The first-ever BMW iX, which is currently undergoing its final phase of series development, will arrive in Australia in Q4 this year via two model variants – the iX xDrive40 and BMW iX xDrive50.
The new BMW iX redefines the successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept and is the first model based on a new, modular and scalable toolkit on which the future of the BMW Group will be built.
“Technology is driving the advances we need to tackle even the greatest challenges,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.
“We are in no doubt: mobility has to be sustainable if it is to represent a truly outstanding solution. For the BMW Group, premium mobility is not possible without responsibility.”
Perhaps the secret to this innovation comes in the fact the electric motor, transmission and power electronics of the BMW iX come together as a highly integrated package within a single housing.
This compact construction, in addition to optimised aerodynamics and intelligent design, significantly boosts the iX’s efficiency. As a result the iX xDrive50 features a range in excess of 600 kilometres in the Worldwide harmonized Light-duty vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). The WLTP-calculated range of the iX xDrive40 meanwhile is more than 400 kilometres.
The new charging technology of the iX enables DC (direct current) fast charging with extremely high charging power. The iX xDrive50 can replenish its high-voltage battery at up to 200kW, while the maximum charging capacity of the iX xDrive40 is 150kW. This means that a 10-minute plug-in time provides sufficient energy to add more than 120 kilometres and 90 kilometres of range respectively.
Advanced new technology toolkit
The new technology toolkit making its debut in the BMW iX provides the platform for significant progress in the areas of automated driving and digital services – with the level of computing power able to process 20 times the data volume of previous models. As a result, around double the amount of data from vehicle sensors can be processed than was previously possible.
“We are setting new industry standards with the technology in the BMW iX,” said Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.
“The iX has more computing power for data processing and more powerful sensor technology than the newest vehicles in our current line-up, is 5G-capable, will be given new and improved automated driving and parking functions and uses the high-performing fifth generation of our electric drive system.”
Fresh design
The clear and minimalist design of the iX exterior showcases a new form of mobility geared squarely to the needs of the vehicle’s occupants. Its interior offers 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 shows how we can give new technologies a very modern and emotional design. The car is technologically complex, but it feels very clear and uncomplicated,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.
“The BMW iX offers a mobile living space in which people will feel at ease, where the car’s intelligence is only there when you need it.”
The BMW iX xDrive40 and BMW iX xDrive50 will hit Australian shores in Q4, 2021.
