Self confidence. iX is BMW's new technological flagship

The BMW iX is a new interpretation of design, sustainability, driving pleasure, versatility and luxury. Originally designed for electric driving, it reimagines the entire concept of SportsActivity Vehicle (SAV) and opens up a new driving experience, a sense of interior space, the relationship between car and person.  

New technology flagship 

The BMW iX embodies the character of the BMW i brand as much as possible, whose mission is to transform the personal transport industry. Today, BMW i is the “workshop of the future” for the entire BMW Group.  

“The BMW Group is constantly striving to reinvent itself. This is a central element of our corporate strategy,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Management Board of BMW AG. “And the BMW iX expresses this approach in an incredibly concentrated form.

The car incorporates all the latest developments of the concern in the field of design, electrification, autonomous and "connected" driving. The concept and design of the BMW iX is as environmentally friendly as possible. This is reflected in improved aerodynamics, lightweight construction and extensive use of natural and recycled materials.

Production of the BMW iX, the new technology flagship of the BMW Group, will begin in the second half of 2021 at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing.

Power reserve

The fifth generation of BMW eDrive electric drive technology, which includes two electric motors, power electronics, charging technology and a high-voltage battery, guarantees the exceptional efficiency of the new SAV.

At the same time, the power plant developed by the BMW Group is produced in an environmentally responsible manner – without the use of rare earth elements. Batteries for BMW iX can be reused after their resource is exhausted and disposed of. And the electricity used to manufacture battery cells and high-voltage batteries comes from renewable sources.

According to calculations, the maximum power of the power plant will exceed 370 kW / 500 hp. This will be enough to accelerate the car from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds. With an energy capacity of over 100 kWh, the latest generation high-voltage battery provides the vehicle with a WLTP range of over 600 km.

At the same time, the task of the new technological flagship is to show an extremely low level of electricity consumption for its segment - less than 21 kWh per 100 km on the WLTP cycle.

fast charging

The new fast charging technology makes it possible to charge the BMW iX battery with up to 200 kW of DC power. From 10% to 80% capacity, the battery can be charged in less than 40 minutes. It takes only 10 minutes to increase the range of the car by more than 120 kilometers. It takes less than 11 hours to fully charge the high-voltage battery with the 11 kW BMW Wallbox.

Autonomous driving

The technologies applied in the BMW iX will provide a platform for the further development of autonomous driving and digital services. The level of computing power of the car allows you to process twice as much data as in other BMW vehicles.

“Together with BMW iX technologies, we are setting new standards in the industry. iX has more computing power for data processing, more advanced sensor technologies than the new cars in our lineup, and is 5G capable. In addition, it will receive new autonomous driving and parking functions,” says Frank Weber, Member of the Management Board of BMW AG responsible for development.

New driving experience

With the BMW iX, the Group is redefining sustainability, driving pleasure and even the very concept of premium. The innovative design opens up a new driving experience where the autonomy of the car becomes the main thing, along with the calmness and concentration on the needs of everyone inside.

The exterior of the BMW iX is a new take on the proportions of BMW's big SAV. Minimal use of broken lines and large flat surfaces create a sense of confidence. The length and width of the BMW iX is comparable to the BMW X5, and the height, thanks to the flowing roofline, is almost identical to the BMW X6. The 3,000 mm wheelbase and wide track ensure long-distance comfort and the sporty handling characteristic of a BMW.  

As standard, the BMW iX will be equipped with 20-inch aerodynamically designed light alloy wheels. Available as an option are 21- and 22-inch Air PerformanceWheels, which are 15% lighter than conventional wheels, helping to further increase range.

BMW iX Exterior

The model is equipped with LED headlights as standard. The latest generation of BMW Laserlight laser headlights will be available as an option. At the same time, daytime running lights work as direction indicators and are placed above the main headlight unit, which gives them a completely new look.

Another highlight of the BMW iX is the multitude of elements that only reveal themselves when they are put into action. In addition to the retractable door handles, these include, for example, the windshield washer filler hidden under the BMW logo on the bonnet, or the reversing camera integrated into the BMW logo on the tailgate. We called this design principle Shy Tech and actively applied it not only in the exterior, but also in the interior of the model.  

“The BMW iX demonstrates how technology can be given a very modern and emotional design. From a technological point of view, this is an extremely complex car, but it creates an extremely precise and simple feeling, says Head of Design at BMW Group Adrian van Hooydonk. The BMW iX provides a mobile living space in which people will feel at ease, and the car's subtle intelligence will continuously contribute to this.

iX interior

Spaciousness, a combination of quality materials, seats with integrated headrests and a large panoramic roof create the atmosphere of a luxurious lounge in the five-seater saloon. At the heart of the completely new interior architecture of the BMW iX is functionality based on the needs and emotions of the driver and passengers.

Thanks to the electric platform, the car eliminates the center tunnel, which enhances the feeling of spaciousness and adds front and rear legroom, as well as additional luggage space. The center console of the car looks more like high quality furniture. On its lower level, there are cup holders, a place to store a smartphone with induction charging, a 12V socket and two USB-C ports.

The number of monitors and controls in the interior is kept to a minimum: a single BMW Curved Display combines the 12.3-inch Information Display and the 14.9-inch Control Display. The BMW operating system, together with the hexagonal steering wheel and the new toggle switch for gear selection, create a completely new experience of interacting with the car.

The BMW iX interfaces are intuitive and only become visible when needed. The Shy Tech principle in the interior design can be seen in details such as built-in speakers, intricate air vents, heated surfaces and the inconspicuous location of the BMW Head-Up Display projector in the dashboard.

The car in the basic version will be equipped with an audio system with 12 speakers and a 205-watt amplifier. A 655W Harman/Kardon Surround Sound system with 18 speakers and a seven-band EQ is available as an option. Also available as an option is a Bowers & Wilkins SurroundSound audio system with 30 speakers rated at 1615 watts.

Lightweight design 

Innovative solutions that lighten the design and improve aerodynamics allow the BMW iX to use less energy. The aluminum frame structure and the innovative Carbon Cage system – made up of carbon fiber components for the sidewalls, roof, windshield panel and rear window frame – provide high torsional rigidity. This, in turn, improves maneuverability and the level of protection of passengers with a minimum weight of the structure itself.

The BMW iX boasts an outstanding drag coefficient of 0.25 for its class. Superb aerodynamics and a sophisticated mix of materials give the BMW iX both a surprisingly calm driving experience and immediate and precise reactions to the accelerator and steering wheel.