This BMW iX is the brands first EV SUV that was designed that way from the start. The brand does have another EV SUV, the iX3 based on the X3. After loads of teasers from BMW, we now get to see their competition to the likes of the Audi E=Tron, Mercedes EQC and the Jaguar-i-Pace.
A completely new look on the BMW iX.
The BMW iX is based on the concept car called the iNext and it stays incredibly close to its design. This does include the absolutely massive grille. BMW just cannot let go of their grilles.
It does still have a purpose, even though the car doesn’t need air intakes. It now houses a host of sensors for the cars driving assistance and 5G technology that we will discuss later on. Because scratches on this “grille” would hinder the sensors, BMW has given it a self-healing coating.
Both headlights and taillights are incredibly thin, although not as thin as the concept. Those headlights also feature daytime running LEDs that serve as the indicators too. Like the rest of the car, those headlights are highlighted with light blue stripes.
Yes, light blue means electric and BMW wants you to know it. Although not every paint scheme includes these highlights. What we would really like to know is why are there still creases in the front bumper where air inlets would normally be?
We do like the design of the new iX. BMW clearly went all out on this car and it shows. This is especially true when you start looking at the aerodynamics.
Despite being an SUV, BMW managed to get the drag coefficient to that of their sleek coupés. This will make the ride quieter and boost the range. BMW says that the range boosting is up to 64 km.
Brand new cabin design taking full advantage of the EV platform.
The cabin is like no other BMW before it. It’s a completely new design, taking full advantage of the benefits that come from EVs. For starters, a completely flat floor.
In terms of space, the iX is about the same size as an X5, except this time with only five seats instead of seven. The interior space seems more than the X5, especially for the front seats. This is all thanks to the divide between the centre console and the dashboard.
They are not connected at all. Instead of a place for old physical buttons, there is now just an open space. Instead of buttons, the iX has everything linked to the infotainment that can be controlled using the tidy panel in the centre console.
Speaking of the infotainment, BMW has given the iX a single and wide curved screen. Much like the latest models from Mercedes-Benz. This includes a 12-inch driver’s display and a 15-inch touchscreen.
The system also comes with the latest BMW Drive and personal assistant. Both of which are incredibly useful for controlling the features of a car with ease.
BMW put the iX above its competition.
With dual-motors attached to a 100 kWh battery, the BMW iX produces 370 kW and has a range of over 600 km. This puts the iX above most of its competition. As for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint, no official times have arrived but BMW says under 5 seconds.
If you can find one, which is not likely in South Africa, you could plug the iX into a 200 kW fast charger which can charge the EV up in a very short amount of time.
We said we would discuss the 5G technology and here it is. Those sensors behind the massive “grille” connect to an incredibly fast computer to process live data instantly. This will allow the car to communicate with others to give you very useful information about your surroundings. This includes:
- Heavy traffic
- Upcoming road signs
- Free parking
BMW’s response to the negative criticism.
The design of the iX is rather ‘out there’ for BMW and for that, many of their fans have gotten upset. In response, BMW has released a short video addressing this criticism titled “What’s your reason not to change?”
BMW are clearly not backing down from their design choices and we are very happy that they are not. EVs are pushing the traditional design values of combustion cars because they do not have the same physical needs. New technology is also a huge factor that moves the look of these new cars.
Change is expected, and we like what BMW is doing with it. However, it would be unfair to exclude the fans of more traditional design and for that, BMW still has a plethora of other options. The iX3 comes to mind in the EV range.
