BMW iNext set to be unveiled on November 11

KUALA LUMPUR: It has been two years since BMW first showcased the iNext concept and projected the SUV as its answer to Tesla’s Model 3 with an expected electric range of over 600 km. Spy photographers have caught the electric iNext a number of times while testing on roads and now, at last, the German automaker has announced plans to unveil the real thing.

The production-spec BMW iNext will make its feature debut next week as part of the online events series starting on November 11. For this, BMW has set up a dedicated ‘NextGen’ section on its official website. However, it is just a partial reveal, which will be followed by the full-fledged global launch in early 2021. But hopefully, we will now get its real name rather than the goofy iNext moniker.

The six-part series will preview the development of the flagship EV that has “been made in the style of streaming services.” According to BMW, the unveiling will be “informative, playful, entertaining, ironic, and – at many times – surprising.” Numerous employees and celebrities will grace the show whose soundtrack is written by Oscar-winning artist Hans Zimmer. 

Although how much of the SUV will be revealed at the event remains uncertain at this moment. The exterior from every angle would certainly be there but interior images may or may not be showcased. 

According to earlier spy shots, the zero-emission SUV’s front design houses the tall kidney grille that we see on the new BMW 4 Series. And, the company’s own teasers have given an idea regarding its interior. It is expected to have a massive curved display integrating the driver’s digital display with the infotainment system and a two-spoke polygonal steering wheel. The iNEXT is also likely to get Level 3 semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

Coming to the technical specifications, the BMW iNext is expected to get different battery packs and various electric motor configurations. The base trim may have a total output of around 300 hp whereas the top-spec could get double of that. 

Once launched, the BMW iNext electric SUV will go against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi e-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace, and the upcoming Lucid AIr.

On the same day, the BMW Motorrad division will also showcase a new motorcycle and on November 17, Mini will pull the drapes of a new mysterious model.

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