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BMW iX: The superlative BMW tech flagship
By Mohammad Zaro, Jordan news
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BMW iX has arrived on the world’s roads, with its trailblazing design and spacious interior. The BMW iX embodies a fresh take on the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept, in its role as BMW’s new technology flagship, which combines all-electric driving pleasure, sporting agility, and a compelling operating range with a character profile squarely dedicated to sustainability. اضافة اعلان
The pioneering character of the BMW iX also shines through its exterior design, from the clearly structured, reduced design language to the body’s imposing styling with muscular SAV proportions. Standout exterior features include the almost completely blanked-off BMW kidney grille, whose surface is the product of innovative manufacturing techniques, incorporating camera and radar sensors.
The body structure, design principle, and chassis tuning of the BMW iX are perfectly geared to blending superb ride comfort with sporty handling characteristics. The aluminum spaceframe construction and the Carbon Cage’s use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) result in an intelligent material mix that increases rigidity as well as minimizes weight.
The optimized aerodynamic properties that contribute to the car’s drag coefficient of just 0.25 also have a positive impact on efficiency and range. The high-voltage battery located in the car’s underbody lowers the center of gravity. Thanks to its well-balanced driving characteristics, the BMW iX feels solid and comfortable out on the road, yet also exudes fleet-footed agility.
The standard chassis technology for the BMW iX comprises a double wishbone front axle, five-link rear axle, lift-related dampers, and an electric steering system with Servotronic function and a variable ratio. Two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers, Integral Active Steering, and sport brakes can all be found on the options list. Alternatives to the standard 20-inch light-alloy wheels are 21-inch or 22-inch Air Performance Wheels. These can be fitted with noise-reduced tires, which have a layer of foam on their inner surface for acoustic comfort.
The BMW iX interior promotes well-being and comfort. Room and newly developed seats with integral head restraints set the tone for luxurious ambience. The absence of a center tunnel creates extra legroom and sufficient space for storage facilities and a center console designed in the style of a high-quality piece of furniture. The control panel with feeler bars and active haptic input as well as a rocker switch for gear selection adds modern flourishes. Besides the BMW Curved Display, the hexagonal steering wheel and frameless projector integration for the optional Head-Up Display further add to the focused driving experience.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
There is a choice of three different trims for customizing the interior.
The automatic climate control system in the BMW iX comes with a nanofiber filter to purify the air and new touchscreen controls. The system intelligently combines interior ventilation and surface, seat, and steering wheel heating to maximize the occupants’ sense of well-being.
The optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System promises the ultimate sound experience.
In addition to acoustic pedestrian protection, the BMW iX also features a specially composed drive sound, which adds to the thrill of its driving experience by providing authentic feedback in response to accelerator movements and speed.
The BMW Iconic Sounds Electric function included as standard also allows new sound variants from a collaboration with film score composer Hans Zimmer to be added to the acoustic repertoire.
The new generation of the iDrive display and operating system making its debut in the BMW iX expands the interaction between driver and vehicle and turns it into a natural dialogue. It is based on the new BMW Operating System 8 and was designed with a clear focus on the touchscreen operation of the BMW Curved Display and on verbal communication with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which has also undergone an extensive upgrade.
The BMW Curved Display is a fully digital display grouping formed by a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches housed together behind a glass surface angled towards the driver. The digital personal assistant now boasts additional capabilities and uses a new graphic when communicating with the vehicle’s occupants.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
The new My Modes expand the range of vehicle settings that can be selected, thereby creating an all-encompassing driving experience. Remote Software Upgrades and the option of purchasing vehicle functions from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store keep the vehicle software “always fresh”.
The BMW iX will be launched with a choice of two model variants. Both are equipped with an electric all-wheel-drive system, with combined output of 523hp in the BMW iX xDrive50 and 326hp in the BMW iX xDrive40.
Also set to join the model line-up is the BMW iX M60, with a maximum output of 600hp.
