BMW iX EV To Launch In India On December 13
While Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Audi have already established themselves in India’s electric car market, BMW has been noticeably absent thus far. That is about to change, as BMW is preparing to launch its first entirely electric vehicle in India, the iX SUV. The BMW iX is scheduled to arrive in Australia in December 2013 and will compete with the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Audi e-tron SUVs.
The BMW iX EV is offered in two models worldwide: the iX xDrive 40 and the iX xDrive 50. According to the WLTP cycle, the former generates 326hp of power and 630Nm of peak torque and has a driving range of up to 414km. BMW claims the iX xDrive 40 can go from 0 to 100kph in 6.1 seconds. On the WLTP cycle, the latter generates 523hp and 765Nm of peak torque and has a driving range of up to 611km. According to BMW, this variant of the iX can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.6 seconds.
Both models have a twin electric motor setup, with one motor on each axle, thereby providing all-wheel drive. However, depending on the driving circumstances, the AWD system distributes torque differently between the front and rear axles. Thus, the iX may be driven in pure rear-wheel-drive mode (which is more economical) and then switched to all-wheel drive when necessary.
The xDrive 50 version of the iX has a 105.2 kWh battery, whereas the xDrive 40 has a 71kWh battery pack. The iX’s charging system supports optional DC fast charging at up to 195kW, letting the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in 35 minutes for the xDrive 50 model. The iX xDrive 40, on the other hand, takes only 31 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% using a DC charger.
BMW also includes an 11kW AC wallbox fast charger with the iX, allowing the batteries to be charged from 0% to 100% in less than 11 hours for the xDrive 50 option and 7.5 hours for the xDrive 40 model. It remains to be seen, however, if BMW, like its competitors, includes the AC wallbox charger as standard with the iX.
The BMW iX EV’s design was initially revealed by the iNext Concept in 2017. It’s a really modern and new take on the BMW appearance, with various EV-specific elements that distinguish it from the brand’s ICE-powered cars. The iX’s front end is distinguished by BMW’s distinctive and relatively massive kidney grille. Despite the fact that there is no need to send air into the radiator, the grille is sealed and holds multiple cameras, radar, and sensors for driver assistance systems. BMW’s typical corona light design has been replaced in the iX with a quartet of light bands in the upper portion of the thin headlamp assemblies. The taillights are also designed in a similar manner.
The front bumper has strong, angular design elements with air vents for aerodynamic efficiency in M Sport form, while the rear bumper is smoother and less aggressively shaped. The BMW iX EV also has frameless doors, fixed B-pillars, a fixed clamshell-style bonnet, and a tapering glasshouse. The iX may be equipped with 22-inch aerodynamically optimised rims and 275/40 profile rubber.
While the iX is around the same size as a BMW X5, its interior space is more akin to that of a BMW X7, owing to the specialised electric architecture. The inside of the BMW iX EV is roomy, with a flat floor and natural materials. It also makes use of recyclable plastics, as well as a novel microfibre fabric for the seats. The hexagonal steering wheel and the enormous curving display that serves as an instrument cluster and infotainment unit are the true highlights of the cabin. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment display are both tilted towards the driver and are housed in a single piece of curved glass. It also receives a redesigned head-up display.
There is no centre console in this EV, but the controls for the drive selector and BMW’s iDrive rotary controller are located in the forward area of a high-mounted armrest. Other controls are located in the top section of the door mouldings. The iX’s boot has a capacity of 650 litres.
In India, the BMW iX will compete with the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi e-tron SUV and Sportback, and Jaguar I-Pace. While we do not yet know which models will be available in India, the BMW iX is projected to be priced comparable to its competitors, which implies it would cost more than Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom).
