Full specs but no price announced for BMW iX

While full specifications have been announced for the BMW iX xDrive40 and xDrive50 ahead of their Q4 arrival in New Zealand, pricing won’t be revealed until closer to the time.

The xDrive40 is capable of 240kW combined output, 630Nm torque and 425km range from its 76.6kWh battery, and the xDrive50 can produce 385kW and up to 765Nm torque with 630km range from its 111.5kWh battery.

A sporty iX M60 variant with output exceeding 440kW has been confirmed with details to be released later.

The xDrive50 gets to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, while the xDrive40 hits 100km/h from rest in 6.1 seconds.

Charging up to 200kW (DC) on xDrive50 and 150kW (DC) on xDrive40 can see as much as 150km of range added in 10 minutes and 95km in the same time respectively.

The New Zealand iX line-up will offer extensive standard specification items including myriad luxury, safety, technology and convenience features. 

Australia has announced its BMW iX models coming later this year with pricing included.

The BMW iX has a heightened focus on sustainability.

Its interior is redesigned, featuring the new BMW Curved Display and latest generation iDrive system, while vehicle components and battery cells are manufactured using green power across the board and the electric drive system avoids using rare earth materials.

Adaptive recuperation provides energy from braking and coasting to boost to the car’s efficiency and range.

The standard specification of the BMW iX includes an integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin, together with its high-voltage battery and a drive system that operates using an exceptionally efficient heat pump function.

Optimised aerodynamic properties contribute to the car’s low drag coefficient of just 0.25, maximising efficiency and range.

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.

New ‘My Modes’ personalisation options expand the range of vehicle settings that can be selected.

Remote software upgrades and the option of purchasing vehicle functions from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store via Functions on Demand keep it up to date.

Navigation using the cloud-based system BMW Maps and Augmented Reality Video in the control display ensures quick and accurate route planning while also making it easy for the driver to find their way on the road, while 5G onboard mobile technology is included for data transmission and the ability to integrate a personal mobile account into the car using the personal eSIM.

A wide variety of driver assistance systems is available, the new technology toolkit in the BMW iX offers potential for 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 with five cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors used to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.

The front collision warning system now detects oncoming traffic as well as cyclists and pedestrians when turning.

Steering and Lane Control Assistant features have been significantly expanded, while Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function offers enhanced situational distance adjustment.

The exit warning function, which alerts to the presence of cyclists or pedestrians in the surrounding area before the doors are opened, and the Remote Theft Recorder, are both new features.

Also on the standard equipment list is Parking Assistant including Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant.

Inside there is plenty of room and storage space.

Two available interior design themes, Loft and Suite, each offer their own unique character and ambience while three different trim choices – Stone Grey, Amido and Castanea – are available to further customise the cabin’s look and feel. 

The automatic climate control system in the BMW iX comes with a nano-fibre filter to purify the air and new touchscreen controls.

The optional 1615W Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System is offered and the BMW iX also features a specially composed drive sound.

BMW also has the i4 line-up arriving in New Zealand, starting in the first quarter of 2022.