The newly developed aerodynamic wheels are lighter and more aerodynamic. They are being used in the BMW iX3 electric SUV for the first time, but they are also intended for use in the iNext and i4 models.
BMW aerodynamic wheel
BMW
BMW's new aerodynamic wheels are 15 percent lighter than the previous aerodynamic rims. They are initially being presented in the new BMW iX3, which is due to come on the market in 2020. The cast aluminium wheel with a V-spokes design is formed from a light base wheel and special inserts which consist of plastic support elements and an aluminium visible surface. These inserts, integrated in the outer area between the spokes, reduce air turbulence at the wheelhouse and therefore reduce air resistance.
The inserts are placed in the base wheel without visible joints. The colours can be individually designed, the rims can also be painted in different colours just like conventional wheels, and the surfaces can be either shiny or matt in appearance. According to the manufacturer, the aerodynamic wheels on the BMW iX3 reduce consumption (based on WLTP) by a good two percent, which corresponds to an additional 10 kilometres of range. The new aerodynamic wheels will also be used with the BMW iNext and BMW i4.