The new BMW iX electric SUV from 100,000 euros

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At the end of 2020, BMW revealed, with controversy included in social networks, the first images of the BMW iX, its electric SUV flagship. Today, coinciding with the BMW i4, the German brand shows us the final version and technical details of the new BMW iX.

This rival to the Tesla Model X and the Audi e-tron is the series version of the model that the 2018 BMW iNext concept car had anticipated. This new SUV has nothing to envy in terms of dimensions to the Model X. The iX measures 4,95 m long by 1.97 m wide and 1.69 m high, with a wheelbase of 3 meters, and the weight starts at 2,440 kg. In dimensions, it is very close to the BMW X5. It is not just a matter of design; the BMW iX is a massive and solid electric car.

Beyond the grille, which must be the largest in the range along with the X7, the iX has some curious details. For example, it is the first BMW to be presented with a fixed hood. As there was no provision for a front boot (there are the auxiliary systems), it was decided to design it without hinges.

Thus, it can only be opened in the workshop for maintenance purposes, as a unique tool is required. The windshield washer reservoir is integrated into the BMW emblem: when pushed, the hinges open backwards, allowing the bottle to be filled with fluid. It is the only thing we can open.

The BMW iX electric SUV has a widely modified version of the CLAR platform with a partial carbon fibre construction on a structural level. And like the BWM i4, it has the same fifth-generation powertrain, including batteries that increase with an energy density 30% higher than that used by the BMW i3, the first electric BMW.

The iX range consists, at the time of its launch, of two versions, both with all-wheel drive and with a third, the 600 hp iX M60, scheduled for 2022.

The cheapest electric model is the iX xDrive40, for 85,850 euros. The iX is equipped with two electric motors (one on each axle) that offer all-wheel drive and total power of 240 kW (326 hp) and 630 Nm. According to BMW, this SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.1 seconds. The battery has a useful capacity of 71 kWh (76.6 kWh in total) and certifies a range of 425 km in the WLTP cycle.

The BMW iX offers a fast charge of up to 150 kW in direct current in this access version. Thus, you can recover 90 km of autonomy in 10 minutes or recharge the battery from 10 to 80% in 31 minutes. The full charge of the battery from scratch in alternating current, but with an 11 kW wall box, takes just over eight hours.

The second version available will be the BMW iX xDrive50, for 102,600 euros. It also has two engines and all-wheel drive but develops 386 kW, 523 hp, and delivers 765 Nm of torque. This power allows it to reach 100 km / h in 4.6 seconds. In this case, BMW has installed a 111.5 kWh battery for a functional capacity of 105.2 kWh. It is the largest battery that equips a large series car in Europe, with the permission of the Rimac Nevera of two million euros and its 120 kWh battery. Furthermore, BMW assures that the iX electric car has a range of 630 km in the WLTP cycle.

The battery allows a fast charge in direct current (DC) of up to 200 kW, allowing to recover 120 km of autonomy in 10 minutes of charge and go from 10 to 80% in 35 minutes. At home, with an 11 kW wall box, it takes 11 hours to charge the battery from zero to 100%.

BMW iX electric car

Onboard, we find the design more innovative than the exterior, with a look that combines BMW tradition and minimalism. But, of course, it also has a double-curved screen that makes up a single unit. Its size is the same as in the BMW i4: 12.3 inches for the instrument panel and 14.9 inches for the infotainment.

Another vital element of the equipment is the automatic air conditioning system that includes a nanofiber filter to purify the air and new controls with a touch screen, they say from BMW. The technique combines interior ventilation and heating of the surfaces, the seats and the steering wheel to maximize the feeling of well-being of the occupants.

The optional Bowers Wilkins Diamond Surround sound system is another first for the BMW iX electric car. This sound system uses built-in and out-of-sight speakers in the headrests and a 4D audio function that uses bass shakers in the front seats.

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