BMW iX electric SUV debuts as the brand's new tech flagship

The first electric model from the ground-up since the 2013 i3, the BMW iX ushers in a new era of electric, connected & autonomous driving for the Munich-based marque.

What started life as the BMW Vision iNEXT Concept has culminated into Munich's all-new 'technology flagship' that goes by the name of BMW iX. Yes, this is BMW's all-new flagship EV and though shown today in 'near-production' form, folks at BMW have confirmed that the car will enter production, in more or less the same form, at their Dingolfing plant in the latter half of 2021. From there, the market launch is expected to take place towards the end of next year.

Powering the five-seater iX is BMW's fifth-gen eDrive system that offers a twin-motor layout and thus, four-wheel-drive. At this point, BMW has not revealed the exact figures but claims that the iX will produce north of 500bhp, with a 0-100km/h time of under five seconds. Thanks to a high-density battery pack of about 100kWh (gross figure), the iX's driving range (as per WLTP test cycle) is expected to be more than 600kms on a single full charge! Speaking of full charge, a conventional Wallbox can perform a complete charge in under 11 hours, while a DC fast charger can provide up to 80% juice (from 10%) in just 40 minutes. This is possible as the iX can support fast charging at up to 200kW. Ten minutes of fast charge can add up to 120kms of driving range. 

Though the BMW iX will feature bespoke semi-autonomous driving features and 5G-enabled connected car services (since it will serve as the flagship model for more upcoming BMW i models), it still features elements that make it resemble BMW's conventional model line-up. For example, the iX is almost as long and wide as the X5, as tall as the X6 and has been fitted with wheels the same size as the X7.

The iX is also about using technology discreetly. For example, the closed vertical kidney grille houses the array of sensors, radar for the ADAS and the front cameras, the door handles are flush and are activated at the touch of a button, the filler for the windscreen wash bottle is tucked away under the BMW logo on the bonnet and the rear-view camera is housed behind the BMW logo on the tailgate.

The iX also showcases the slimmest LED headlamps to have ever been fitted to a BMW series production model. It also features a hexagonal steering wheel, which is another first for a series BMW. The iX also features a fixed bonnet, since there is no real need to open it!

The BMW iX will compete with the likes of the Audi e-tron and the Mercedes-Benz EQC.

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