BMW's first all-in-one electric model since launching the i3 seven years ago, the new BMW iX marks the beginning of a new era in the hosts of the Bavarian brand.
For starters, its name, iX — with no number to accompany —, aims to represent its position at the top of BMW's electrical offer, serving as a “showcase” of the brand's technological capacity.
Anticipated by Vision iNext, the BMW iX targets models such as the Audi e-tron or the Mercedes-Benz EQC and represents, according to BMW, a redefinition of the SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) concept.
typically BMW
With the width and length of an X5, the height of an X6 and with wheels identical in size to those used by the X7, on the outside the iX does not hide that it is a BMW, although it is visible to experiment with new solutions (double rim, optics , etc.) which, so far, we've only seen in their concepts.
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Much of this identity is due, of course, to the huge “double kidney” (it seems to be a new “norm” at BMW) that is covered. It no longer serves the usual cooling purposes, as there is no combustion engine behind it, and now houses cameras, radar and various sensors.
Heavily inspired by the iNext prototype that anticipated it in 2018, the BMW iX also has rimless doors and is the brand's first modern model to feature a clamshell hood that... doesn't open — with the electric motor no longer need to peek through. under the hood.
With a design focused on improving aerodynamics (the coefficient, the Cx, is 0.25), the iX forgoes aesthetic adornments on the side, even counting on built-in door handles.
LED headlamps, on the other hand, are standard, with the option of using Laser technology. For those who want a sportier BMW iX, this one will be available with the already traditional M division pack, which offers a more aggressive design, as you can see below:
With the "finger" of the M division the iX gets a more aggressive look, courtesy of the new front bumper.
Designed from the inside out
According to Domagoj Dukec, Vice President of BMW Design, the new iX was designed “from the inside out”. According to him, in this process, special attention was given to the creation of a modern, welcoming and minimalist interior”.
The result was a cabin with five seats, flat floor and where space is one of the main arguments (according to BMW it is comparable to that offered by the X7). The luggage compartment capacity promises to equal the value presented by the X5: 650 liters.
With a minimalist look, the interior of the BMW iX uses natural and recycled materials and the German brand debuts a steering wheel with a… hexagonal shape.
iDrive
Equipped with a BMW Curved Display and a head-up display, the BMW iX also stands out for its adoption of a center console (or armrest?) that looks more like a piece of furniture.
Finished in wood, the controls appear to be embedded in it and sensitive to touch (goodbye buttons). There we also find a new version of the iDrive system rotary control.
Power to "give and sell"
Based on a new aluminum space frame base that supports a carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) frame, the BMW iX also sees its bodywork using a combination of composite plastic, CFRP and aluminium.
Still, despite being completely new, this solution is, according to Frank Weber, director of research and development at BMW, “highly compatible” with the CLAR platform used, for example, in the more conventional 3 Series or X5.
Equipped with the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology — which includes the two electric motors, charging technology and battery — the BMW iX has seen its power unit relinquish the use of rare earths in its production.
In total, the two engines give the BMW iX a maximum power of more than 500 hp (370 kW) which are sent to all four wheels and allow the iX to be propelled up to 100 km/h in less than 5s.
Efficiency has not been forgotten
According to BMW, the development of the new iX was not just focused on performance and power. Proof of this is the fact that the Bavarian brand announces an energy consumption of 21 kWh/100 km, a measured figure considering the generous dimensions and, we assume, mass of the electric SUV.
Now, taking into account that the battery has a gross capacity of more than 100 kWh, BMW promises a range of over 600 km already in line with the demanding WLTP cycle.
When it's time to recharge the iX, it's possible to do so using a quick charge of up to 200 kW. In these cases, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80% in less than 40 minutes. Furthermore, under these circumstances it is possible to restore more than 120 km of autonomy in just ten minutes.
When does the BMW iX arrive?
With the start of production scheduled for the second half of 2021 at the Dingolfing plant (yes, the same one where, among other models, the M4), the BMW iX should reach the market at the end of next year.