BMW iX3 Gets New Aerodynamic Wheels

The technology will make its debut later this year. Based on the aluminium base, the wheel will reduce weight and increase its range by approximately 10km courtesy the aerodynamic design.

The German auto giant BMW has unveiled a new wheel tech in its pure electric iX3. Slated to be launched later in 2020, the BMW ‘aerodynamic wheels’ will be making their debut alongside the iX3.

Impact of aerodynamic wheels

The new aerodynamic wheels reduce the drag coefficient by 5 per cent compared to the regular tyres on the conventionally powered BMW X3. Moreover, the wheels are lighter by 15 per cent due to aerodynamically designed airflow structure around the wheels.

A BMW iX3 equipped with these wheels lowers the overall power consumption of the car by up to 2 per cent as per the European WLTP test cycle. This equals to 0.4kWh per 100 kilometre, which ultimately increases the range of the electric vehicle by 10 km. Once introduced on the BMW iX3, the aerodynamic wheels will be fitted in the BMW iNext and i4 which will be globally introduced in 2021.

Construction

The aerodynamic wheels sport a perfect mix of low rolling resistance and lightweight construction. Coupled with the V-spoke aluminium wheel, the BMW iX3 draws good efficiency numbers. The intelligently designed base wheel ensures the vehicle tackles the road obstacles with ease and restricts the dynamic driving forces filtering into the cabin.

Furthermore, the base wheel uses less material to reduce the unsprung weight by lightweight inserts. Both these elements enhance driving dynamics as well as efficiency. With these wheels, the need for specifically designed aerodynamic tyres is also reduced.

Banking solely on the aerodynamics, the setup can be integrated to the outside of the wheels between the spokes. This way they reduce the aerodynamic drag and increase the overall efficiency of the BMW iX3.

The making of the aerodynamic wheels involved cast aluminium wheels, aluminium visible surface and inserts of a plastic carrier. This research also makes BMW the only auto manufacturer in the world to have used such a combination of materials.

Future of aerodynamic wheel

The use of premium quality material for the inserts and perfect integration into the design of the wheel does not leaves any margin for error and integration is near flawless with no visible gaps. Thus, you get a premium rim along with the goodies of longevity and efficiency. The BMW patented process of harnessing aerodynamics and reducing weight simultaneously opens a new window of vehicle customisation for the future.