The electric all-wheel-drive system in the BMW iX transmits the right amount of drive torque to the front and rear wheels in all driving situations. Its intelligent control enables fully variable power transmission ranging from highly efficient pure rear-wheel drive to an all-wheel-drive set-up that maximizes traction.
The near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology fitted in tandem with all-wheel drive for the first time brings about further improvement in traction and handling stability. Integrated into the motor management, this system produces precise corrective inputs and thereby enables the car to make effortless progress at all times, even in adverse weather and road conditions. The BMW iX xDrive50 posts acceleration of 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, while the BMW iX xDrive40 hits the same mark from rest in 6.1 seconds.
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology fitted in the BMW iX is centered around a drive unit which brings together the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission in a single housing. This highly integrated electric drive system topology has a beneficial effect on both power density and efficiency.
Both motors in the BMW iX work 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.
Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology also includes a high-voltage battery with state-of-the-art battery cell technology. Its volumetric energy density at cell level is up by around 40 percent compared to the high-voltage battery in the 2020 BMW i3. The BMW iX xDrive50 is fitted with a high-voltage battery with a net energy content of 105.2kW/h, while the battery unit for the BMW iX xDrive40 has a net energy content of 71kW/h.
Adaptive recuperation gives a further boost to the efficiency and range of the BMW iX. Intelligently connected drive management means the intensity of the brake energy recuperation during overrun and active braking can be adapted to the road situation, as detected by data from the navigation system and the sensors used by the driver assistance systems. When approaching a junction, for example, the degree of recuperation can be increased to feed energy back into the high-voltage battery while harnessing the deceleration effect at the same time. On the open road, the coasting function can take over, allowing the car to “freewheel” with no drive power whenever the driver eases off the accelerator.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
Adaptive recuperation is the default setting in driving position D. Alternatively, the driver can choose a high, medium, or low brake energy regeneration setting for all driving situations in the BMW iDrive menu. The highest recuperation setting is automatically activated in driving position B, which also produces the characteristic one-pedal feeling. Information on the energy flow can be viewed in the control display no matter which driving position is selected.
The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) in the BMW iX has been designed to offer a high level of charging flexibility. DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 200 kW with the BMW iX xDrive50 or 150 kW for BMW iX xDrive40. This allows the battery’s state of charge to be increased from 10 to 80 percent in around 35 minutes in the BMW iX xDrive50 or 31 minutes in the BMW iX xDrive40.
The new technology toolkit in the BMW iX offers considerable potential for driving forward the development of automated driving and parking functions, with the prospect of level 3 functionality in the medium term. A new generation of sensors, a new software stack and a powerful computing platform provide the basis for exceptional intelligence. Five cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors are used to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.
The BMW iX is equipped with the most extensive set of standard driver assistance systems ever seen on a BMW along with a wealth of innovations. Availability of the optional Steering and Lane Control Assistant has been significantly expanded, while the optional Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function offers enhanced situational distance adjustment. The exit warning function and the Remote Theft Recorder are both new features. Also found on the standard equipment list for the BMW iX is the Parking Assistant, which includes the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant.
BMW’s New Tech Flagship delivers on the promise of innovation, but whether it will be successful in luring hardcore BMW fans towards All Electric mobility stands to be seen.
FUN FACT
The iX is the size of its sister the X5
Good
Distinctive design, space ship like interior, powerful electric powertrain, and next level tech
BAD
Steep price
AUTHOR’S RATING
9/10
BODY TYPE
D Segment SUV
ENGINE
xdrive 50
111.5KW/h lithium ion battery, two Electric Permanent magnet AC synchronous motors.
