BMW introduces new SiC inverters in iX1 and iX2
Shortly after the BMW brand Mini revealed minor efficiency-enhancing updates for its electric Countryman, BMW has followed suit with its sibling models, the iX1 and iX2, which share the same drivetrain technology as the Countryman. For the new model year, both compact SUVs, built in Regensburg, will feature silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor components in their power electronics.
SiC semiconductors are more efficient than chips based on pure silicon and offer a higher efficiency rating. When integrated into the inverter of an electric vehicle, less energy is lost as heat during the conversion of direct current from the battery into alternating current for the electric motors. This means a larger proportion of the stored energy in the vehicle can be used for propulsion.
BMW states in its announcement that the SiC inverters are expected to increase ‘the vehicles’ range by a good 40 kilometres.’ However, unlike Mini, BMW does not appear to have conducted a new WLTP consumption test for the iX1 and iX2, as the ‘old’ WLTP ranges are still quoted. For the iX1 eDrive20 with its 150 kW front-wheel drive, the range remains up to 461 kilometres, while the 225 kW all-wheel-drive iX1 xDrive30 is listed with up to 430 kilometres. For the iX2, the front-wheel-drive version offers up to 474 kilometres, and the all-wheel-drive version up to 449 kilometres.
There is, however, a difference in the scope of the updates: while BMW only mentions the new SiC inverters, Mini has also introduced friction-optimised front wheel bearings, minor aerodynamic improvements, and battery enhancements for the Countryman. For example, the usable energy content of the battery in the Countryman E and SE ALL4 has increased from 64.6 to 65.2 kWh net, while the gross capacity remains at 66.5 kWh. BMW has not announced any such battery changes for its models.
Ahead of the official market launch on 7 March, there are already some minor updates to the new iX3’s offerings. For the BMW based on the Neue Klasse platform, the optional equipment AC Charging Professional will soon be available, enabling alternating current charging at up to 22 kW. This allows the iX3 50 xDrive’s 108 kWh battery to be fully charged in just over five hours. Additionally, the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function will be introduced, turning the vehicle into a mobile power bank capable of supplying external electrical devices with up to 3.7 kW of power.
Some further updates are purely aesthetic: “And there will be three new, attractive exterior colour options for the BMW iX3 from spring 2026: Eucalyptus Green metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Space Silver metallic and Fire Red metallic. A new option available in combination with the BMW Contemporary Digital White Bicolour interior is the BMW Individual steering wheel in Digital White,” BMW states. Additionally, from March, a stainless steel charging edge will be introduced. Furthermore, the M Sport Package and M Sport Package Pro trims now include a vehicle key featuring ‘M Stripes.’
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