The new BMW iX3 showcases the BMW Group’s approach to implementing a holistic strategy for product sustainability throughout the entire life cycle. During product development, extensive measures were implemented throughout the supply chain, production, and use phases, with a specific focus on conserving resources and reducing the model’s environmental footprint. As such, the Neue Klasse marks a significant milestone toward achieving the company’s 2030 and 2050 CO₂e targets.
The extensive decarbonization measures in the supply chain result in an early break-even point: 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 surpasses the comparable ICE model after just 17,500 kilometres (WLTP combined), enabling customers to achieve CO₂e benefits in as little as one year, potentially.
The key levers to reduce CO₂e emissions in the supply chain are the use of secondary materials and renewable energy, alongside product and process innovations. This combination of measures has resulted in a 35% decrease in CO₂e emissions in the supply chain during product development.
The Gen6 battery cells of the BMW iX3’s high-voltage storage system are composed of 50% secondary materials, including cobalt, lithium, and nickel.
In addition, renewable energies are harnessed in the anode and cathode materials and cell production. This is how CO₂e emissions per watt hour were reduced by 42% compared to the Gen5 cell of the previous model.
The BMW Group is increasingly focused on utilising innovative and secondary materials in other components as well. For instance, 30% of the secondary raw material used for the engine compartment cover and the storage compartment under the front hatch is recycled maritime plastic.
This post-consumer material consists of old fishing nets and ropes, preventing these materials from potentially being dumped in the ocean. Secondary aluminium accounts for 80% of the wheel carriers and swivel bearings, as well as 70% of the cast aluminium wheels.
The BMW Group applied the ‘Design for Circularity’ approach consistently in developing the BMW iX3. The approach builds on the concepts of secondary first (the prioritised use of secondary materials), strategic material selection and disassembly optimisation.
As a result, secondary materials account for one-third of all materials used in the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive. One example of implementing these three concepts is the Econeer seat cover, available in the interior trim Essential, whose fabric, adhesive and fleece are all made from PET.
This mono-material choice increases recyclability. Moreover, the textile yarn used consists entirely of recycled PET as well. Other components whose development followed the ‘Design for Circularity’ approach include the centre console, instrument panel and interior floor trim.
BMW EfficientDynamics involves consistently identifying and harnessing efficiency potential in all vehicle subsystems. Applying this approach, the energy consumption of the new BMW iX3 is 20% lower than that of the predecessor model (WLTP combined).
This significant improvement is primarily based on optimised aerodynamic properties, reduced rolling resistance and on-board power consumption as well as the drive’s unparalleled combination of efficiency and dynamics.
Designed and built according to the BMW iFactory principles, the new BMW Group plant in Debrecen, Hungary, is entirely focused on efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability. It is the first BMW Group car factory to operate and produce vehicles without using fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, under normal operating conditions.
The only energy source to power operations at the site is electricity. According to current planning, up to 25% of the plant’s annual electricity needs can be covered by the photovoltaic system located on the premises.
The remaining electricity is obtained from other renewable energy sources. Surplus solar energy is stored in a heat storage unit and used to heat the paint shop ovens as needed. Only 0.1 tons of CO₂e are emitted in the production of a BMW iX3 car, which is about two-thirds less than the emissions at other BMW Group plants.
The BMW Group’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and to achieving Net Zero by 2050 or earlier is an integral part of the comprehensive 360° sustainability approach incorporated in the corporate strategy. The company is pursuing ambitious, scientifically derived CO₂e targets for the coming years. For instance, the BMW Group intends to reduce its CO₂e emissions by at least 40 million tons in 2030 (baseline: 2019).
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. It offers increased transparency regarding raw materials used and CO₂e emissions over the entire vehicle lifecycle.