BMW has teased the iX for a long time, now the secret of the new E-SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW parlance) has been revealed (combined power consumption: 21 kWh; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g / km²). After the iX3, which is nothing more than an electrically powered BMW X3, the iX without numbering is still not based on a pure electrification platform from the Munich-based company (combined power consumption: 17.8 kWh; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g / km²). This should come in 2025 at the earliest, until then the basic combustion engine substructure will remain.
The exterior design
Before we get into the technical facts, take a look at the outer shell of the new BMW iX. The lines have already been heavily criticized on social media, especially the extra-large BMW kidney grille that is not well received. From now on, it no longer serves as an air supply, but as an “intelligence surface” and is home to various camera and sensor technology.
In the further course of the body, the frameless doors are noticeable, which initially appear unusual for an SUV the size of an X5. A narrow web within the C-pillar connects the rear side windows with the rear window, and very narrow taillights just allow the brand-typical light L to be seen. The body itself is made of aluminum and carbon, overall BMW states that a high proportion of recycled and natural materials was used.
The BMW iX measures around 4.90 meters in length and around 1.70 meters in height. The SUV weighs 2.5 tons and is on wheels in 20 to 21 inch format.
The interior
From the outside, to put it mildly, the BMW iX takes some getting used to, the interior of the BMW Stromer appears to be quite pleasing. Here, too, predominantly recycling materials were used, and many elements are reminiscent of the BMW i3. But they also seem to have orientated themselves to other cars outside of their own group. The continuous curved display looks a bit like borrowed from the Honda e, the seat adjustment moves to the door panels like Mercedes.
Everything in the BMW iX looks reduced to the essentials, and there are hardly any control buttons. To do this, it should align touch-sensitive surfaces that are not always directly recognizable as such. There is a touch-sensitive wooden surface around the central rotary push button, other elements are made of crystal glass.
Due to the lack of a central tunnel, the room concept appears more airy overall; the seats have integrated headrests and sustainable materials. When it comes to connectivity, BMW would like to once again move into the pioneering position. By integrating the 5G standard, both automated driving of the next level (if permitted by law) and even more intensive media use via in-car entertainment should be possible.
The technology
Here BMW is still covered, the iX is officially still in development status. Two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, should be good for a system output of 370 kW or 500 hp. The sprint from 0 to 100 km / h should succeed in 5.0 seconds, it can be assumed that the Stromer is limited to 180 to 200 km / h. Meanwhile, the 100 kWh battery should enable a range of up to 600 WLTP kilometers, charging takes place via AC or DC charging function between 11 and a maximum of 200 kW.
For the time being, BMW has given a combined power consumption of around 21 kWh per 100 kilometers, locally no CO2 emissions are released. Even during the production of the BMW iX, the Bavarians want to play the sustainability card and state that the high-voltage battery is only produced with renewable energy. The two electric motors, on the other hand, are supposed to do without rare earths.
Market launch and prices
BMW still emphasizes that the iX is a near-series vehicle, but not much should be changed until the planned market launch at the end of 2021. As far as prices are concerned, the Munich-based car maker has so far been silent. Due to the size of the vehicle and the competitive environment, around 90,000 euros are expected to be due for the 500 PS variant. Later, weaker performance variants could be submitted for 70,000 euros.
Conclusion
If you have to explain a design, it is no good BMW goes to great lengths to convince future customers of the new “kidney language” for the 4er and iX, but clearly fails because of the lack of necessity – especially with an electric car. Why an electric car has to look like one at all is incomprehensible. On the other hand, the interior looks well thought out and tidy, but how it can be operated will only show the future. It will also provide information about what to think of the range information. 500 electric horsepower doesn’t lure anyone out from behind the sofa, the technical effort required for this is low and stands in stark contrast to the noticeably green change of heart among the Munich residents. (Text: Thomas Vogelhuber | Pictures: Manufacturer)