BMW has unveiled two versions of its fully electric iX SUV, the xDrive40 and xDrive50.
In the BMW iX xDrive50, the drive system – which features one electric motor on the front axle and another at the rear axle – produces a total output of over 370 kW/500 hp and enables acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 5.0 seconds. Alternatively, the xDrive40 has an output of more than 240 kW/300 hp, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just over 6.0 seconds.
The electric motor, transmission and power electronics of the iX come together as a highly integrated package within a single housing. This compact construction also benefits the drive system’s efficiency. In fact, the average electric power consumption in the WLTP cycle of less than 21 kWh per 62 miles for the xDrive50 and under 20 kWh per 62 miles in the case of the xDrive40.
The xDrive50 is therefore fitted with a battery with a gross energy content of over 100 kWh at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, while the battery unit for the xDrive40 has a gross energy content of more than 70 kWh. This gives the xDrive50 a range in excess of 373 miles in the WLTP test cycle. The WLTP-calculated range of the xDrive40 is more than 249 miles.
The BMW iX xDrive50 can recharge its high-voltage battery at up to 200 kW, while the maximum charging capacity of the xDrive40 is 150 kW. All of this means that a ten-minute plug-in time provides sufficient energy to add more than 75 miles and 56 miles of range respectively. However, on both model variants, the high-voltage battery’s charge can be increased from 10 to 80% of its full capacity in under 40 minutes.
The new BMW EVs are going to be the most technologically advanced cars that the company has ever manufactured according to Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.
“We are setting new industry standards with the technology in the BMW iX. The iX has more computing power for data processing and more powerful sensor technology than the newest vehicles in our current line-up, is 5G-capable, will be given new and improved automated driving and parking functions and uses the high-performing fifth generation of our electric drive system,” he said.
The clear and minimalist design of its exterior showcases a new form of mobility geared squarely to the needs of the vehicle’s occupants, Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, has explained.
“The BMW iX shows how we can give new technologies a very modern and emotional design. The car is technologically complex, but it feels very clear and uncomplicated,” he said. “The BMW iX offers a mobile living space in which people will feel at ease, where the car’s intelligence is only there when you need it.”