The new BMW Aerodynamic Wheel is making its debut together with the BMW iX3, the market launch of which is planned for this year. The new combination of aluminum base wheel and individually designed inserts complements the efficient basic alignment of the BMW Group’s first purely electric Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV).

Prototype of new Aerodynamic Wheel.

In today’s automobiles, the wheels and their aerodynamic flow influence the overall vehicle efficiency by up to 30%. While reducing drag for about 5% compared to a conventionally powered BMW X3 the new Aerodynamic Wheels are not only more efficient but also lighter than previous ones. With optimized airflow around the wheel arches, the wheels are 15% lighter than the aerodynamic wheels previously fitted by BMW.

Their benefits in terms of aerodynamics and weight have the overall effect of lowering power consumption for the BMW iX3 by another 2% in the European WLTP test cycle—equating to 0.4 kWh/100 km—and thereby extending the vehicle range by 10 kilometers.

The wheels’ appearance can be varied in numerous different ways, enabling a variety of possibilities for the design of wheels on future models. The new Aerodynamic Wheels will also feature on the BMW iNext and BMW i4, which will be introduced in 2021.

The Aerodynamic Wheels on the BMW iX3 blend lightweight construction and reduced air resistance with the sporting elegance of a V‑spoke aluminum wheel in a whole new way. The dimensions of the base wheel ensure the wheel lives up to all the structural challenges involved in transmitting dynamic driving forces. Inserts with a high-class finish are responsible for achieving the necessary aerodynamic impact. This new division of tasks heralds a substantial weight saving over previous aerodynamic wheels from BMW.

Furthermore, the new base wheel is made using less material than its precursor adding up to the reduction of unsprung mass by lightweight inserts. This enhances both driving dynamics and efficiency.

Additionally, the mix of materials is benefitting a resource-efficient manufacture, as there is no need for further tools to produce special wheel options with optimized aerodynamics.

To fit the lightweight base wheel, the inserts are precision-moulded and integrated into the outside of the wheel between the spokes. Thus, they are highly effective in reducing wheel-arch air turbulence—and therefore aerodynamic drag. As a result, the Aerodynamic Wheels form a key element of the overall package developed for optimum efficiency of the BMW iX3.

The BMW Group is the first automobile manufacturer to combine cast aluminum wheels with inserts consisting of a plastic carrier and an aluminum visible surface.

The high-quality material used for the inserts and their precise integration into the wheel design with no visible gaps reinforce the premium character of the rims. The patented process for optimizing aerodynamic properties while minimizing weight widens the scope of vehicle customization.

The Aerodynamic Wheels can be painted in different colors while the customer can also choose between matt or polished finish, just as known from conventional wheels.

All versions of the base wheel can be fitted with inserts the appearance of which can vary in numerous ways according to the sheen, polish and pattern specified. For example, color accents from the body design can be incorporated into the inserts’ styling. Furthermore, inserts can also be combined with different surface designs within a single wheel.