BMW iNext winter tests underway

The BMW Group’s new technology flagship the electric BMW iNext is completing its first full vehicle tests in winter conditions in Sweden prior to expected sales starting in New Zealand and Australia in about 2021.

The SUV – described as a sports activity vehicle (SAV) – can seat up to seven and was unveiled as a concept at the Los Angeles auto show last year.

It is expected to take the iX5 name into production at the BMW Plant in Dingolfing from 2021.

The iNext integrates the key future topics of automated driving, connectivity, electrification and services (ACES).

The electric drive, intelligent all-wheel-drive system and model-specific suspension technology are being winter-tested together under real-world conditions at the polar circle for the first time, BMW says.

The iNext will be part of a line-up of 12 all-electric BMWs, which will include a four-door i4 likely to be launched before 2025 when about 25 electrified models are expected to be available.

The test drives with the camouflaged BMW iNext are being held on snow-covered roads and ice-covered lakes, BMW says.

“The cold poses a challenge, above all, for the electric motor, the high-voltage battery and the cooling system of the BMW iNext. The testing engineers also attach particular importance to the eDrive energy management system. They analyse the way in which the extreme sub-zero temperatures affect how the energy storage system recharges, how electricity is transferred to the electric motor, how the electrical system is supplied with energy and how the heating and air condition systems respond.”

The power transmission and suspension regulation systems are also tested far beyond what is standard in day-to-day traffic conditions. Steering and braking systems are fine-tuned under these conditions, BMW adds.

Some media note the disguised iNext being tested has a few changes to the concept revealed last year.

It’s also expected to gain from battery technology advances and have a range exceeding 700km.

The iNext could eventually offer Level 5 autonomy functions allowing driverless operation.