BMW testing new EVs beyond the Arctic Circle

German car manufacturer BMW has posted a video showing its all-electric iX3, i4, and iNEXT vehicles during a test drive on testing grounds in Arjeplog, Sweden, which is bordering on the Arctic Circle. The engineer team wanted to use the extremely cold environment to test the reliability of all electronic systems and the suspension (more specifically, the integrity of all suspension parts and the stability of their physical characteristics after a series of rapid temperature changes).

The company also used the opportunity to test its prototype electric engine and traction battery designs.

The BMW iX3 SUV will be the first to arrive on the market in 2020. It will be assembled in China and offer 400+ kilometers (250+ miles) of driving range once fully charged.

The BMW i4 will enjoy its market premiere a year after that. The four-door coupe EV can accelerate 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in four seconds flat and up to 200 km/h (124 mph). Once charged to the max, it can cover at least 600 km (373 miles).

Details concerning the iNEXT SUV are scarce right now. The manufacturer says it will be the most innovative BMW vehicle on the lineup and come equipped with an SAE Level 3 self-drive system. It will also maintain a 24/7 Internet connection.

Photos: BMW