At BMW, concepts always end up in the streets.
This is the case for the Vision i-NEXT concept presented in September 2018. This study has just given birth to an electric SUV that the Munich manufacturer will market at the end of 2021 under the name iX.
Camped on X7 wheels, as long and wide as an X5 and lower than an X6, the iX revolutionizes the guns of the Munich manufacturer.
While the large vertical grille that appeared on the X7 and the 4 Series Coupe, and which is closed, is now the BMW signature, the work on the sides and curves is completely new.
The lines are devoid of frills and the silhouette gains in fluidity and purity.
This new stylistic language, also marked by flush door handles, is rewarded with a record aerodynamic Cx of 0.25.
The treatment of the roof drop gives the impression of having a floating roof.
Already tested on the i8, the fine headlamps also represent a breakthrough at BMW when it comes to family vehicles.
BMW's favorite, weight control has been the subject of particular care.
Thanks to an aluminum frame and the use of carbon for the hull, the manufacturer claims a good performance in terms of mass.
Among the original features, the filler neck for the windshield washer fluid concealed under the BMW logo located at the end of the hood and the reversing camera integrated in the BMW logo on the tailgate.
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Launched at the end of 2021, the iX will be BMW's third family electric vehicle.
Next year, the propeller firm will launch three 100% electric models: the iX3 in the spring, the i4 sedan and finally the iX.
The latter was developed around the modular GEN 5 platform intended for electrified vehicles and integrating components from the latest evolution of the BMW eDrive electric powertrain.
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In the case of the iX, it is based on two electric motors, one per axle, delivering a total power of around 500 horsepower.
This would allow this large SUV to reach 100 km / h in less than 5 seconds.
The nerve of the war, autonomy should be one of the best on the market with more than 600 km.
The battery capacity has not been specified but it should be around 80 kWh.
With a charging power of 200 kW, BMW claims to be able to restore 80% of the battery's energy in less than 40 minutes.
On a fast terminal, we should be able to recover 120 kilometers per 10 minutes.
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In addition to the breakthrough design, there is an entirely redesigned interior, taking up the stylistic theme tested on the Vision i-NEXT concept.
The iX takes another step towards minimalism.
The dashboard is now free of buttons and as on the 2018 concept, a large digital panel placed on feet replaces the classic instrument cluster and the central touch screen.
Movement through the system menus is controlled by a dial located in the extension of the central armrest.
In its desire to reduce its carbon footprint, BMW makes extensive use of recycled materials for the manufacture of upholstery and various interior elements.
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With this SUV, BMW is taking us into the world of tomorrow, more automated and connected than ever.
Barded with sensors and cameras in particular in the grille, the iX should allow level 3 autonomous driving. The computing power of its on-board systems will make it possible to process a volume of data 20 times greater than that of the previous models.
This is how the iX is compatible with the 5G technology essential for autonomous driving.
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