BMW iX: Start of a New Era!

Chapeau! BMW has relatively successfully carried many of the crazy ideas from the I next into the series version iX, even if that didn't quite work out in terms of proportions and the "SAV," the "Sports Activity Vehicle," looks a bit like it sags backward when viewed from a certain angle.

Even though the design, especially on the outside, has (unfortunately) been significantly simplified, inside BMW opens a completely new chapter. This is also because they have massively ramped up their efforts in automated driving and connectivity, aiming to create a "mobility experience" that puts people more than ever "at the center." And it is evident that the design has been developed from the inside out.

"The BMW Group is constantly striving to reinvent itself. This is a central part of our corporate strategy,"

explains Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. And he adds:

"The BMW iX expresses this approach in especially concentrated form."

500 HP and less than five seconds from 0 to 100 km/h

So the BMW iX will be produced from the second half of 2021 as the new technology flagship of the BMW Group in the BMW Dingolfing plant. But one step at a time: The iX is also driven by the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology, which includes the two electric motors, the power electronics, the charging technology, and the high-voltage battery. The self-developed drive, produced in a sustainable process without the use of critical raw materials from the so-called rare earth range, is said to generate a peak output of more than 370 kW/500 HP and accelerate the iX from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5.0 seconds, according to BMW's latest calculations. This would once again bring it to par with Tesla and others in terms of performance.

However, no records are likely to be broken with consumption: BMW claims less than 21 kWh per 100 kilometers in the WLTP test cycle. This should enable the 100-kWh battery (gross) to achieve more than 600 kilometers in the WLTP cycle, which is mathematically rather difficult since the battery should then offer over 124 kWh gross. This corresponds to more than 300 miles according to the EPA FTP-75 test cycle. However, BMW has not yet provided certified values: All statements regarding performance, energy consumption, and range are predictions based on the vehicle's current state of development.

But they also aim to improve in DC fast charging: It should be possible to achieve DC fast charging with up to 200 kW. This means the battery could be charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 40 minutes. Additionally, enough energy can be supplied within ten minutes to increase the range by more than 120 kilometers. Charging the high-voltage battery from zero to 100 percent at a wallbox with an output of 11 kW currently takes less than eleven hours, according to BMW.

The new technology platform used in the BMW iX also forms the basis for significant advances in the areas of automated driving and digital services, although they have stepped back from the autonomous driving functions once announced. However, the computing power is designed to process 20 times the data volume compared to previous models. This should allow, according to BMW, about twice as many sensor data to be processed as before.

Not at all shy: the "Shy Tech"

Just like the BMW kidney grille, numerous discreetly positioned cameras and sensors, and the flush door handles, the windshield washer inlet under the BMW logo on the hood and the rearview camera integrated into the BMW logo on the tailgate are examples of the Shy Tech principle implemented in the design of the BMW iX. This principle translates as: The technology is highly modern but remains in the background, and its functions only come to the fore in the moment of use.

BMW envisions the interior to be completely new and as comfortable as a lounge: This includes generous space, a high-quality material mix, newly developed seats with integrated headrests, and an exceptionally large panoramic glass roof. All this is designed to create a luxurious lounge atmosphere in the interior for all five seats. The completely newly developed interior architecture of the BMW iX allows for clear and straightforward functionality focused entirely on the needs and emotions of the driver and passengers. The omission of a central tunnel, made possible by the drivetrain concept, reinforces the open space feel and creates additional legroom in the front and rear seats, as well as space for storage and a center console designed like a high-quality piece of furniture. All displays and controls are reduced to the essentials, further enhancing the impression of a tidy and relaxing interior.

Here, too, the technology is meant to be visible only when needed. This makes it not seem complex but intuitive to use. "Shy Tech" is also manifested inside through invisibly integrated speakers, delicate air vents, heated surfaces, and the very homogeneously and almost invisibly embedded projector in the instrument panel for the BMW Head-Up Display. In contrast, the square-hexagonal steering wheel is reminiscent of the Austin Allegro.

The body now relies on an aluminum space frame with a carbon cage, which is intended to lead to an extremely high torsional rigidity for the benefit of agility and maximum passenger protection, while optimizing weight. BMW prefers not to reveal how high that weight is - under two tons would be a truly effective value. The material mix is also supposed to help with driving dynamics. With an air resistance coefficient (CW value) of 0.25, the iX has very favorable aerodynamics in its vehicle segment. It remains to be seen how the car will be priced and positioned alongside the X5 and co.

What does this mean?

The i next has become the iX – which, despite some new and innovative ideas, no longer looks as futuristic on the outside as the concept did, but on the inside, it has managed to incorporate a surprising amount of the concept's ideas into the production model. In any case, it is the statement BMW needs for the future and offers support for the X5 to X7 models in case their sales should decline in the future. Its appearance cleverly disguises its size, matching that of the X5.