BMW was one of the first manufacturers to develop an EV with its funky i3, and since then the brand has gone on to have one of the largest ranges of electrified models of any manufacturer.
But it’s not stopping there and the next piece of the puzzle is the iX, revealed today as the production version of the heavily-teased iNEXT.
The iX will act as the electric BMW flagship and is set to pave the way for a range of advancements from BMW when it arrives at the end of 2021, but why is it so important?
Here are five things you need to know about it…
It sits on an all-new underpinnings
Developed from the outset to be an EV, the iX sits on completely new underpinnings from BMW. Its structure, made from a mix of carbon and aluminium ensures maximum stiffness while limiting the weight of the car as well.
These new underpinnings also allow for a range of enhancements – some of which we’ll get on to later – in terms of technology and spaciousness.
Strong performance and long electric range promised
Despite being revealed in near-production form, BMW is still finalising powertrain details on the iX while it’s still in development.
However, there are some seriously impressive figures promised. Its two electric motors are set to generate more than 500bhp in its most powerful form, while BMW is also targeting a 100kWh battery, which will be one of the largest of any EV on sale today. The German manufacturer says that could allow for a range of 370 miles.
It will also be equipped with 200kW DC rapid charging capability – meaning that battery could be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 40 minutes.
Its grille hides the multitude of cameras enabling self-driving capability
While BMW hasn’t revealed too much information about the iX’s self-driving capabilities, the firm has previously said it will have greater autonomous capabilities than just about any other car on sale.
And while the iX’s bold design might look like it’s for show, hidden behind that prominent blanked-off grille (EVs don’t need the same level of cooling as a normal car) will be a range of sensors and cameras that will enable such self-driving ability – BMW calling it ‘shy tech’.
It has an exceptionally minimalist interior
BMW interiors are some of the best around, but the iX aims to take things up a level, with a completely new design.
For starters, the iX is the first BMW to feature a large digital dial screen that runs into a large touchscreen infotainment system – with both giving the car a more minimalist feel. The firm also says that displays and controls have been ‘all stripped down to the essentials’. That means getting rid of most physical buttons and embracing more of this so-called ‘shy tech’ – examples being hidden speakers and a head-up display projector that’s out of sight.
Remarkably spacious
Starting from scratch with a new platform is something that provides greater freedom, and that’s true with the iX. And the key benefit of all of this is spaciousness.
So while this new electric SUV might be a similar size to the brand’s popular X5 model, the room inside is said to be closer to that of the X7. BMW also says the spaciousness helps to create a ‘luxurious, lounge-like feel’.
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