This is what BMW is calling its technology signature car. The all-electric BMW iX is the production version of the iNEXT concept, and starts rolling out late in 2021.
Overview
About the same size as today’s BMW X5, the iX will offer Level 3 autonomy. Which means it will be able to steer, accelerate and brake for itself in certain situations (including at speeds of up to 80mph (128 km/h)). However, while the driver isn’t required to have their hands on the wheel at all times. They must be ready to retake control when necessary (so no napping in the back).
BMW is also promising that the iX will offer a new level of connectivity. Thanks to the presence of 5G and cloud technology. With functions that require a lot of computing power moved from the car to the cloud, where they can be processed faster. Data that can improve comfort, safety, efficiency and convenience is then sent back to the car in milliseconds courtesy of the 5G. While the iX also learns your habits to further speed things up.
Motor System
The iX is powered by the fifth generation of BMW’s ‘eDrive’ electric drivetrain, with two electric motors generating a maximum power output of 496bhp, which is sufficient for a 0-62mph (0-100 km) time of less than five seconds. Power is stored in a 100kWh battery and BMW reckons this will be enough for just over 370 miles (595 km) of driving range before recharging is needed.
Charging and battery
When it comes to charging, BMW says the iX will have the capacity to replenish its battery at speeds of up to 200kW. Where such charging points are available. That would allow for a top-up from 10% to 80% capacity in less than 40 minutes, while charging fully from an 11kW home wallbox will take under 11 hours. In addition to making the electric drivetrain as efficient as possible. BMW has also put significant efforts into making the iX as light and aerodynamic as possible to make the best use of the battery’s stored energy.
Manual and autonomous driving modes
The iNext previews both autonomous and connective tech. And the interior can change configuration according to whether it’s in autonomous or manual control modes.
The concept features Boost mode for old-fashioned human-controlled driving and Ease mode for autonomous travel. In Ease mode the steering wheel retracts slightly and the pedals become flush with the floor. In Boost mode, BMW claims the iNext will still live up to its ‘ultimate driving machine’ strapline, thanks to a low centre of gravity and strong acceleration, although it’s declined to announce projected performance figures.
Interior
While the exterior design is domineering, the interior’s clean. Uncluttered layout is composed of simple lines and focuses on innovative use of materials and surfaces. BMW design director Adrian van Hooydonk says the interior: “Is not inspired by car design at all – more architecture and boutique hotels.”
Conventional switchgear has been avoided, with many of the car’s primary functions operated by voice control and, intriguingly, touch-sensitive surfaces as opposed to touchscreens. The wooden centre console is a case in point. And in Ease mode its entire surface can act like one large trackpad.
Similarly, the rear seat – which is an asymmetrical bench to encourage occupants to turn towards one another while in autonomous mode – is made from tactile, coarse-cut Jacquard cloth, and it too has touch-controlled elements. Trace your fingers across certain sections and you can skip music tracks, raise and lower the volume and execute various other commands, while illuminated light paths trace the path of your fingers. Very sci-fi.
Price
BMW says production of the iX will begin in the second half of 2021. With first deliveries to customers by the end of that year. Exact pricing has yet to be confirmed, but it can be expected to be significantly more than BMW’s current most expensive electric model, could easily approach or exceed the £100,000 mark in higher-spec trims with significant optional extras added.
Competition
The BMW iX is a great electric car, but a competitor in price and quality for this car is the JAC iEV7S.
Electric car iEV7S equipped with industry-leading SAMSUNG Ternary lithium battery. 300km range traveling. Acceleration: 0-50km/h is 4s. Good for urban driving.
More information about JAC iEV7S you can find here.
And JAC iEV7S electric car, you can order here.
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