The BMW Group has unveiled its new technology flagship: the all-electric BMW iX. The vehicle is still in the series development phase and is expected to go into production from the second half of 2021. The new BMW iX was developed from the BMW Vision iNext concept, though it has ditched the suicide doors of that concept. The all-electric iX has a great modern look to it, offers solid performance, an impressive range, and it also has a stunning interior with impressive technology. The iX is also predicted to achieve 300 miles of range in EPA testing, and it can reach 62 miles per hour in less than 5 seconds! While BMW calls its iX a sports activity vehicle, most people just consider it as an all-electric midsize SUV.
“The BMW iX is the first model based on a new, modular, scalable future toolkit developed by the BMW Group; its focus is a fresh interpretation of design, sustainability, driving pleasure, versatility and luxury,” writes the BMW Group in a press release.
“The BMW Group is constantly striving to re-invent itself,” adds Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG. “The BMW iX expresses this approach in an extremely concentrated form.”
To learn more about what makes the new iX so special, continue reading below!
Exterior
The BMW iX features a fresh design for a new sort of driving experience. It’s comparable with the BMW X5 in length and width, and it’s almost the same height as the BMW X6 thanks to its flowing roofline. When looking at the iX’s wheels, meanwhile, the BMW X7 may come to mind.
Powerful proportions, the minimalist use of character lines, and generously shaped surfaces help give the new iX its supreme look. You also may notice the accents in BMW i Blue that accentuate the sustainable character of the electric vehicle.
The expressive, vertical kidney grille stands out on the new iX. It actually serves as an intelligence panel as camera technology, radar functions, and other sensors are seamlessly integrated into the grille behind a transparent surface.
“The grille has reinvented itself as an innovative and multifunctional high-tech interface for the advanced driver assistance systems with which the BMW iX paves the way for automated driving,” writes the BMW Group in a press release.
You’ll also find the slimmest full-LED headlights ever for a series-produced model from BMX on the iX, as well as flush-fitted door openers, frameless side windows, a tailgate that extends across the entire rear, and also more slim LED lights at the rear. There’s also an optional panoramic glass roof that’s massive and features electrochromic shading!
Interior
The iX has an incredibly tasteful and spacious interior. BMW likes to say the vehicle was designed from the inside out. It features a curved, free-floating 14.9” touchscreen that complements a second 12.3” screen that serves as the digital dash. There are also newly developed seats with integral head restraints and a mixture of high-quality materials used throughout. The exceptionally large panoramic glass roof adds to the spacious feel of the iX, and it helps give the cabin a luxurious, lounge-like ambience.
“The drive concept means there is no centre tunnel, adding to the open, airy feel while also allowing extra legroom in the front and rear, sufficient space for storage facilities, and a centre console crafted to look like a high-quality piece of furniture,” writes the BMW Group in a press release. “The minimalistic design language and clearly structured surfaces shine an even brighter spotlight on the feeling of spaciousness inside the car.”
Sticking with the all-electric vibe of the vehicle, the displays and controls are all stripped down inside the iX to further reinforce the impression of an uncluttered cabin that offers a place of relaxation.
Other excellent features of the interior include the speakers that are integrated out of sight, the intricately styled air vents, heated surfaces, and the discreet recessing of the BMW Head-Up Display’s projector. It’s integrated seamlessly and almost out of sight in the surface of the instrument panel. The hexagonally shaped steering wheel, a stylish rocker switch for gear selection, and the stunning curved display of the next-generation BMW Operating System all contribute to a unique, modern feel. Speaking of that hexagonal steering wheel, the iX is the BMW Group’s first series-produced model to feature it! There are also newly designed multifunction buttons with it, and optional steering wheel heating now with three-stage control.
An optional Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System helps dial up your in-car audio experience. There are 30 speakers in total, eight of which are integrated in the head restraints of the front and rear seats.
All-Electric Performance
The energy and range of the BMW iX is said to benefit from innovative solutions in the areas of lightweight design and aerodynamics. It also utilizes the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology — which encompasses the two electric motors, the power electronics, the charging technology, and the high-voltage battery. The power unit (which the BMW Group says has been manufactured sustainably without the use of critical raw materials known as rare earths) will develop a maximum output of more than 500 horsepower and that’s enough power to get the BMW iX from 0 to 62 miles per hour in under 5 seconds! The all-wheel drive electric vehicle is also predicted to achieve a range of more than 300 miles in EPA testing.
What’s also nice is that the new charging technology of the BMW iX enables DC fast charging at up to 200 kW. That means the battery of the iX can be charged from 10 to 80 percent of its full capacity in under 40 minutes!
Other Details
Pricing details have not yet been released for the 2022 BMW iX, but experts are predicting it to have a starting price of over $100,000. The vehicle is expected to go into production in the second half of 2021 and makes its way to market as a 2022 model.
While the high price tag of the iX might deter some people from purchasing it and especially when you consider it’s up against stiff competition like the Tesla Model X, there will absolutely be people lining up to buy it. Electric vehicles are the way of the future and brands like BMW are hoping to capitalize on that trend and win over families who are increasingly wanting to drive more eco-friendly, stylish, and comfortable vehicles.
What do you think about the 2022 BMW iX? Let us know!