BMW iX electric SUV revealed, to rival Tesla Model X

KUALA LUMPUR: BMW has finally revealed its much anticipated iNext electric SUV, however with a new name - iX. It is underpinned by automaker's latest modular toolkit platform and is designed in lines of the brand's new design theme.

It is built with a mix of an amazing set of materials including - high-strength steels, carbon fibre, aluminium, and thermoplastic.

Let's start by discussing BMW iX SUVs green credentials, meaning its electric powertrain. Though the automaker is numb about several of the car's technical details, it did reveal that the iX will be powered by BMW's fifth-gen electric engine making over 500 PS of power and would complete 0 to 100 kmph sprint in less than 5 seconds. The largest battery option will have a capacity of more than 100 kWh, capable of doing 600 km in a single charge.

The iX is BMW flagship electric SUV, therefore will come with fast charging capabilities. It is capable of up to 200kW of DC fast charging, going from 10 to 80 percent charge in 40 minutes. Also, a quick 10-minute charge will result in a 125 km range.

BMW iX dimensions and exterior highlight

• In terms of length and width, the iX is almost the same as the X5 and is as tall as the X6. Its wheelbase measures 3000 mm, while its wheel-size is identical to that of X7
• The front is dominated by a massive vertical double kidney grille with 3D pyramid structure. It gets self-healing polyurethane coating that shields it from minor damage
• On the lightning front are present flat LED headlights with eyebrow DRLs and L-shaped taillights. Note both the front and rear light panels are slimmest ever fitted in a production BMW
• It runs on aerodynamically optimised wheels measuring between 20-22 inches. The Large Air Performance wheels cut unsprung weight and also contribute to car's impressive 0.25 drag coefficient figure

• Adding an oomph factor to the design are squared-off fender bulges, angular side window graphic with Hoffmeister kink
• The Shy Tech feature works hard to conceal the car's functionality, for instance, the cameras and sensors required for autonomous driving hide in the grille along with the washer and heater. The front and rear washers pop out of the BMW badge present at both ends. The door handles are in-line with the bodywork
• The iX gets the trademark BMW i brand blue accents. Part of its optional styling kit is a Sport package and Titanium Bronze exterior trim

BMW iX cabin features

• The BMW flagship SUV gets a lounge-like ambience, the ornamentation on the dashboard is limited to a humongous curved display and slim bronze air-con vents
• Making its debut in the iX is a hexagonal two-spoke steering wheel. Behind it is a head-up display

• The curved panel is covered by a single piece glass and is split into two parts - a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen display and 12.3-inch instrument cluster

• The iDrive rotary controller is retained and in iX SUV is placed on the floating control panel
• Physical buttons are replaced by haptic controls - part of the Shy Tech philosophy

• Under the control panel are present a Qi wireless charging tray, two USB-C ports, cupholders, and a 12V power socket

• As optional are available electrochromic panoramic sunroof and a central armrest with heating

That’s all the info we have at the moment on the BMW iX, more is expected to be revealed in the months to follow.

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