BMW Previews Aerodynamic Wheels For Upcoming iX3, iNext and i4

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Novel “Aerodynamic Wheels” for the purely electric BMW iX3.

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February 5, 2020

All-round efficiency – More design freedom – Featuring also on the BMW iNext and BMW i4.

Munich. In today's automobiles, the wheels and their aerodynamic flow influence the overall vehicle efficiency by up to 30%. That is why a further developed technology of the BMW Aerodynamic Wheel is making its debut together with the BMW iX3, whose market launch is planned for 2020: The new combination of aluminum base wheel and individually designed inserts complements the efficient basic alignment of the BMW Group's first purely electric Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) effectively.

While reducing drag for about 5% compared to a conventionally powered BMW X3 the new Aerodynamic Wheels are not only more efficient but also lighter than previous ones: Thanks to optimum airflow around the wheel arches, the wheels are 15% lighter than the aerodynamic wheels previously fitted by BMW.

Their benefits in terms of aerodynamics and weight have the overall effect of lowering power consumption for the BMW iX3 by another 2% in the European WLTP test cycle – equating to 0.4 kWh/100 km – and thereby extending the vehicle range by 10 kilometres. The wheels’ appearance can be varied in numerous different ways, enabling a vast variety of possibilities for the design of wheels on future models. The new Aerodynamic Wheels will also feature on the BMW iNext and BMW i4, which are going to be introduced in 2021.

The Aerodynamic Wheels on the BMW iX3 blend lightweight construction and reduced air resistance with the sporting elegance of a V‑spoke aluminium wheel in a whole new way. The dimensions of the base wheel ensure the wheel living up to all the structural challenges involved in transmitting dynamic driving forces. Inserts with a high-class finish are responsible for achieving the necessary aerodynamic impact. This new division of tasks heralds a substantial weight saving over previous aerodynamic wheels from BMW.

Furthermore, the new base wheel is made using less material than its precursor adding up to the reduction of unsprung mass by lightweight inserts. This enhances both, driving dynamics and efficiency. Additionally, the mix of materials is benefitting a resource-efficient manufacture, as there is no need for further tools to produce special wheel options with optimised aerodynamics.

To fit the lightweight base wheel, the inserts are precision-moulded and integrated into the outside of the wheel between the spokes. Thus, they are highly effective in reducing wheel-arch air turbulence – and therefore aerodynamic drag. As a result, the Aerodynamic Wheels form a key element of the overall package developed for optimum efficiency of the BMW iX3.

Design variants enable maximum individualisation.

The BMW Group is the first automobile manufacturer to combine cast aluminum wheels with inserts consisting of a plastic carrier and an aluminum visible surface.

The high-quality material used for the inserts and their precise integration into the wheel design with no visible gaps reinforce the premium character of the rims. The patented process for optimising aerodynamic properties while minimising weight opens an unprecedented scope for vehicle customisation.

The Aerodynamic Wheels can be painted in different colours while the customer can also choose between matt or polished finish, just as known from conventional wheels. All versions of the base wheel can be fitted with inserts whose appearance can vary in endless ways according to the sheen, polish and pattern specified. This means that, for example colour accents from the body design can be incorporated into the inserts’ styling. Furthermore, inserts can also be combined with different surface designs within a single wheel. The end result is a multitude of aerodynamically optimised wheel possibilities, each with a design that matches the vehicle’s character, the equipment line selected and the customer’s individual preferences.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Looks wack

[gds52]

[am3r1ka]

I'm more appalled by that wheel gap

[chicagofan00]

Ugly.

[KennyFSU]

Ugly snowflakes but I get it, function over form.

[Miko M]

Might as well close the front completely. Lol

[GOLFFRR]

wild!

[Miko M]

I get that any drag reduction helps but, they still have those side mirrors and door handles sticking out on most cars.

[clee1982]

How much grip does it sacrifice for efficiency though (looking at those narrow i8 wheels...)

[jmg]

Originally Posted by clee1982

How much grip does it sacrifice for efficiency though (looking at those narrow i8 wheels...)

A surprising amount due to the i3 and i8 being relatively lighter than the average 3 series which comes with run-flats. They are both under 3400 lbs.

[jmg]

I think these will look better with the black inserts painted silver to match.

[cfm56d7b]

One of the most dubious achievements in wheel design. These wheels may very well lead to a noticeable increase in revenue because everyone will rush to replace these wheels with aftermarket ones.

[Conissah]

Am I the only one that is actually excited to see an iX3 on the road...? I said this in other threads, but my next vehicle will be an SUV. Looking at SRT Durango, Rivian R1S, or possibly even an iX3 or iX5. I don't think the iX3 looks GREAT, I would prefer just an electric X3, but whatever.

[sanch8]

curb rash nightmare waiting to happen

[stein_325i]

While the wheels aren't my favorite, although they aren't as ugly as the Model 3's aero wheels, if they help produce more than 300 miles of range (on the EPA not WLTP) to actually have some competitive range (unlike the E-tron, iPace, EQC, etc.) it will hopefully be worth it. Also the wheels will likely be less controversial than the front end

[THEROK]

Who's the supplier? SAI? BBS?

[icegrill]

Originally Posted by THEROK

Who's the supplier? SAI? BBS?

rOtIfoRM

[clee1982]

Originally Posted by jmg

A surprising amount due to the i3 and i8 being relatively lighter than the average 3 series which comes with run-flats. They are both under 3400 lbs.

New car isn't going to be CF though?

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by THEROK

Who's the supplier? SAI? BBS?

Vossen

[Liquid2.0T]

Lol, they preview a basic wheel? WTF who cares 😂

[Thescout13]

Originally Posted by am3r1ka

I'm more appalled by that wheel gap

Lolol. If it's a pic off the new iX3 makes sense. If it's off the new i4, don't you know that making safari cars is all the rage now? Hahaha