THE first-ever BMW iX, which showcases new generation technology, connectivity, design language and fully electric driving enjoyment, will arrive in Australia later this year via two models and three variants.
The Australian iX line-up will comprise the xDrive40, iX xDrive40 Sport and iX xDrive50 Sport, with each offering extensive standard specification items including myriad luxury, safety, technology and convenience features.
The two power systems at the heart of the iX models are highly advanced, responsive and deliver abundant power, with a combined output of 240kW in the iX xDrive40 and 385kW in the iX xDrive50.
The latest battery cell technology results in ranges of up to 630km in the iX xDrive50 and up to 425km in the iX xDrive40. Also set to join the iX line-up at a later date is the powerhouse BMW iX M60, which will produce a maximum output in excess of 440kW.
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology fitted to the BMW iX brings together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single housing.
This highly integrated electric drive system maximises power density and efficiency in a compact package positioned across the front and rear axles.
Both motors in the BMW iX operate according to the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor, where the excitation of the rotor is induced by the feed-in of electrical energy rather than fixed permanent magnets.
This enables maximum torque on tap immediately upon pulling away, as well as a tall, broad and flat torque band. Combined torque peaks at 630Nm on the BMW iX xDrive40 and a towering 765Nm on the BMW iX xDrive50.
The electric all-wheel-drive system transmits exactly the right amount of drive torque to the front and rear wheels in all driving situations. Its intelligent drive control enables fully variable power transmission as well.
The near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology fitted in tandem with all-wheel-drive for the first time brings about a further improvement in traction and handling stability.
This system, which is integrated in the motor management, produces precise and lightning fast corrective inputs. The result is effortless progress at all times, even in adverse weather and road conditions.
The xDrive50 posts impressive acceleration times with 0 to 100km/h achieved in just 4.6 seconds, while the xDrive40 hits 100km/h from rest in 6.1 seconds.
The BMW iX xDrive50 is fitted with a high-voltage battery with a gross energy content of 112kWh, while the battery unit for the BMW iX xDrive40 has a gross energy content of 77kWh. The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) offers charging options in AC and DC formats.
DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 200kW (iX xDrive50) or 150kW (iX xDrive40). This allows the battery’s state of charge to be increased from 10 to 80 per cent in just 35 minutes in the BMW iX xDrive50, or 31 minutes in the iX xDrive40.
Range can be increased by up to 150km on the iX xDrive50 and more than 95km for the iX xDrive40 in just 10 minutes when they are plugged into a DC fast-charging station with an initial battery charge of 10 per cent.
Standard specification highlights of the iX xDrive40 include 21-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, LED headlights, shadow line exterior trim, comfort access, seat heating, massage in front seats, automatic air conditioning and four zone ambient lighting.
You also get Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Plus, all the necessary charging cables and equipment for both public and at-home charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system with DAB+ digital radio.
But it doesn’t stop there, as there’s wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, BMW Live Cockpit Pro and Operation System 8, Olive leaf tanned leather and a five year subscription to ChargeFox.
Pricing will start from $135,900 (plus on-roads) for the iX xDrive40. For further information, please contact your local BMW dealer.
