BMW has just unveiled the all-new iX, which was previewed as the BMW iNext concept back in 2018. While the BMW iX3 is technically BMW’s first pure electric (EV) crossover SUV, the iX is built on a completely new architecture dedicated to the German luxury automaker’s future electric vehicles. This explains why the all-new BMW iX looks and feels completely different from any BMW currently on sale today.
From the exterior, the all-new BMW iX features a completely reimagined interpretation of what a large BMW SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW’s marketing speak) looks like. Upfront, there’s a massive kidney grille flanked by slim LED headlights. Moving towards the sides, and you’ll see a clean profile with flushed door handles, frameless doors, and flared wheel arches. Lastly, there’s a unique tailgate design that’s made out of a single panel for a cleaner look. Of course, being a BMW i vehicle, there are numerous blue highlights to showcase that this is an all-electric BMW.
At this point, you might be wondering why does the BMW iX need a grille since there’s no combustion engine upfront? Well, behind that enclosed grille is actually a plethora of radars and sensors for the car’s autonomous driving features. The grille features a coating that allows it to self-heal when it gets hit by stones and other road debris so that the performance of the sensors won’t be affected.
Speaking of those sensors, the iX is by far the most technologically-advanced vehicle BMW has ever made. The iX’s computers can process 20 times more data compared to BMW’s previous autonomous systems. Combined with its 5G-ready systems, the BMW iX offers the highest degree of self-driving capability ever compared to past BMWs.
Dimensionally, the BMW iX is about as big as the BMW X5 and is on par with other pure electric luxury SUVs such as the Audi e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC, and Tesla Model X. Unlike the Model X, though, the iX does not have a third-row seat option.
Inside the BMW iX, and you’ll see a “lounge-like” interior design. This has been achieved through the use of high-quality materials and the sensation of spaciousness. We’re not exactly fans of automakers ditching knobs and buttons for their infotainment systems, so we’re very happy to see BMW sticking with the rotary knob controller for the next-generation of its iDrive infotainment system. Speaking of the infotainment system, it features two curved widescreens, while the knobs are made out of crystal. Lastly, the BMW iX’s interior features a hexagonal steering wheel.
Powering the iX is BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology that consists of two electric motors. The power unit does not contain rare earth metals, which makes this an incredibly environmentally-friendly EV powertrain. BMW says that the battery has an energy content of more than 100 kWh, which enables the iX to have a range of more than 600 kilometers under the WLTP cycle. The iX’s exceptional range, which is even longer than the Tesla Model X Long Range’s 548 kilometers, is thanks to an efficient electric motor that only consumes 21 kWh/100 kilometers under the WLTP cycle.
As for performance figures, the BMW iX has a total output of 496 hp, though no torque figure has been provided. Zero to 100 kph happens in just 5.0 seconds
When the time comes that the iX needs to be charged, its innovative eDrive powertrain enables DC fast charging of up to 200 kW. As a result, charging from 10 to 80 percent happens in just 40 minutes, while charging for 10 minutes adds as much as 120 kilometers to the iX’s range. With the standard 11 kW wall box that comes with every iX, it takes 11 hours to fully charge the vehicle.
Production of the BMW iX will begin in the second half of 2021.
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