The BMW iX is the BMW Group’s new technology flagship. It is the first car from the brand without any numerals in its designation where ‘iX’ stands for the company’s first electric all-wheel-drive vehicle. BMW says the car combines premium mobility with zero emissions, sporting agility and a long operating range with luxurious spaciousness. The car is now launched in India, priced at Rs. 1.16 crore (ex-showroom) and will be available as a completely built-up unit (CBU). Deliveries will start by the beginning of April 2022. The iX will soon be followed by the 2 other electric offerings from the brand in the Indian market.
DESIGN
The iX gets a monolithic design, which includes some signature BMW traits like the large kidney grille. It gets the narrowest headlights in a BMW ever, frameless windows, 3-D bonnet, rectangular wheel arches, flared shoulder area and slim one-piece rear-lights. It also gets ‘Shy Tech’ technology that remains out of sight with features that only become visible when actually in use. These include the intelligent grille which gets sensors, camera and radar tech, proximity sensors in body edging, flush door openers, washer under front logo and camera with washer in the rear logo. Colour options include mineral white, phytonic blue, black sapphire and sophisto grey. It is also optionally available in a special aventurine red metallic paint finish.
INTERIORS
The cabin of the iX is minimalist yet spacious due to the absence of a central tunnel and a flat floor. It gets an exclusive olive-leaf tanned natural leather upholstery ‘Interior Design Suite’ which comes in a Castanea color scheme. The ‘Shy Tech’ continues inside with features like integrated speakers and head-up display’s projector recessed into the instrument panel. Some striking features are the longest ever single-piece curved glass display angled towards the driver, race car-inspired hexagonal steering wheel which according to BMW makes entry/exit easier, electrochromic sky lounge panorama glass roof, multi-functional seats with integral head restraints and massage function, bespoke leather upholstery and ambient lighting. The car gets a luggage capacity of up to 1,750 litres with a 40/20/40 split. While the cabin gets a 12.3-inch digital information display behind the steering wheel, a bigger 14.9-inch infotainment system lies next to it. While it is a touchscreen, its functions can also be controlled via a physical dial or voice commands. You also get gesture control that recognises six pre-defined hand movements for control of a number of functions. The smartphone holder integrated into the centre console allows wireless charging for mobile phones while the car also gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 18 speakers also finds a place inside the car.
DRIVE
Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology on the car features a highly integrated drive unit within a single housing that is powered by two electric motors (for both axles), single-speed transmission and power electronics. The iX accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.1 seconds with an output of 326 hp. Two high-voltage batteries integrated in the floor have a combined capacity of 76.6 kWh and provide a range of up to 425 kms. The intelligent all-wheel-drive distributes the right amount of torque between the front and rear wheels to suit the driving situation and road surface. You can also choose between personal, sport or efficient drive modes on the car. And then there is the BMW IconicSounds Electric which creates engaging driving sounds and pedestrian alerts.
CHARGING
The BMW iX comes with various charging options. Using a 150 kW DC Charger 80 percent of the car can be charged in 31 mins or 95 kms range can be added in 10 mins. A 50 kW DC Charger can charge upto 80 percent in 73 min while 100 kms added range in achieved in 21 mins. Using an 11 kW AC Charger 100 percent charge takes about 7 hrs and a range of 100 kms can be added in around 2.5 hrs. As an introductory offer, the BMW iX will come with a complimentary wall box charger which offers charging up to 11kW. The company says it aims to build one of the best charging networks in the luxury segment with fast chargers at its dealer network in 35 cities across India.
SUSTAINABILITY
BMW says its principle of circular economy – ‘RE:THINK, RE:DUCE, RE:USE, RE:CYCLE’ cuts down the use of primary raw materials and increases secondary materials on the car. Reduction of carbon footprint is achieved throughout the value chain and all stages of lifecycle by making comprehensive use of natural and recyclable materials and production with 100 percent green electricity. The iX comes with a standard 2-year warranty for unlimited kilometres. The batteries are covered by a warranty valid for eight years or up to 1,60 lakh kilometres. Repair Inclusive can extend warranty benefits from third year of operation to maximum fifth year without any mileage limitation.
The writer is Senior editor at Carandbike.com.
The all-electric BMW iX SUV is powered by two high-voltage batteries that have a combined capacity of 76.6 kWh