BMW iX electric SUV and i4 Gran Coupe to make North American public debut on June 4
BMW’s all-electric iX Sports Activity Vehicle i4 Gran Coupé Will debut to the media at [SPACE] by BMW, a new brand experience at The Grove in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 1 in a media event. On June 4, [SPACE] by BMW will open to the public until November 30.
BMW’s iX ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ at its recent Chinese Debut. Images: BMW
BMW’s all-electric iX Sports Activity Vehicle i4 Gran Coupé will debut to the media at [SPACE] by BMW — a new brand experience at The Grove in Los Angeles — on Tuesday June 1. On June 4, [SPACE] by BMW will open to the public until November 30.
The iX and i4 Gran Coupe will also be available to order from 3:01 p.m. PST / 6:01 p.m. EST on June 1, with deliveries estimated to commence in early 2022.
We’ve covered both global launches previously on EV Brief; The iX SAV in xDrive50 specification produces 370kW (503 PS) and offers a 600km (373 mi) WLTP range, while the iX xDrive40 produces 240kW (326 PS) and offers a 500km (310 mi) range. The performance-oriented i4 Gran Coupe will make 390 kW (530PS) in the top-level guise, with a range up to 590km (366mi) according to BMW.
[SPACE] by BMW is the brand’s chic take on redefining the customer experience, engaging local artist Spencer Mar Guilbert to collaborate on “the interior design, drawing inspiration from both the natural world and the iconography of street art” according to BMW. The two-story space will feature vehicle displays from BMW, BMW M, BMW i, MINI and BMW Motorrad.
“The debuts of the BMW iX and i4 are only the beginning,” said Uwe Dreher, vice president of marketing, BMW of North America. “We wanted to do something special to introduce these new vehicles, which is why we’ve created a brand platform in one of the most important electric vehicle markets in the world.” Dreher continued: “But [SPACE] by BMW will go beyond just vehicle debuts and displays. We will have a full schedule of programming and events which will create opportunities to engage and connect with consumers.”
The BMW i4 Gran Coupe.
Road tests begin of Amazon's new electric delivery vehicle built by Rivian
Amazon.com Inc. has received its first batch of Rivian Automotive electric delivery vans, and has put them to work on the streets of Los Angeles as part of a test phase for the vehicle. Amazon has released the below promotional video to mark the occasion, and they claim that there will be 10,000 Amazon custom delivery vehicles on the road as early as 2022.
Amazon and Rivian’s new van hits the road with 140 mile range and plans for 10,000 vehicles to be operational by 2022
Amazon.com Inc. has received its first batch of Rivian Automotive electric delivery vans, and has put them to work on the streets of Los Angeles as part of a test phase for the vehicle. Amazon has released the below promotional video to mark the occasion, and the company claims that there will be 10,000 zero-emissions Amazon delivery vehicles on the road as early as 2022.
Based on Rivian’s customisable skateboard platform, the vans can drive up to 150 miles (240 kilometres) on a single charge, making them perfect for last-mile delivery routes.
As a bespoke project for Amazon, it is understood that the two companies worked closely together to create a product with not only industry leading safety and design features, but with state of the art technology to assist a delivery driver’s workflow.
Amazon’s delivery van features 360 degree cameras and Alexa integration for the driver. Images: Amazon
Amazon’s custom made delivery van is based of Rivian’s modular skateboard architecture.
There are Three levels of shelving with a bulkhead door, which can easily be opened and closed for additional driver protection while on the road. The trucks feature Alexa integration for hands-free access to route information, and exterior cameras around the vehicle to give the driver a 360-degree view outside the vehicle.
Unfortunately Amazon has not revealed any details about the battery system, drivetrain or other specifications.
Speaking with CNBC, Ross Rachey, director of Amazon’s global fleet and products, stated that the company is proud of its electrification effort, with thousands of electric vehicle chargers in the pipeline for its North American and European facilities.
The rear of Amazon’s new delivery van will aid workflow for drivers
In support of The Climate Pledge, Amazon plans to be net-zero carbon by 2040 and also plans to power all operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025. The company eventually plans to have 100,000 fully-electric delivery vehicles on the road, with a target date of 2030 previously discussed. According to Bloomberg, Amazon has around 30,000 last-mile delivery vans currently in operation in the United States.
