factors, including the battery’s current temperature, remaining range, the anticipated charging power of the station, and the estimated charging duration. By taking these variables into account, the system can precisely regulate the battery’s temperature to ensure it’s in the ideal state for rapid charging upon arrival.
Quicker Charging with No Range Loss
While the software update doesn’t increase the iX3’s overall driving range, the preconditioning system significantly reduces charging times. This means drivers can spend less time tethered to charging stations and more time on the road. The iX3 continues to support DC fast charging at a peak power of 150 kW, and the preconditioning system maximizes the effectiveness of this capability by ensuring the battery can accept the full charging power as quickly as possible. This optimized charging process also contributes to maintaining battery health over the long term.
Turning On Preconditioning is Easy
Activating the preconditioning feature is designed to be user-friendly. Drivers can easily engage the system through the iDrive infotainment screen or via the My BMW app. Within the climate control settings, a dedicated preconditioning option allows drivers to quickly prepare their iX3 for optimal fast charging. This seamless integration ensures that maximizing charging efficiency is a simple and intuitive process, further enhancing the appeal of the electric SUV.
This article was originally published in 2021 and has been updated in January 2025 to reflect the latest developments regarding the BMW iX3 preconditioning system.
