BMW’s high-tech iX electric SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) is headed to Australia in xDrive40 and xDrive50 variants.

The iX power is delivered via two electric motors – one at the front axle and one at the rear – and that power comes from a 100kWh battery pack in the xDrive50 and a 70kWh battery unit in the xDrive40.

Maximum output for the xDrive50 is over 370kW, while the xDrive40 gets 240kW. The BMW iX xDrive50 posts acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in under 5.0 seconds, while the BMW iX xDrive40 hits the same mark in a touch over 6 seconds. The top speed of both model variants is an electronically governed 200 km/h.

Range is in excess of 600km (in the WLTP combined test cycle) for the xDrive50 and 400km for the xDrive40.

The iX drive system comes via the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology centred around a drive unit which brings together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission as an integrated package within a single housing. BMW says that this design approach enables a power density around 30 per cent greater than earlier electric drive systems could offer.

The company adds that the compact and light construction – of aluminium and carbon fibre structure – also benefits the drive system’s efficiency.

New charging technology enables DC fast charging. BMW says the XDrive50 can be replenished at up to 200kW – meaning a 10-minute plug-in time will deliver 120km of range. Maximum charging capacity for the xDrive40 is 150kW, meaning a 10-minute charge delivers 90km of range. In both variants, the high-voltage battery’s charge can be increased from 10 to 80 per cent of its full capacity in under 40 minutes.

The smart-looking design of the iX models includes the famous kidney grille, although in this case, since the electric drive system requires only a small amount of cooling air, the grille’s role is now digital. Camera technology, radar functions and other sensors are integrated into it behind a transparent surface.

Standard are 20-inch light-alloy wheels with an aerodynamically optimised design. BMW says the Air Performance Wheels – optionally available in 21-inch and 22-inch formats – help to reduce drag. They comprise of an aluminium base wheel with customised inserts between the spokes that give them a flat design, resulting in far smoother airflow. Range is increased, the company claims, by as much as 15km courtesy of these wheels.

On the inside, the BMW Curved Display, making its production vehicle debut, is a frameless, single-piece glass surface, and serves as the central control element, bringing together the 12.3-inch Information Display and the 14.9-inch Control Display to form a single unit angled towards the driver. The latest generation of the BMW Head-Up Display is also available.

The Curved Display teams up with the next-generation BMW Operating System to deliver a new graphics experience with customisable display options.

The space gained from the absence of a centre tunnel has been used to create additional stowage in the centre console arean where there is a smartphone tray with inductive charging, a 12V power connection and two USB-C ports.

The BMW iX comes with 2.5-zone automatic climate control as standard, with the option of upgrading to a four-zone system. Nanofibre filter technology is used to purify the air inside the car.

The iX is available with the option of a panoramic glass roof – a single piece transparent surface, that includes electrochromatic shading.

A bespoke Harman Kardon Surround Sound System available as an option.

The newly developed seats for the driver and front passenger have integral head restraints and the option of integrating speakers into the seat structure.

They offer multi-way electric adjustment and there is an option for a massage function.

In Germany, the BMW iX xDrive40 will be available from €77,300 ($AU118,915).

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (April 2021)

16 April 2021