According to specialized media, the production version of the BMW iNEXT will finally receive the trade name iX. This model will be an SUV located in the E segment, ranking between the current X3 and X5 by size. Its objective? To become the new technological flagship of the Bavarian firm.
Although its presentation will take place in a few months, its production will not begin until July 2021, just a couple of months after the i4. The BMW iX will be offered with three mechanical options, which will have in common an xDrive all-wheel-drive system as standard, differing from each other in power delivered.
Thus, the access version will have 308 hp (230 kW), the intermediate will reach 522 hp (390 kW), and the top of the range will reach 610 hp (455 kW). At the moment it is not clear if this last version will be tuned by M, the sports division of BMW; However, if we take into account that it was already confirmed that the i5 would have an M version, it would not be unreasonable if the iX also received it.
Another novelty of the model will be the BMW Natural Interaction system, which will use touch-sensitive materials to improve interactions between the driver and the vehicle. Besides, it will have a level 3 autonomous driving system (i.e., “hands-free”).
The model will equip wheels between 20 and 22 inches and have optional elements such as air suspension, Bowers & Wilkins sound system, etc. In general, we will find ourselves before a car with a level of luxury similar to the current 5 Series, which later will also have its own electric version (the i5 above).
Following the first “wave” of BMW electric launches (iX3, i4, and iX), BMW is already preparing the next one, which will arrive in 2022: the new iX1, i5, and i7, derived from the X1, 5 Series and 7 Series. The latter two are expected to equip all the latest generation technologies released in the iX. Simultaneously, the iX1 will be positioned as the entry-level model to BMW’s “i” range, indirectly replacing the current i3.