BMW unveiled its new 2021 iX electric model with 300 miles of range and minimal interior.
@BMW iX production EV
The BMW iX shows how BMW can give new technologies a very modern and emotionally engaging design.
With its completely newly developed, precise and minimalist design, the BMW iX is redefining the successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. The BMW iX harnesses the latest innovations in the fields of electrification, automated driving and connectivity
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology delivers outstanding efficiency and long range. The power unit developed by the BMW Group has been manufactured sustainably without the use of critical raw materials known as rare earths and will, by the most recent calculations, develop maximum output of more than 370 kW/500 hp. That will be enough to power the BMW iX from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 5.0 seconds.
TopGear.com asked whether this technology is a flagship for price. Apparently not. “The answer, from project head Johann Kistler, is that it’ll cost about the same as an X5 of the same power, which is 500bhp. Well, the X5 40i has a 450bhp V8 and lists at about £70k, so you get the idea. The iX is lining up against competition like the Audi e-Tron, but its electric range is greater at 375 miles WLTP.”
@BMW iX production EV
@BMW iX production EV
The exterior of the BMW iX represents a distinctive re-imagining of the powerful proportions of a large BMW SAV. The BMW iX is comparable with the BMW X5 in length and width, and is almost the same height as the BMW X6 on account of its flowing roofline. The size of its wheels, meanwhile, brings to mind the BMW X7.
The exterior design highlights of the BMW iX also include the slimmest headlight units ever to feature on a series- produced model from BMW, the flush-fitted door openers (operated at the press of a button), the frameless side windows, the tailgate – which has no separation joints and extends across the whole of the rear – and the likewise extremely slim rear lights.
The new charging technology of the BMW iX enables DC fast charging at up to 200 kW. In this way, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent of its full capacity in under 40 minutes. Added to which, within ten minutes enough energy can be fed into the battery to increase the car’s range by more than 120 kilometres (75 miles). It takes less than eleven hours to charge the high-voltage battery from 0 to 100 per cent at 11 kW from a Wallbox.
@BMW iX production EV
@BMW iX production EV
@BMW iX production EV
The batteries fitted in the BMW iX are designed as part of a long-term resource cycle and enable an exceptionally high recycling rate. The power used to produce the battery cells and the high-voltage battery as a whole come exclusively from renewable sources.
A high level of spaciousness, a mixture of high-quality materials, newly developed seats with integral head restraints and an exceptionally large panoramic glass roof immerse all five seats of the BMW iX cabin in a luxurious, lounge-like ambience.
The displays and controls are all stripped down to the essentials, further reinforcing the impression of an uncluttered cabin offering a place of relaxation. The technology of the BMW iX is used intelligently and only becomes visible when it is needed. This makes it intuitive to use rather than seeming overly complex.
The shy tech approach for the interior can be seen in a number of features, including speakers integrated out of sight, intricately styled air vents, heated surfaces and the discreet recessing of the BMW Head-Up Display’s projector into the instrument panel so it is almost invisible. The hexagonally shaped steering wheel, a rocker switch for gear selection and the BMW Curved Display – which forms part of the next-generation BMW Operating System – clearly advertise the futuristic form of driving pleasure on offer.
The BMW iX will go into production at BMW Plant Dingolfing from the second half of 2021 as the BMW Group’s new technology flagship.
@BMW iX production EV