TRANSMISMISSION
Single speed automatic all-wheel drive, electronic selection
ENGINE POWER
Horse Power: 523hp/Torque: 756M
TOP SPEED
Km/h: 200
0 to 100km/h : 4.6
Electric Range
WLTP Range 630km
DIMENSIONS
Length 4,953mm
Width 1,967mm
Height 1,696mm
Wheelbase 3,000mm
Curb weight 2,585kg
PRICE
Not Announced yet in Jordan
Read more Drive
The pioneering character of the BMW iX also shines through its exterior design, from the clearly structured, reduced design language to the body’s imposing styling with muscular SAV proportions. Standout exterior features include the almost completely blanked-off BMW kidney grille, whose surface is the product of innovative manufacturing techniques, incorporating camera and radar sensors.
The body structure, design principle, and chassis tuning of the BMW iX are perfectly geared to blending superb ride comfort with sporty handling characteristics. The aluminum spaceframe construction and the Carbon Cage’s use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) result in an intelligent material mix that increases rigidity as well as minimizes weight.
The optimized aerodynamic properties that contribute to the car’s drag coefficient of just 0.25 also have a positive impact on efficiency and range. The high-voltage battery located in the car’s underbody lowers the center of gravity. Thanks to its well-balanced driving characteristics, the BMW iX feels solid and comfortable out on the road, yet also exudes fleet-footed agility.
The standard chassis technology for the BMW iX comprises a double wishbone front axle, five-link rear axle, lift-related dampers, and an electric steering system with Servotronic function and a variable ratio. Two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers, Integral Active Steering, and sport brakes can all be found on the options list. Alternatives to the standard 20-inch light-alloy wheels are 21-inch or 22-inch Air Performance Wheels. These can be fitted with noise-reduced tires, which have a layer of foam on their inner surface for acoustic comfort.
The BMW iX interior promotes well-being and comfort. Room and newly developed seats with integral head restraints set the tone for luxurious ambience. The absence of a center tunnel creates extra legroom and sufficient space for storage facilities and a center console designed in the style of a high-quality piece of furniture. The control panel with feeler bars and active haptic input as well as a rocker switch for gear selection adds modern flourishes. Besides the BMW Curved Display, the hexagonal steering wheel and frameless projector integration for the optional Head-Up Display further add to the focused driving experience.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
There is a choice of three different trims for customizing the interior.
The automatic climate control system in the BMW iX comes with a nanofiber filter to purify the air and new touchscreen controls. The system intelligently combines interior ventilation and surface, seat, and steering wheel heating to maximize the occupants’ sense of well-being.
The optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System promises the ultimate sound experience.
In addition to acoustic pedestrian protection, the BMW iX also features a specially composed drive sound, which adds to the thrill of its driving experience by providing authentic feedback in response to accelerator movements and speed.
The BMW Iconic Sounds Electric function included as standard also allows new sound variants from a collaboration with film score composer Hans Zimmer to be added to the acoustic repertoire.
The new generation of the iDrive display and operating system making its debut in the BMW iX expands the interaction between driver and vehicle and turns it into a natural dialogue. It is based on the new BMW Operating System 8 and was designed with a clear focus on the touchscreen operation of the BMW Curved Display and on verbal communication with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which has also undergone an extensive upgrade.
The BMW Curved Display is a fully digital display grouping formed by a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches housed together behind a glass surface angled towards the driver. The digital personal assistant now boasts additional capabilities and uses a new graphic when communicating with the vehicle’s occupants.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
The new My Modes expand the range of vehicle settings that can be selected, thereby creating an all-encompassing driving experience. Remote Software Upgrades and the option of purchasing vehicle functions from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store keep the vehicle software “always fresh”.
The BMW iX will be launched with a choice of two model variants. Both are equipped with an electric all-wheel-drive system, with combined output of 523hp in the BMW iX xDrive50 and 326hp in the BMW iX xDrive40.
Also set to join the model line-up is the BMW iX M60, with a maximum output of 600hp.
The electric all-wheel-drive system in the BMW iX transmits the right amount of drive torque to the front and rear wheels in all driving situations. Its intelligent control enables fully variable power transmission ranging from highly efficient pure rear-wheel drive to an all-wheel-drive set-up that maximizes traction.
