German carmaker BMW reveals more details about the iX xDrive50, one of the variants of its upcoming fully electric sports activity vehicle (SAV).
According to BMW, the iX xDrive50 will provide customers something beyond mobility, “an exhilarating driving experience combined with a sense of well-being for both drivers and passengers all the while enjoying the journey with safety, security, and in luxury.”
Bringing together the company’s latest developments in the areas of design, sustainability, connectivity, electrification, and digital services, the BMW iX xDrive50 makes for a clean, smart, and sleek ride.
The SAV measures 4,953mm long, 1,965.96mm wide, 1,694.18mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 2,999.74mm — taller and wider than other segment staples the Mustang Mach-E, the Audi e-tron, and the Tesla Model X (whose onboard hardware system can run The Witcher 3 by the way).
At the front is BMW’s new kidney grille that doubles as an intelligence panel. Camera technology, radar functions, other sensors are integrated into the grille behind a transparent layer.
They are flanked with twin LED headlights with daytime running lights.
The roundel sitting atop the grille serves as a washer fluid filler neck.
On the side, the BMW iX xDrive50 features integrated flush door handles and frameless windows which makes their debut in the carmaker’s newest SAV.
The door can also be opened using the BMW Digital Key (via the customer’s smartphone).
Inside, the iX xDrive50 offers the same modern and innovative design elements. It features 50 percent fewer buttons and switches with the fully digital BMW Curved Display making up most of the control panel.
The latest BMW iDrive will also debut in the iX series. The BMW iDrive 8 will deliver a totally new graphical experience with completely customizable display options and exceptionally intuitive operation using voice or touch control.
In addition, BMW integrated a Travel & Comfort system into the front seats that can be used to attach coat hooks or hold tablet devices. A pair of USB-C ports can also be found in each of the front head restraints.
An optional Radian Heat package allows the seats, instrument panel, glove compartment, door panels, and contact surfaces like the center armrest and steering wheel to warm up.
Boot space can be increased by folding the rear backrest.
A panoramic glass roof features electrochromic shading which can be activated at the press of a button to shield the interior from direct sunlight.
Onboard audio is delivered by a standard Harman Kardon Surround Sound system. An optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System can be had to take the occupant’s auditory experience to the next level.
Powering the new four-door five-seater SAV will be BMW’s fifth-gen electric synchronous engine with a single-speed automatic transmission “brings together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission as a highly integrated package within a single housing.”
The front motor delivers around 268hp while the rear motor produces 335hp. The BMW iX xDrive50 generates a combined output of 516hp.
An intelligent electric all-wheel-drive system provides the SAV maximum traction.
Suspension-wise, the BMW iX xDrive50 features front double wishbones with aluminum shear panels, strut forks, swivel bearings, and control arms. At the rear, the SAV features a five-link design with an aluminum rear control arm and rear axle subframe.
Fitted in the iX xDrive50 are front and rear anti‑roll bars as well as lift-related damping systems.
A two-axle air suspension system comes as an optional add-on.
In terms of safety, the BMW iX xDrive50 features an aluminum spaceframe which makes for a lightweight yet rigid body frame.
BMW also equips the iX xDrive50 with advanced safety features including a standard front collision warning system, cross-traffic alert, evasion assistant, speed limit info with pre-warning, speed limit assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and exit warning function.
It will also feature a parking assistant, parking assistant plus, remote 3D view, and remote theft recorder.
An optional Driving Assistant Professional package adds active cruise control with Stop&Go to the BMW iX xDrive50’s arsenal of driver-assist features.
The BMW iX xDrive50 is part of the iX series which includes the BMW iX xDrive40 and the BMW iX M60.
BMW’s iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive50 will be available in the European market in November of 2021 and will arrive in the US market in the first quarter of 2022.
The BMW iX M60 is said to be slated to launch at a later date.
Photos from BMW Group
Also read:
BMW iX electric SAV set for Nov. rollout in Europe
Copyright © Carmudi 2014-2024. All Rights Reserved.
