As anticipated, BMW has definitively removed the veils on the project so far known by the name BMW iNext . Which becomes BMW iX , or a SAV ( Sports Activity Vehicle) fully electric based on 5th generation eDrive technology and with an estimated autonomy of over 600 kilometers in the WLTP cycle (300 miles according to the FTP test procedure – 75 of the EPA). This is a “first look” , for a vehicle still under development which is expected to debut on the market by the end of 2021.

BMW iX: new electric SAV for the Bavarian home

The BMW iX is the first model based on a new modular and scalable technology set developed by the BMW Group and focused on a new interpretation of design, sustainability, driving pleasure , versatility and luxury. The Bavarian house defines it as its “technological flagship” and sets the start of volume production in the second half of 2021 at the BMW plant in Dingolfing . The iNext project, which was anticipated for the first time even in 2018, brings together the latest developments in ” company in the fields of strategic design innovation, automated driving, connectivity, electrification and services.

5th generation BMW eDrive technology

The term eDrive refers to the combination of the two electric motors, the power electronics, the charging technology and the high-voltage battery. The powertrain developed by the BMW Group has been sustainably produced without the use of critical raw materials known as rare earths and, according to promises, will develop a maximum power of over kW / 500 CV . This will be enough to accelerate the BMW iX from 0 to 75 km / h (62 mph) in less than 5 seconds .

At the same time , the clear objective of the vehicle is to record a very low combined electricity consumption for its segment of less than 21 kWh per 100 kilometres (62 miles) in the WLTP test cycle for one energy content gross of more than 100 kWh .

The new charging technology of the BMW iX enables DC fast charging up to 200 kW . In this way, the battery can be charged by 10 to 80% of its full capacity less than 40 minutes . Furthermore, within ten minutes it is possible to put enough energy into the battery to increase the range of the car by more kilometres (75 miles). It takes less than eleven hours to charge the high voltage battery from 0 to 100 percent to 11 kW from a Wallbox .

The batteries installed in the BMW iX are designed as part of a long-term resource cycle and allow for a very high recycling rate. According to BMW, the power used to produce the battery cells and the high voltage battery as a whole comes exclusively from renewable sources .

The Bavarian company promises important steps forward also in terms of automated driving with, specifically, a level of computing power was developed to process 20 times the data volume of previous models. As a result, approximately twice as much data can be processed from vehicle sensors than was previously possible.

The new BMW iX design

exterior of the BMW iX represents a distinctive reinterpretation of the mighty proportions of a large BMW SAV. The BMW iX is comparable in length and width to the BMW X5 and is almost the same height as the BMW X6 with a flowing roof line. The size of its wheels, meanwhile, is reminiscent of the BMW X7 .

The sharp lines, clear structure and almost rectangular contours around the wheel arches contribute to an impressive body design. In the center of the front is the prominent double kidney grille , developed vertically. Since the BMW iX’s electric propulsion system requires only a small amount of cooling air, the kidney grille is completely closed. Its role has become digital with intelligent panel function. The camera technology, radar functions and other sensors are integrated into the grille behind a transparent surface.

The grille of the BMW iX was developed and produced at the technology and lightweight design center LuTZ of the BMW Group in Landshut . Together with optimized aerodynamics, lightweight design has a positive effect on both the performance and range of the purely electric SAV. The BMW iX boasts exceptional aerodynamics for its class, with a drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0, 25 .

The car body structure, characterized by an aluminum spaceframe and an innovative carbon cage, boasts an extremely high torsional stiffness, which in turn improves agility and maximizes occupant protection, while reducing minimum weight. The intelligent mix of materials helps to give the BMW iX an immediate and precise response to every movement of the accelerator and every change of direction.

The interiors

The displays and controls are all reduced to the essentials , further reinforcing the impression of an orderly environment that offers a place of relaxation. The technology of the BMW iX is used intelligently and only becomes visible when needed . This makes it intuitive to use rather than seem overly complex. BMW refers to the integrated speakers, fine air vents, heated surfaces and discreet headlight recess of the BMW Head-Up Display in the instrument panel. The hexagonal shaped steering wheel , a rocker switch for gear selection and the curved BMW display – which part of the new generation BMW operating system – complete the interior equipment.