BMW came out fighting with its range of electric vehicles when the 'i' sub-brand was launched. The two-pronged offensive of the i3 hatchback and i8 sports car certainly capture people’s attention, but technology and demand of electric vehicles is marching on. The new BMW i3X previous the next EV from the brand.

More from the Beijing motor show:

BMW iX3 concept
BMW iX3 concept

Revealed at the Beijing motor show, the BMW iX3 is a concept car that looks suspiciously close to being ready for production. Based on the latest X3 SUV, this high-riding family car has been enhanced with more aerodynamic bodywork to reduce drag and improve efficiency. Its signature kidney grilles are now closed to better manage airflow at the front of the car while an interesting set of alloy wheels aid in reducing the turbulence caused by conventional spoked wheels.

Under the skin is BMW’s latest electric motor that churns out over 270bhp, or about the same as the current X3 30d. The new fifth-generation electric drivetrain draws its power from a high-voltage battery pack that is said to deliver a range of up to 249 miles on the WLTP cycle. The iX3 can be plugged into a 150kw fast charger that’ll complete a full charge in just 30 minutes.

BMW iX3 concept

BMW plans to introduce a new modular design that will allow all future models to offer an electric variant. By condensing things like the electric motor and transmission into one component it allows for greater flexibility inside various chassis.

When the BMW iX3 hits the road in production guise it’ll have to take on the new Jaguar I-Pace, of which has a 298 mile range. While the Jag might be able to go further than the iX3, it does come with a hefty £63k price tag.

We’d expect to see the new BMW iX3 in showrooms within the coming year or two with an all-electric saloon joining it soon after.

Gallery: BMW iX3 concept