[Auto] BMW iX: the 500hp electric SUV just around the corner

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BMW's newly introduced iX electric SUV already looks pretty much like it will when it hits production. A launch that the German brand has accompanied by a large amount of technical data and specifications.

As described by those responsible, it will be BMW's "technology flagship" when it goes on sale at the end of 2021. It is a five-seater SUV that will deliver up to 500 hp of combined power, thanks to its two engines electrical Therefore, like the Tesla Model X, it will have four-wheel drive.

IX acceleration and autonomy
According to BMW R&D chief Frank Weber, it will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in less than 5 seconds and reach 600 km of autonomy. Some very striking data, even more so considering that it will be the second 100% electric production model from BMW. They had only made the i3 before, with much more modest capabilities.

Weber said the iX logo was chosen to make it clear that it will occupy one of the highest rungs in BMW's electric range. In addition, it will serve as a display of the technology they are capable of offering. This model will carry the latest update to BMW's electric powertrain (5th generation) and will also offer high levels of autonomous driving technology and connectivity.

The iX will face models such as the Audi e-tron quattro and the Mercedes-Benz EQC, as well as the models of brands specialized in electric cars such as the Tesla Model X and the Nio ES8.

 

Bigger inside than it seems
Weber stated that although it is generally similar in size to the BMW X5, the interior of the iX "offers roominess and cargo space comparable to the X7". Something that it achieves thanks to its electric platform, which leaves more spaces available for the cabin and the trunk.

In addition, it is a new platform that uses carbon fiber to a large extent, so it will be light within its category of 100% electric large SUV. Which will place it close to 2.5 tons. Its chassis is made of aluminum with double wishbone suspension at the front and multi-link at the rear, with active steering on the rear wheels.

BMW's change of course
The iX has the internal codename i20 (not to be confused with the Hyundai i20). It is a change of plans within BMW, which had announced that its future electric models would be mounted on the same platforms as its current gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrid cars.

It uses a new aluminum frame that supports an internal carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) frame. Plus a body made from a combination of aluminum, composite plastic, and carbon fiber.

This platform is described by Weber as a "totally new development", although it indicates that it is "highly compatible" with the CLAR platform used for the Series 3 and X5. Something that could suggest that key elements of its engineering will be used by other new BMW i sub-brand models in the future.

This would allow BMW to produce the iX alongside the Series 5, 6, 7 and 8 at its factory in Dingolfing, Germany. So its production would not involve the creation of new specialized plants.

The iX adopts the controversial design of the 2018 iNext concept. That is, a large 'double kidney' mock grille, almost no trim sides, frameless doors and fixed B-pillars. Not needing a front radiator, this grille is only maintained to maintain BMW's brand identity and to house the cameras, radar and sensors necessary for autonomous driving systems.

 

Look no further, the hood cannot be opened ...
For the first time on a modern BMW model, the iX will feature a fixed clamshell-style hood. As described by the brand: "Without a traditional engine or a front trunk, customers do not need to open the hood."

For maintenance issues such as the windshield washer tank, it is accessed via the BMW emblem on the grille. The traditional BMW light design has been replaced by a quartet of light bands on top of very slim headlamps. The lights are full LED type and will be included as standard, although buyers may also specify laser lights as an option.

The aerodynamics of the BMW iX have been optimized to reduce air resistance with the air ducts in the front bumper, flat panels under the body, integrated door handles and a lowering roof. Thanks to this, the brand announces a drag coefficient (Cx) of only 0.25.

Buyers will be able to order the iX in its standard version or with a so-called M Sport. The latter has a more aggressive front bumper, which is what you can see in the main image of this article.

The wheels on the BMW iX will be similar to those on the X7, but with aerodynamically optimized rims. Its measurements, therefore, will be large with 22 inches and 275/40 tires.

 

BMW iX engine and battery
BMW has yet to reveal details of the variants it has planned beyond the top-of-the-range version with twin-engine, four-wheel drive and 500 hp. The individual powers of the two electric motors remain secret for now, although Weber indicated that the rear will be the most capable: "We have designed the powertrain to support between 121 hp and 402 hp per axle, front and rear." With which its maximum speed will be greater than 200 km / h.

The iX will be offered with different battery options with a “100 kWh plus” unit installed in the top-end model. So with a declared average energy consumption of 21 kWh / 100 km, it will reach more than 600 km according to the mark.

The new charging system employed by the iX allows optional DC fast charging of up to 200 kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in less than 40 minutes. Its standard charger runs at 11 kW, which provides the same amount of charge in 11 hours.

BMW is preparing a wide range of connectivity and sensor functions. "The iX has a more capable processing unit than the latest models in our current lineup," said Weber. Wireless functionality is included via 5G and Level 3 autonomous driving technology.