By Otsile Kadiege

The BMW iX was unveiled to the world late last year and now the German automaker has released details on the model variants of the iX and when we can expect its market launch.

Bold new look and a premium cabin

The controversial-looking iX is BMW’s fully-electric sports activity vehicle (SAV). It is the first model based on a new, modular, scalable toolkit on which the future of the BMW Group will be built. Inside, the iX features latest technology and sustainable materials like the floating curved displays running the latest iDrive 8 system, hexagonal shaped steering wheel and 50-percent recycled polyester materials.

Performance, efficiency and range

There are two variants to choose from, namely the xDrive50 and xDrive40. Both variants use the latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. The xDrive50 has a drive system featuring one electric motor on the front axle and another at the rear axle. It produces more than 370 kW and enables acceleration of 0-100 km/h in under 5.0 seconds. The 100 kWh battery has a range of more than 600 km and will average 21 kWh/100 km (WLTP).

The xDrive40 derivative has an output of more than 240 kW allowing it to sprint from 0-100 km/h in a shade over 6.0 seconds. Its 70 kWh battery has a range of more than 400 km and will average 20 kWh/100 km (WLTP).

Charging times

The new charging technology of the BMW iX enables DC (direct current) fast charging with extremely high charging power. The BMW iX xDrive50 can replenish its high-voltage battery at up to 200 kW, while the maximum charging capacity of the BMW iX xDrive40 is 150 kW.

A ten-minute plug-in time provides sufficient energy to add more than 120 kilometres / 90 kilometres of range. In both model variants, the high-voltage battery’s charge can be increased from 10 to 80 per cent of its full capacity in under 40 minutes.

Availability

The market launch for the BMW iX will take place around the 4th quarter of 2021 and local introduction will take place around 1st quarter of 2022.