The near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology fitted in tandem with all-wheel drive for the first time brings about further improvement in traction and handling stability. Integrated into the motor management, this system produces precise corrective inputs and thereby enables the car to make effortless progress at all times, even in adverse weather and road conditions. The BMW iX xDrive50 posts acceleration of 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, while the BMW iX xDrive40 hits the same mark from rest in 6.1 seconds.
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology fitted in the BMW iX is centered around a drive unit which brings together the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission in a single housing. This highly integrated electric drive system topology has a beneficial effect on both power density and efficiency.
Both motors in the BMW iX work 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.
Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology also includes a high-voltage battery with state-of-the-art battery cell technology. Its volumetric energy density at cell level is up by around 40 percent compared to the high-voltage battery in the 2020 BMW i3. The BMW iX xDrive50 is fitted with a high-voltage battery with a net energy content of 105.2kW/h, while the battery unit for the BMW iX xDrive40 has a net energy content of 71kW/h.
Adaptive recuperation gives a further boost to the efficiency and range of the BMW iX. Intelligently connected drive management means the intensity of the brake energy recuperation during overrun and active braking can be adapted to the road situation, as detected by data from the navigation system and the sensors used by the driver assistance systems. When approaching a junction, for example, the degree of recuperation can be increased to feed energy back into the high-voltage battery while harnessing the deceleration effect at the same time. On the open road, the coasting function can take over, allowing the car to “freewheel” with no drive power whenever the driver eases off the accelerator.
(Photos: Handouts from BMW)
Adaptive recuperation is the default setting in driving position D. Alternatively, the driver can choose a high, medium, or low brake energy regeneration setting for all driving situations in the BMW iDrive menu. The highest recuperation setting is automatically activated in driving position B, which also produces the characteristic one-pedal feeling. Information on the energy flow can be viewed in the control display no matter which driving position is selected.
The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) in the BMW iX has been designed to offer a high level of charging flexibility. DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 200 kW with the BMW iX xDrive50 or 150 kW for BMW iX xDrive40. This allows the battery’s state of charge to be increased from 10 to 80 percent in around 35 minutes in the BMW iX xDrive50 or 31 minutes in the BMW iX xDrive40.
The new technology toolkit in the BMW iX offers considerable potential for driving forward the development of automated driving and parking functions, with the prospect of level 3 functionality in the medium term. A new generation of sensors, a new software stack and a powerful computing platform provide the basis for exceptional intelligence. Five cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors are used to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.
The BMW iX is equipped with the most extensive set of standard driver assistance systems ever seen on a BMW along with a wealth of innovations. Availability of the optional Steering and Lane Control Assistant has been significantly expanded, while the optional Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function offers enhanced situational distance adjustment. The exit warning function and the Remote Theft Recorder are both new features. Also found on the standard equipment list for the BMW iX is the Parking Assistant, which includes the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant.
BMW’s New Tech Flagship delivers on the promise of innovation, but whether it will be successful in luring hardcore BMW fans towards All Electric mobility stands to be seen.
FUN FACT
The iX is the size of its sister the X5
Good
Distinctive design, space ship like interior, powerful electric powertrain, and next level tech
BAD
Steep price
AUTHOR’S RATING
9/10
BODY TYPE
D Segment SUV
ENGINE
xdrive 50
111.5KW/h lithium ion battery, two Electric Permanent magnet AC synchronous motors.
TRANSMISMISSION
Single speed automatic all-wheel drive, electronic selection
ENGINE POWER
Horse Power: 523hp/Torque: 756M
TOP SPEED
Km/h: 200
0 to 100km/h : 4.6
Electric Range
WLTP Range 630km
DIMENSIONS
Length 4,953mm
Width 1,967mm
Height 1,696mm
Wheelbase 3,000mm
Curb weight 2,585kg
PRICE
Not Announced yet in Jordan
Read more Drive
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