Completely new and fully electric: the BMW iX. The highly anticipated EV crossover, the production version of the Vision iNext, has an extravagant look, a cutting-edge interior and an interesting powertrain. The BMW iX will be at Dutch dealers in the second half of 2021.
Highlights
- iX is production version BMW Vision iNext
- X6 fully electric SUV
- Technology banner
- Range: more than 600 kilometers
- On the market in the second half of 2021
It is no secret that BMW will launch a production version of the Vision iNext in 2021. BMW has been talking about the arrival of the fully electric model for a long time, but the car itself was still shrouded in mystery. The Vision iNext, presented two years ago, already gave a nice impression of what the autoland could expect, but that car seemed far from ready for production for a normally very concrete ‘Vision’ study model from BMW. That turns out to be different now. This is the fully electric BMW iX, which is very similar to the concept car introduced two years ago!
Appearance
The BMW iX may be very similar to its two-year-old forerunner, but that doesn’t mean that the design hasn’t been tinkered with. For example, the very flat headlights of the concept car have been replaced by strikingly sharply cut but more conventionally shaped ones. The standard full-LED viewers are the flattest BMW headlights ever. BMW Laserlight units with matrix technology are optionally available. The definitive iX also gets the somewhat controversial grille that we already know from the new 4-series. The copy on the production-ready iX has been given a slightly more usual interpretation than that of the iNext and the whole looks a lot more common with a license plate.
BMW iX
Viewed from the side, most of the design elements of the Vision iNext remain intact, although the ‘pinched’ B-pillar of the study model did not survive the transition to the production stage. The black design element in the D-pillar, which, together with the black B- and C-pillars, is intended to create the impression of a ‘floating roof’, remains more or less intact. The back also features intriguing lighting. It is striking that BMW chooses not to give the iX L-shaped rear lights as the brand applies to various other models. The Vision iNext also had L-shaped lighting on the back.
In terms of size, the iX is a bit difficult to place. Although it is about as long, wide and high as an X6, the wheelbase is exactly 3 meters on the larger X7. Striking design details: the iX has recessed handles, doors without window pillars and a flank that – especially for a BMW – has remarkably few lines. Just like the iX3, the body of the iX is also overloaded with iBlue-colored accents. There will also be a package with sportier-looking details.
Interior
The interior looks quite futuristic. Behind the strikingly designed hexagonal steering wheel we see a wide, two-display panel that functions not only as an instrumentation, but also as an infotainment system. The instrument sodium is 12.3 inches in size, the infotainment screen has a diameter of 14.9 inches. One floor below we find flat and wide outlets of the ventilation system. The center tunnel, which is finished with attractive-looking wood, is not physically connected to the rest of the dashboard.
BMW iX
The whole exudes somewhat the same atmosphere as the interior of the i3. The speakers are hidden for a minimalist look. BMW proudly reports that many natural and ‘sustainable’ materials have been used. What about leather colored with olive extracts? Oh yes! The iX will be optionally available with a panoramic glass roof that can darken itself electrochromatically. The non-opening roof is the largest glass roof ever in a BMW.
Technic
According to BMW, the iX is considered a technological flagship of the brand and is therefore crammed with modern hardware and software. We start with the engines. The iX has two electric motors that together deliver more than 500 hp. With that, the iX sprints to 100 km / h in less than 5 seconds. Exact specifications will follow at a later stage, but BMW is already taking a look at the battery pack. That has a capacity of ‘more than 100 kWh’ and the BMW iX must have one range of more than 600 kilometers.
The BMW iX can be charged with a charging capacity of up to 200 kW on a DC charger. In about 40 minutes, the battery pack housed in the ground can be filled from 10 to 80 percent with electricity. BMW says it has made extensive use of both aluminum and carbon fiber for the base of the car.
Autonomous
BMW initially promised that the production version of the Vision iNext will also be highly successful on an autonomous level. The new technology should enable the BMW iX to go around freely independently. The required sensors, cameras and radar systems are housed behind the almost closed grille.
BMW iX
The BMW iNext is also a special EV within the BMW family. BMW’s ‘Power of Choice’ strategy dictates that the brand also offers a plug-in hybrid and fully electric variant of as many models as possible in addition to petrol and diesel versions. The iX3 is basically just an electric X3, the upcoming i4 promises to be an electric version of the yet to be revealed 4 Series Gran Coupé and the new i3 will be nothing more than an electric variant of the 3 Series. For example, BMW is walking the same path with the already announced i5 and i7, so those types will be electrically powered versions of the next generations 5 and 4 series.
The BMW iX will roll off the production line in Dingolfing, Germany, from the second half of next year. Extensive information regarding the Dutch market will follow later.