BMW releases pricing information, additional details and images of iX electric SUV
The iX xDrive50 M Sport cuts an imposing figure. Images: BMW AG
iX range headlined by iX xDrive50 M Sport with 385 kW (530 PS), 765 Nm (564 lb-ft), 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds
iX xDrive 50 fitted with massive 111.5 kWh (105.2 kWh gross) battery while iX 40 utilises a 76.6 kWh (71 kWh gross) battery pack
iX xDrive 50 models offer 611 km (380 mi) WLTP range, iX xDrive 40 models 414 km (257 mi) WLTP range
New technology including all-wheel-drive system with near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology
Price from £69,905 (UK OTR) / $84,195 (US - xDrive 50 only) / € 77,300 (Ger) / $135,900 (AU)
European and Australian customer deliveries are expected from late 2021, North American deliveries will begin in Q1 2022
A performance-focused tech-laden SUV
BMW is on a global electric vehicle model offensive, with the iX3 recently launched in Europe and China, and the i4 sedan making its public debut last week for the first time. With the worldwide success of the BMW X-series SUVs, the Munich automaker has prioritised bringing the iX range to customers over the i4, as it looks to capture market share from the established Audi e-tron and Tesla’s Model X series, and beat the likes of Volvo and Porsche to market with a full-size electric SUV.
BMW is looking to ensure the iX xDrive40 and xDrive50 models live up to the “Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline. The iX features an aluminium spaceframe construction, with Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) components for the side frame, rain channels, roof frame, cowl panel and rear window frame. These form a lightweight, torsion-resistant ‘Carbon Cage’.
BMW also includes front and rear anti-roll bars on the iX combined with a hydraulic damping system, to optimise the vehicle’s ride between comfort and sport driving. There’s a front double-wishbone suspension for higher steering precision, and a five-link rear suspension and aluminium again used on control arms, steering forks and the like for weight savings and improve chassis response.
The performance is impressive across the range; the “base” xDrive40 model delivers 240kW (326 PS) and 630Nm (465 lb-ft), for a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) time of 6.1 seconds. WIth 385 kW (530 PS) and 765 Nm (564 lb-ft), the xDrive 50 M Sport hits the 100 km/h benchmark in 4.6 seconds.
A new generation of battery technology
BMW is supplied with battery cells to exacting specifications by CATL, Northvolt and Samsung SDI, and assembles the battery modules at its own plants. BMW claims a 20 percent energy density improvement over previous generations’ technologies, and the xDrive 40, with 77 kWh, offers a WLTP rated range of 425 km (264 mi). The monstrous 112kWh pack in the xDrive 50 M Sport claims a 630 km (391 mi) WLTP range.
The BMW iX range can also charge at up to 200 kW using a DC fast charger. BMW claims 90 miles (145 km) of range can be added in just ten minutes at 200 kW. The iX can also replenish its battery from 10-80 percent in less than 40 minutes. It’s worth pointing out that Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 has already demonstrated its market-leading charging prowess in the real world, replenishing 10-80% of range in 18 minutes when plugged into a 350 kW DC charger, and adding 62 miles (100km) of range in four minutes.
Australian Models and Pricing:
The BMW iX line-up in Australia.
UK Models and Pricing
The BMW iX line-up in the UK.
