BMW has finally officially released the iX electric SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) family and will begin distribution this year for the European and US markets next year. Orders for the BMW iX electric SUV can be made from June 2021 in two available variants, namely xDrive40 and xDrive50. The new BMW iX family is also claimed to have more performance than the i3 and a futuristic design like the i8. The presence of the two is part of BMW’s plan to present 25 models of battery-powered electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids and mild hybrids until 2023.
The BMW iX is built on a platform the same size as the BMW X5 but with a longer wheelbase. So that the BMW iX is not only offered in a choice of five passengers but also in a three-row passenger configuration.
BMW has also provided a little information about the price, the iX is planned to be sold in the price range of USD 80 thousand. Interested in having it? Wait a minute, it’s a good idea to take a look at some interesting facts about the BMW iX, from the exterior, to the interior, to the features embedded in it.
Performance
At its launch, the BMW iX xDrive50 is said to be equipped with two electric motors that drive all the wheels. The power generated from the electric motor reaches 500 hp with a maximum speed of 200 km / h, while the xDrive40 model will have a maximum power of 300 hp. BMW also announced that the structure of the fifth-generation EV design is much more efficient. The reason is that with a battery with a capacity of 100 kWh which is installed under the cabin, it is enough to bring the BMW iX Series to travel up to 382 km.
In addition, thanks to the placement of the battery in the center of the vehicle, the level of center of gravity becomes better which results in more stable control. The regenerative braking can be adjusted in at least three positions. There is also a single-pedal driving mode that allows the gas pedal to function as an accelerator pedal and to stop the vehicle at once.
Battery
The BMW iX uses the fifth-generation eDrive technology which has received an update on its battery capacity. BMW xDrive50 will be equipped with a battery capacity of 100 kWh. While the xDrive40 will be equipped with a battery with a capacity of 70 kWh which is claimed to be even more efficient. On paper the BMW iX xDrive40 has an electric power consumption of under 20 kWh per 100 km, while the top model, the xDrive50, has an average power consumption of 21 kWh per 100 km.
In addition, the BMW iX xDrive50 can recharge the battery at a high voltage of up to 200 kW. While the maximum charging capacity of the BMW iX xDrive40 is 150 kW. BMW claims it only takes ten minutes to charge and adds a range of more than 120 km. To reach 80 percent battery status, it only takes less than 40 minutes.
Interior
BMW iX has an interior design that is quite attractive, starting from the use of a hexagonal-shaped steering wheel to leather that can be recycled. In addition, setting buttons such as driving mode and iDrive use crystal material with wood accents. So there are no more hardware or plastic buttons.
The screen that stretches across the dashboard is also designed to be curved in order to produce maximum visuals. Its 14.9-inch entertainment screen is equipped with various features and the iDrive version 8 operating system. While the cluster meter screen behind the steering wheel has a size of 12.3 inches with a speedometer display and digital driving information.
iDrive 8
All variants of the BMW iX or even the newest models that are fully produced will be equipped with iDrive version 8. Most strikingly, all entertainment devices and devices in the interior are operated using only voice commands or touch screens. So that the dashboard is so neat and clean without any buttons with hard materials like the previous generation BMW.
In addition, the features on iDrive on the BMW iX that use an internet connection and can be accessed using the 5G network. It feels new that BMW has introduced a 5G network in its cabin. In addition, there are several features embedded with Artificial Intelligent technology that make it easier to operate all the features. One of the most interesting features is that there is a voice command system that can be spoken to like a human. The presence of these technologies in the BMW iX, reminds us that the technology of the future that we often talked about in the past, is actually happening today.