BMW iX starts from €65,000 net

BMW plans to position the iX between the X3 and X5 but introduces a whole new chapter in terms of design and infotainment. The technical specifications are largely set, and the prices range from 77,300 euros gross, which is just under 64,960 euros net for the iX xDrive40, to 98,000 euros gross, which is about 82,350 euros net, for the iX xDrive50. The figures also determine the performance, which roughly corresponds to the six- and eight-cylinders of the X5. Expressed in kW, it is 240 and 370 kW respectively, that is 326 and 503 hp – more than enough. There was also talk of a 455 kW (619 hp) top model, which could launch as the iX xDrive60 M. But even the iX xDrive40 should accelerate to 100 km/h in less than six seconds and be content with 20.0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP. That would be a decent, if not outstanding figure. But here, all-wheel drive and frontal area take their toll.

Lightweight construction is relative: Not much can be achieved below 2.5 tonnes despite aluminum and carbon fiber

BMW can't cheat physics either. Our colleagues from the magazine Auto Motor und Sport, who were already able to take a test seat, found plenty of space both front and rear: Clearly, with an exact wheelbase of three meters. That's 2.5 centimeters more than the X5, with which the iX shares approximately the length (a good 4.90 meters), but it is built flatter and, at around 1.7 meters high, it is closer to X6 level. With the large wheels (21 and 22 inches, the latter almost corresponding to the truck standard format of 22.5 inches), the iX, however, resembles the X7. The iX has well concealed its size, and BMW once again relies on carbon fiber in the side frames, water channel, roof frame, windshield frame, and rear window frame to reduce weight. This creates a stable carbon-aluminum cage that should reduce the curb weight to around 2.5 tonnes. The size and equipment take their toll here.

Favorable: The cW value of 0.25

This also applies to the inherently favorable cW value of 0.25. BMW also puts significant effort here and sheaths the entire underbody as much as possible, which according to Auto Motor und Sport should provide a range gain of about 65 kilometers. Interesting: 15 kilometers of this are attributed to the so-called Air Performance wheels. Approximately 25 kilometers are contributed by an active air flap control, and additionally, they kept the seams as narrow as possible. Interesting: The front hood does not open, so unfortunately there is no "frunk". You can only snap open the logo by pressing on it to refill windshield washer fluid through the opening underneath. Only the workshop can open the "lid," which saves on mechanics and hood hinges – thus saving a few cents and a few grams of weight.

The iX 50 can be charged with up to 200 kW

Exciting: The iX platform, which is designed for purely electric models, remains a standalone, while the components will be used in many new models of the new CLAR architecture. So far, BMW states that the battery provides a gross energy content of more than 70 kWh, which should ensure a range of around 400 kilometers. The "smaller" battery can be charged with up to 150 kW DC, so that in ten minutes, power for about 90 kilometers can be recharged. The "complete" charging process from 10 to 80 percent should be done in less than 40 minutes. In the iX xDrive50, the battery should provide a gross energy content of more than 100 kWh. According to information from electrive.net, the usable energy content should also be in the three-digit range: As Electrive.net has learned from BMW insiders, the series model should provide 106 kWh gross, which should ensure ranges of around 600 kilometers. The DC charging power should be up to 200 kW, so that in ten minutes, power for 120 kilometers can be recharged. Here too, 10 to 80 percent should be recharged in less than 40 minutes.

BMW also plans to offer "Functions on Demand" for the iX in the future, which are vehicle features that can be added post-purchase. Additionally, it is introducing the new generation of the iDrive operating system, which is based on the new internally developed "BMW Operating System 8".

BMW also aims to set new standards in manufacturing: The new generation of electric motors will no longer use rare earth elements. The production of the cells at partner companies and the production of the iX itself at the Dingolfing plant are to be powered exclusively by green electricity.

What does this mean?

Although BMW has been engaged in electric mobility for a long time, the iX marks the beginning of a completely new chapter. This ranges from the platform to the infotainment and even the production process. It will be interesting to see how the new iX positions itself between the X3 and X5.