A vision is turning into reality, as the BMW Vision iNEXT becomes the BMW iX the brands new flagship electric SUV, with production expected at the end of 2021...
Conceived from the outset for purely electric mobility, the iX sees BMW redefining the successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. With its completely newly developed, precise and minimalist design, the BMW iX is the first representative of a trailblazing generation of cars poised to redefine the driving experience, the feeling of space inside and the relationship between vehicles and those on board.
The BMW iX harnesses the latest innovations in the fields of electrification, automated driving and connectivity to deliver a mobility experience which puts people more than ever at its heart. To this end, its design has been developed from the inside out. The BMW iX has been created to provide quality of life and wellbeing for drivers and passengers. The clear and minimalist design of its exterior showcases a new form of mobility geared squarely to the needs of the vehicle’s occupants. Its interior offers those on board innovative options for using the time during a journey – and enjoying relaxation, safety, security, and a new form of luxury in the process.
The BMW iX will go into production at BMW Plant Dingolfing from the second
half of 2021 as the BMW Group’s new technology flagship. It brings together
the company’s latest developments in the strategic innovation fields of
Design, Automated Driving, Connectivity, Electrification and Services. Added
to which, the vehicle concept and design of the BMW iX are rooted in an allembracing
approach to sustainability. This is reflected in areas of the car such
as its optimised aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight design and extensive
use of natural and recycled materials, which help to create a cutting-edge
sense of luxury and comprehensive feeling of wellbeing on board.
Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology delivers outstanding efficiency and long range.
The fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology – which encompasses the two electric motors, the power electronics, the charging technology and the high-voltage battery – guarantees exceptional efficiency. The power unit developed by the BMW Group has been manufactured sustainably without the use of critical raw materials known as rare earths and will, by the most recent calculations, develop maximum output of more than 370 kW/500 hp.That will be enough to power the BMW iX from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph)
The fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology – which encompasses the two electric motors, the power electronics, the charging technology and the high-voltage battery – guarantees exceptional efficiency. The power unit developed by the BMW Group has been manufactured sustainably without the use of critical raw materials known as rare earths and will, by the most recent calculations, develop maximum output of more than 370 kW/500 hp. That will be enough to power the BMW iX from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph)
in under 5.0 seconds.
At the same time, the vehicle’s clear aim is to post an exceptionally low
combined electric power consumption figure for its segment of less than
21 kWh per 100 kilometres (62 miles) in the WLTP test cycle. A gross energy
content of more than 100 kWh should enable the latest-generation highvoltage
battery to record a range of over 600 kilometres in the WLTP cycle.
That equates to more than 300 miles according to the EPA’s FTP-75 test
procedure. (All figures relating to performance, energy consumption and
range are predicted values based on the car’s current stage of development.)
DC fast charging: over 120 kilometres (75 miles) of extra range in ten minutes.
The new charging technology of the BMW iX enables DC fast charging at
up to 200 kW. In this way, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent
of its full capacity in under 40 minutes. Added to which, within ten minutes
enough energy can be fed into the battery to increase the car’s range by more
than 120 kilometres (75 miles). It takes less than eleven hours to charge the
high-voltage battery from 0 to 100 per cent at 11 kW from a Wallbox.
The batteries fitted in the BMW iX are designed as part of a long-term
resource cycle and enable an exceptionally high recycling rate. The power
used to produce the battery cells and the high-voltage battery as a whole
come exclusively from renewable sources.
Clearly designed surfaces, discreetly integrated technology.
The exterior design highlights of the BMW iX also include the slimmest headlight units ever to feature on a series-produced model from BMW, the flush-fitted door openers (operated at the press of a button), the frameless side windows, the tailgate – which has no separation joints and extends across the whole of the rear – and the likewise extremely slim rear lights.
At the centre of the front end stands the prominent, vertically emphasised kidney grille. Since the electric drive system of the BMW iX requires only a small amount of cooling air, the kidney grille is completely blanked off. Its role has duly turned digital and here it functions as an intelligence panel. Camera technology, radar functions and other sensors are integrated seamlessly into the grille behind a transparent surface.
The BMW kidney grille is not the only example of how the principle of shy tech has been integrated into the design of the BMW iX: an array of other cameras and sensors are likewise positioned discreetly, the door openers are flush, the filler neck for the windscreen washer fluid is concealed under the BMW logo on the bonnet and the rear-view camera has been integrated into the BMW logo on the tailgate. The technology stays in the background and only becomes apparent as and when the relevant functions are called into action.
Interior design: people at centre stage.
A high level of spaciousness, a mixture of high-quality materials, newly developed seats with integral head restraints and an exceptionally large panoramic glass roof immerse all five seats of the BMW iX cabin in a luxurious, lounge-like ambience. The all-new architecture of the BMW iX cabin underpins a perfectly clear and straightforward functionality that revolves entirely around the needs and emotions of the driver and their fellow occupants. 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 BMW
quality piece of furniture. The minimalistic design language and clearly structured surfaces shine an even brighter spotlight on the feeling of spaciousness inside the car.
The displays and controls are all stripped down to the essentials, further reinforcing the impression of an uncluttered cabin offering a place of relaxation. The technology of the BMW iX is used intelligently and only becomes visible when it is needed. This makes it intuitive to use rather than seeming overly complex. The interior design conveys a sense of safety and familiarity and engenders a new type of bond between occupants and vehicle.
The shy tech approach for the interior can be seen in a number of features, including speakers integrated out of sight, intricately styled air vents, heated surfaces and the discreet recessing of the BMW Head-Up Display’s projector into the instrument panel so it is almost invisible. The hexagonally shaped steering wheel, a rocker switch for gear selection and the BMW Curved Display – which forms part of the next-generation BMW Operating System – clearly advertise the futuristic form of driving pleasure on offer.
