The new BMW iX electric SUV will become the company's "technology flagship" when it goes on sale at the end of next year.
The five-seat SUV will offer up to 500 hp from two electric motors that drive all four wheels. It will accelerate to 100 km/h in less than five seconds and have a range of more than 550 km.
The iX is BMW's second fully electric production model after the seven-year-old i3. The iX will compete with the Audi e-tron quattro and Mercedes-Benz EQC, as well as electric-only companies such as Tesla Model S and Nio ES8.
The exterior of the iX is largely similar to the X5. The interior, in turn, offers space comparable to the X7, thanks to an electric platform that makes extensive use of carbon fiber in its construction.
The car uses a new aluminum space frame that supports an internal structure of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic, and a body made from a combination of aluminum, composite plastic, and carbon fiber.
The iX adapts the controversial design of the 2018 iNext concept with a large blank grille, almost unadorned sides, frameless doors, fixed center pillars, and a tapered glass roof. The large grille, without a front radiator, houses cameras, radar, and sensors needed for driver assistance systems.
For the first time in a modern BMW model, the iX will have a fixed hood. "Without a traditional engine or front trunk, customers have no need to open the hood," said the head of BMW design. Access to the windshield washer fluid reservoir is through the BMW emblem above the grille. The traditional BMW Corona Light graphics have been replaced by a quartet of light bars at the top of the narrow headlights. Full LED lights are standard, although buyers can also choose laser headlights as an option.
Aerodynamic improvements, including a minimal air duct in the front bumper, flat underbody paneling, integrated door handles, and a tapered glass structure, contribute to the claimed drag coefficient of 0.25. Buyers will be able to order the iX in both standard style and M Sport style - the latter with a more aggressive front bumper.
The car has several wheel options, up to 22-inch aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels and tires with a profile of 275/40.
The company has not yet revealed details about trim levels, apart from the top-tier all-wheel-drive version with two motors. The individual outputs of the two electric motors, which maintain full power up to their peak revs, remain a secret for now. But it is known that the rear will be more powerful.
The iX transmits power to all four wheels. Although the drive split is not specified, it is expected to have a typical rear bias. The car will be offered with various battery options with a 100 kWh plus pack in the top model. With a claimed average energy consumption of 21.0 kWh per 100 km, this model will have a range of 600 km compared to the 400 km offered by the iX3's lithium-ion battery. The weight of the new iX will be approximately 2.5 tons.
The new system provides fast DC charging of up to 200 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 40 minutes. The standard charger operates at 11 kW, providing the same charge from 10 to 80 percent in 11 hours.
At the heart of the new BMW is a reinforced aluminum chassis with double wishbone suspension (front) and multi-link suspension (rear), providing active rear-wheel steering.
BMW is preparing a wide range of new features, including wireless functions using 5G autonomous driving technology.
The iX features a spacious cabin with a flat floor and natural materials. It uses recycled plastic and a new microfiber fabric for the seats. Up front is a hexagonal multifunction steering wheel with instruments and infotainment functions grouped together on a curved digital display panel, attached to the dashboard on a plastic mount inside the new head-up display.
The center console has been removed, along with controls, including the gear selector lever and a new version of the BMW iDrive rotary controller, mounted at the front of a high armrest. The remaining controls are located at the top of the door panels. There is no third row of seats.
No hints about the price of the new model have been officially presented yet.
