BMW has revealed its range-topping all-electric crossover in a bid to catch up to the competition that includes the Tesla Model X and Audi e-tron. The all-wheel-drive iX “sports activity vehicle (SAV)” arriving in November 2021 in Europe will be the company’s new technological flagship. The vehicle’s main design focus is on sustainability—from creation, to manufacture, and its operation, says its maker.
The first model based on a new, modular, scalable toolkit, the iX will be launched with two model variants. The xDrive50 has a combined output of 385 kW and 765 N·m (564 lb·ft) for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 s. The xDrive40 has 240 kW and 630 N·m (464 lb·ft) to hit the same mark from rest in 6.1 s.
The xDrive50 battery pack has a net and gross energy content of 105.2 and 111.5 kW·h, respectively, while the battery unit for the xDrive40 has a net and gross energy content of 71 and 76.6 kW·h. The drive technology’s efficiency paired with the latest battery cell technology results in WLTP-calculated ranges of 391 and 264 mi (629 and 425 km), respectively.
The iX M60 to follow will have a maximum output in excess of 440 kW for a sportier all-electric driving experience.
Body and chassis design
The iX’s exterior design is meant to “exude progressive luxury,” with a “clearly structured, reduced design language.” The five-seater measures 4953 mm (195.0 in) long, 1967 mm (77.4 in) wide, and 1696 mm (66.8 in) tall on a wheelbase of 3000 mm (118.1 in). Exterior features include the almost completely blanked-off BMW kidney grille, whose surface incorporates camera and radar sensors.
The body structure and chassis tuning of the iX are geared to blending ride comfort with sporty handling characteristics. The high-voltage battery in the car’s underbody lowers the center of gravity, evening the weight distribution and making the handling nimbler. The aluminum spaceframe has a Carbon Cage, which uses carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic for the roof, sides, and rear to increase rigidity and minimize weight, which is 2365 to 2585 kg (5214 to 5699 lb).
The car’s low drag coefficient of 0.25 has a positive impact on efficiency and range. The aerodynamic elements for the front end, rear end, underbody, and wheel areas alone add over 40 mi (64 km)—by WLTP measurements—to the car’s overall range. Some 16 mi (26 km) of this can be attributed to the third-generation active air flap control at the front of the vehicle, which directs cooling air to the drive units and brake system when required.
The standard chassis comprises a double-wishbone front axle, five-link rear axle, and an electric variable-ratio steering system. Two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers, Integral Active Steering, and sport brakes are options on all models. Standard wheels are 20 in, with optional 21- and 22-in Air performance wheels, with “noise-reduced” tires having a layer of foam on their inner surface to improve acoustics.
Fifth-generation eDrive
The iX’s fifth-generation eDrive technology is centered around a drive unit housing an electric motor, power electronics, and transmission.
The compact unit is said to benefit both power density and efficiency, maximizing space on the front and rear axles. Both motors are synchronous types that BMW says enable them to put their maximum torque on tap immediately and maintain it over a broad rev band.
The electric all-wheel-drive system intelligent control enables fully variable power transmission ranging from rear-wheel drive for maximum efficiency to all-wheel drive that maximizes traction.
The lithium-ion battery pack operates at 330 to 369 V. Volumetric energy density at the battery cell level is up by around 40% compared to the high-voltage battery in the 2020 i3.
Adaptive brake recuperation boosts iX efficiency and range. For example, when approaching an intersection, the degree of recuperation can be increased. On the highway, the coasting function can take over, allowing the car to “freewheel” when the driver eases off the accelerator. Or the driver can choose high, medium, or low brake regeneration.
An integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin, high-voltage battery and drive uses an exceptionally efficient heat pump. Anticipatory thermal management enables the battery’s operating temperature to be optimized for a scheduled fast-charging stop.
The iX was designed to offer charging flexibility. DC power can be taken at a rate of up to 200 kW (xDrive50) or 150 kW (xDrive40), allowing charging from 10% to 80% in around 35 min (xDrive50) or 31 min (xDrive40). The range can be increased in 10 min by up to 150 km (93 mi) for the xDrive50 and over 95 km (59 mi) for xDrive40.
In Europe with a BMW Charging Card, the flexible fast charger offers a charging rate of up to 11 kW, with electrical power replenished “at a very attractive price” for both public charging stations and high-power charging stations.
Interior and user experience
The iX interior was created to provide “quality of life and personal well-being,” with vast amounts of room and newly developed seats with integral head restraints. The absence of a center tunnel creates extra legroom and space for storage in a center console designed in the style of a high-quality piece of furniture.
The iX’s new BMW iDrive display and Operating System 8 was designed with a focus on touchscreen operation of the curved display and on verbal communication with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
The curved interface combines a 12.3-in information display and a 14.9-in control display behind a glass surface angled toward the driver. The new My Modes expands the range of vehicle settings that can be selected for a more encompassing driving experience. Keeping the vehicle software “fresh” is possible with remote software upgrades and the option of purchasing vehicle functions later from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store via Functions on Demand, then having them installed over the air through a 5G connection. Navigation uses the cloud-based BMW Maps, and augmented reality video in the control display ensures quick route planning.
Besides the Curved Display, there are a hexagonal steering wheel and frameless projector integration for the optional head-up display.
The iX will offer some automated driving and parking functions with the prospect of Level 3 functionality in the medium term. The system is backed by a new generation of sensors, software stack, and computing platform. Five cameras, five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors are used to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.
The iX comes with the most extensive set of standard driver assistance systems ever on a BMW. Highlights include a front collision warning system that now detects oncoming traffic when turning left (in countries where vehicles drive on the right) as well as cyclists and pedestrians when turning right.
In addition to acoustic pedestrian protection, the iX features a specially composed drive sound to add the thrill of the driving experience by providing “authentic feedback” in response to accelerator movement and speed. The IconicSounds Electric function allows for new sound variants from a collaboration with film score composer Hans Zimmer.
The automatic climate control system comes with a nanofiber filter to purify the air and combines interior ventilation and surface, seat, and steering wheel heating to maximize the occupants’ sense of well-being. The optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System has speakers integrated out of sight in the head restraints and a 4D Audio function using bass shakers in the front seats.
Sustainable manufacturing
Production of the iX at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing uses “green power,” monitored raw materials extraction, and a high proportion of natural and recycled materials.
The BMW Group procures the cobalt and lithium required for the batteries from controlled sources in Australia and Morocco and delivers the materials to the battery cell manufacturers. No rare earth metals are used in electric drive system rotors.
The company sources aluminum produced using power from solar energy plants. A high proportion of secondary aluminum and reused plastic also contribute to resource-efficient production.
Its iX interior uses FSC-certified wood and leather tanned with olive leaf extracts and other natural materials. Recycled fishing nets are among the raw materials used for the floor coverings and mats.
Kevin Jost contributed to this article.
