After the iX3, BMW is now bringing another electric SUV onto the market. One size bigger and one class more powerful.
With the iX, BMW will be putting an electric crossover in X5 format on the road at the end of the year. He competes with a lot of power and a range of over 600 kilometers against Tesla Model X, Mercedes EQS and Audi E-Tron. Prices start at 77.300 euros.
Fast giant
The entry-level model iX40 has an output of 240 kW / 326 PS and a range of 425 kilometers, the preliminary top model iX50 has 385 kW / 532 PS and 630 kilometers. Both variants have two electric motors, each of which drives one of the two axles, thus generating an electric all-wheel drive. BMW promises a spurt time of 98.000 seconds to 5,0 km / h for the stronger model (from 100 euros), the weaker model should have reached the mark after six seconds. Despite the powerful driving performance, the consumption should be comparatively low: BMW speaks of around 19 kWh per 100 kilometers (combined, WLTP) in the best case. The iX60 variant with 440 kW / 600 PS and a consumption of 21,6 kWh will be submitted later.
When it comes to the technology of the electric engines, BMW sets itself apart from the competition. The Munich-based company uses a synchronous motor, which does not require the usual permanent magnets, but generates the field electrically. This means that expensive and critical so-called rare earths can be dispensed with.
With less volts
The iX stores the traction current in a liquid-cooled high-voltage battery with prismatic cells. The iX40 has a net capacity of 71 kWh (gross: 76,6 kWh), the iX50 around 105 kWh (gross: 111,5 kWh). The Munich-based company uses a conventional 400-volt architecture and, in contrast to its competitors Audi and Porsche, do without 800-volt technology. Nevertheless, the iX is no junk at the socket: the SUV charges three-phase alternating current with up to 11 kW at the wallbox and AC charging station, and at the fast charging station it can handle between 150 and 200 kW, depending on the battery. The manufacturer specifies the charging time from 10 to 80 percent fill level to be around 30 to 40 minutes, after ten minutes there is enough energy for 95 to 150 kilometers on board.
Very streamlined for an SUV
The e-mobile appears visually independent. Laterally and in length, the iX corresponds to the format of the X5, and it is similar in height to an X6, while its wheel format corresponds to that of an X7. In addition, it offers an extremely streamlined outer skin with an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0,25. BMW has also implemented some new ideas in the interior. Among other things, natural materials and recycled materials were processed here. The number of switches and buttons is very clear. Some control elements only become visible when they are activated. Behind the hexagonal steering wheel there is a large, curved display that extends to the passenger side. Other special features are a huge glass panorama roof or an audio system with a total of 30 loudspeakers.
In the iX, a new type of technology kit is used for the vehicle brain, the computing power of which is designed for a data volume that is 20 times higher than that of previous models. This is also necessary in view of a more powerful sensor system, which should lift the iX to a higher level of autonomous driving skills. BMW promises improved and new automated driving and parking functions. Theoretically, the on-board sensors allow driving at autonomy level 3. In addition, the fully networked vehicle will of course offer 5G technology.