Video: Electric BMW SUV arrives 2021

BMW is revealing a few details about its new iNext concept launching within three years.

Two new videos on BMW’s social media channels show how the flagship SUV is shaping up.

With a design dominated by a huge illuminated sci-fi take on BMW’s signature kidney grille, the iNext SUV’s styling is similar to the i3 and i8 supercar, motoring.com.au reports.

Two large vertical air intakes hint at the battery-powered SUV’s advanced aero and cooling package, likely to include active elements.

At the rear, sharp L-shaped LED tail-lights and blue outlines seem to highlight the pure-electric SUV’s lack of exhaust outlets.

The iNext is described by BMW as one of the most innovative road-ready vehicles it’s ever built.

Arriving in 2021, it will debut BMW’s next-generation pure-electric powertrain and battery technology, plus its advanced fully autonomous driving aids.

To keep engineering and manufacturing costs down, the iNext will be on either a heavily modified version of BMW’s CLAR platform or an entirely new modular architecture that will be shared with BMW’s fifth-generation X5.

A battery range from 60kWh to 120kWh is planned.

The iNext will come with one, two or even three electric motors. Some overseas reports suggest entry-level models will offer 100kW and the flagship version 600kW.

Initially, iNext will introduce Level 3 autonomy where the driver monitors progress and takes over when needed.

It’s expected this will eventually be upgraded to full autonomy.