The iX Electric SUV Is BMW’s Answer To The Tesla Model X And Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

• The iX is based on BMW’s new modular toolkit platform.
• Its electric powertrain develops over 500PS, helping it achieve 0-100kmph under 5 seconds.
• It’s claimed to have a WLTP-claimed range of over 600km.
• The iX’s kidney grille houses the hardware for the car’s autonomous driving technology.
• The interior design is brand new, though we see some inspiration from Mercedes-Benz.

BMW has revealed a close-to-production version of its upcoming flagship electric SUV, the iX. The iX, based on the iNEXT concept, is underpinned by BMW’s newest modular toolkit platform and follows the German carmaker’s latest design language.

Let’s begin this report with the iX’s green credentials: its electric powertrain. This BMW is a Tesla killer. It comes with BMW’s fifth-generation electric powertrain that develops more than 500PS. BMW is yet to reveal the exact acceleration times, but it states the iX will do 0-100kmph in less than five seconds! The iX will draw power from a 100kWh battery pack (gross). It’s capable of doing around 600km (WLTP-claimed) in a single charge.  

Naturally, this being Bimmer’s flagship electric SUV, it comes with fast charging capabilities up to speeds of 200kW. A quick 10 minute charge using a fast charger will result in a range of 125km, and topping it up from 10-80 percent takes 40 minutes. 

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The iX features BMW’s new design language, though we can notice familiar design elements such as the large kidney grilles that serve as an intelligence panel for the iX’s autonomous driving tech. Cameras, radars and sensors are seamlessly integrated into it. Even the BMW logo at the front has a party trick: it acts as the filler cap for the washer fluid! The sharply-styled headlamps give the front-end an angry look while the blue inserts denote its green intentions.  

The side profile is clean and the sloping roofline reminds us of an X6. It comes with Tesla-esque flush-fitting door handles, which aid in aerodynamics. Speaking of which, the large wheels, which add to the meaty stance, also comes with an aerodynamic design. All of these have helped it achieve a low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25. The rear-end, without a doubt, is our favourite part as the two sleek LED tail lamps look unique. And there's a party trick here as well: the rear view camera is smartly concealed by the BMW logo.

If you think the iX’s exterior looks minimalist, wait until you step inside. The cabin looks utterly modern, with the highlight being the large flush-fitting twin screen setup on the dashboard, which seems inspired from Mercedes. The cabin is largely devoid of buttons, but BMW has smartly retained the physical controls for the infotainment system. Other highlights include this lovely blue upholstery and the sporty two-spoke steering wheel.

As mentioned above, the iX’s platform supports autonomous driving tech. BMW’s yet to reveal the features on offer, but we’re pretty sure the hardware will support lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, auto pilot, blind spot assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking. The car also features a 5G sim for its online features and BMW states the processing speeds of these features are 20 times faster than a normal car.

The BMW iX will go on sale late next year. It will take on the likes of the Tesla Model X and the upcoming Mercedes EQS electric SUV. An India launch seems far from reality, but since all carmakers are focusing on EVs now, it could very well be on the cards. Stay tuned.