BMW showcases the all electric iX of the future

Turning the vision of tomorrow into reality, BMW has offered the first look at the new BMW iX, the brand's new technology flagship. 

The BMW iX is the series production model of the BMW Vision iNEXT concept model, and is currently still in the development phase. The iX is expected to be launched at the end of 2021.

Conceived from the outset for purely electric mobility, the BMW iX heralds a new age in mobility and focuses on a fresh interpretation of design, sustainability, driving pleasure, versatility and luxury. It is the first model based on a new, modular, scalable toolkit on which the future of the BMW Group will be built.

Weight optimisation and aerodynamic efficiency are key to the iX's overall concept and design. The iX features an intelligent material mix, with an aluminium spaceframe construction that combines Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) and thermoplastics with high-strength steels and aluminium. The result is reduced overall weight, while also ensuring driving agility. 

The iX also boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.25. This is achieved with a streamlined body finish, the tapered glasshouse, flush-fitting door openers, slender exterior mirriors and precisely crafted aero edges. Bespoke aerodynamic elements for the front and rear end, underbody and wheel arches alone add over 65km to the car's range. The Air Performance Wheels feature a groundbreaking design to futher enhance the car's aerodynamic efficiency. 

This trailblazing character of the iX is also clearly expressed in the car's design. The BMW iX is cut from the mould of a modern SAV but with a new, reduced design language. The clear design of its simplified exterior surfaces is shaped by a small number of precise lines and gives the car a powerful, robust and clearly defined appearance. The crisp lines, clear structure and almost rectangular contours around the wheel arches contribute to an imposing body design.

The BMW iX combines the functionality of the BMW X5 with the dynamism of the BMW X6 and the visual impact of the BMW X7. The result is a distinctive re-imagining of the powerful proportions of a large BMW SAV. A wheelbase measuring exactly 3,000mm and wide tracks at both the front and rear axle provide the ideal platform for chassis tuning, which reconciles luxurious long-distance comfort and sporty cornering characteristics. 

At the centre of the front end stands the prominent, vertically emphasised kidney grille whose surface has a three-dimensional pyramid structure. Since the electric drive system requires only a small amount of cooling air, the kidney grille is completely blanked off. Here, it functions as an intelligence panel, with camera technology, radar functions and other sensors integrated seamlessly into the grille behind a transparent surface.

Embodying the principle of 'shy tech', the BMW iX also has an array of other likewise discreetly positioned cameras and sensors. For example, the distance measurement sensors are integrated inconspicuously into the black body edging at the front and rear of the car. The flush-fitted door openers and the rear-view camera with cleaning system integrated into the BMW badge on the tailgate are examples of 'shy tech' at work.

The underlying principle here is that the technology stays in the background and only becomes apparent as and when the relevant functions are called into action.

Vast amounts of room, a top-quality selection of materials, newly developed seating and the extraordinary expanse of the panoramic glass roof combine to immerse all five seats inside the BMW iX in a luxurious lounge-style ambience. The all new architecture of the BMW iX cabin underpins a perfectly clear and straightforward functionality. The drive concept means there is no centre tunnel, adding to the open, airy feel while also allowing extra legroom in the front and rear, sufficient space for storage facilities, and a centre console crafted to look like a high-quality piece of furniture.

In the cabin, the occupants takes centre stage, with technology fading into the backgrouund, only manifesting itself when it is actually required. This makes it intuitive to use rather than seeming overly complex. 

The displays and controls are all stripped down to the essentials, further reinforcing the impression of an uncluttered cabin offering a place of relaxation. The 'shy tech' approach for the interior can be seen in a number of features, including speakers integrated out of sight, intricately styled air vents, heated surfaces and the discreet recessing of the BMW Head-Up Display's projector into the instrument panel so it is almost invisible.

The hexagonally shaped steering wheel, a rocker switch for gear selection and the BMW Curved Display - which forms part of the next-generation BMW Operating System - clearly advertise the futuristic form of driving pleasure on offer.

The iX will feature BMW's fifth generation eDrive technology and will develop more than 500bhp, enough to power the vehicle from 0-100km/h in under five seconds. The latest generation high voltage battery will also allow a range of over 600km.

The new charging technology of the iX will also enable DC fast charging at up to 200kW, which means that the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in under 40 minutes. Within 10 minutes, enough energy can be fed into the battery to increase the car's range by 120km. 

The new technology toolkit that makes its debut in the iX also allows significant progress in the areas of automated driving and digital services. The car will be 5G capable, and can process 20 times the data volume of previous models. This will form the basis for new and improved automated driving functions.