BMW iX: Variant-wise features comparison

Based on the Vision iNext concept showcased in 2018, the all-new BMW iX is the marque’s first electric compact SUV. It is packed with a long list of BMW firsts including a new platform, a new design language, new connectivity tech, and more. The pre-bookings of the SUV in Malaysia have already started along with its live configurator. The latter offers seven unique add-on packages to the customers who pre-book the electric car before October 12, 2021. 

BMW Malaysia offers the iX in two trims - xDrive40 standard and xDrive40 Sport. In today’s story, we are going to compare their features. But before diving into that, let’s have a look at their prices.

BMW iX Price in Malaysia

Variant	Price (with a standard warranty and excluding SST exemptions)	Price (with an extended warranty package and excluding SST exemptions)
BMW iX xDrive40	RM 419,630	RM 435,800
BMW iX xDrive40 Sport	RM 472,630	RM 488,800

The standard warranty is of two years while with the extended package, customers get five years, unlimited mileage warranty, and six years/120,000 km service package. Just like other models of the BMW i lineup, the iX also comes with an 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty. 

Now, moving to the BMW iX variants comparison in terms of exterior, interior, powertrain, and safety. 

Exterior

The exterior design of the new BMW iX can be described as the face of a new movement. Its front has a powerful presence and dynamics which are rarely seen in a vehicle. At the center lies a vertical double kidney grille, whose closed characteristics symbolize the vehicle’s innovative drive system. It is paired with a 3D bonnet flanked by slender headlights.

The sports package adds closed triangular elements to emphasize the EV’s width. It also has the dynamic trapezoidal-shaped central design element which further underlines the overall sporty effect. 

On the sides, both variants are fitted with integrated side mirrors, doors with frameless windows, and electric door openers. Moving to the striking, dynamic rear end, here the EV gets the slimmest LED lights, tailgate extended across the entire width, and color-contrasting elements. The sports package also features a fascinatingly independent geometry on the rear bumper and body-colored diffuser.

Other differentiating exterior features are:

Specs	BMW iX xDrive40	BMW iX xDrive40 Sport
Headlights	LED headlamps with high-beam assistant	BMW Laserlight units with Dark finishing
Wheels	21-inch aerodynamic wheels (style 1010 bicolor 3D polished finish)	22-inch units (style 1020 bicolor 3D polished finish)
Panoramic roof	No	Yes
Brakes	Standard brakes	Sport brakes with blue calipers
Exterior Colours	5 options - Alpine White, Black Sapphire metallic, Sophisto Grey Brilliant effect metallic, Phytonic Blue metallic, Blue Ridge Mountain metallic	8 options - Alpine White, Black Sapphire metallic, Sophisto Grey Brilliant effect metallic, Mineral White metallic, Phytonic Blue metallic, Blue Ridge Mountain metallic, Individual Storm Bay metallic, Individual Aventurine Red metallic (pictured below)

Interior

The cabin of the BMW iX offers a modern feel-good atmosphere with fascinating design highlights, generous space, intelligent functions, and intuitive technologies. The common features available on both trims are: 

• Live Cockpit Professional system comprising a curved 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch central infotainment unit
• BMW Operating System 8
• BMW Connected Package Professional
• BMW ConnectedDrive Services
• Automatic air-conditioning with 4-zone control
• Charging flap in the rear side panel with LED feedback of charging status
• Multi-function buttons for steering wheel
• Ambient light
• Powered front seats with a memory function for the driver
• Wireless charger
• HiFi sound system
• Atelier interior package with components finished in Gold Bronze
• Sensatec synthetic leather (available in Mocha or Black) for the seats, dashboard, central console, and armrest

With the BMW iX xDrive40 Sport, the customers also get an 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, anthracite headliner, and pillar trims, and real wood and crystal cabin trimmings.

Powertrain

Both variants of the BMW iX are powered by the same dual-motor set up that churns out a maximum power output of 326 PS along with a peak torque of 630 Nm. The setup is mated to a 76.6 kWh battery pack that delivers an electric drive range of 425 km on the WLTP cycle. Performance numbers include a century sprint of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 200 kmph.

As for charging, the EV supports AC charging up to 11 kW that takes 7 hours and 15 minutes for a full charge. However, when charging with DC fast-charging up to 150 kW, the electric SUV takes only 30 minutes for 10 to 80% state of charge. 

Safety

In terms of safety, the electric SUV is loaded with several advanced safety systems. The variant-wise inclusions are -

Specs	BMW iX xDrive40	BMW iX xDrive40 Sport
Airbags	Six	Six
Driving Assistant Package	Lane departure warning, lane change warning, front collision warning with brake intervention, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear collision prevention	Driving Assistant Professional with adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, steering and lane control assist, automatic speed limit assist, and evasion assistant.
Parking Assistant	with Reversing Assist and Active Park Distance Control (PDC)	Parking Assistant Plus
Camera	Rear-view	Surround-view
Cruise control	Passive	Adaptive
Tyre pressure monitoring system	No	Yes

So, that was all about the two BMW iX variants presently on offer in Malaysia. The company will add the higher-spec xDrive50 and xDrive50 Sport to the iX range in the future.

Also read: BMW X5: Same price, other options