BMW iX: Charge times, battery range, price for highly-anticipated electric SUV
The electric sports activity vehicle is primed to fill lawyer and doctor driveways across the land.
The BMW iX is the brand's first all-electric “sports activity vehicle.” That’s the preferred euphemism for BMW SUVs, and this is likely just the first of many (many) electric SUVs to come.
With 610 maximum horsepower and an astonishing 811 lb-ft of max torque from the iX M60, the big ride will be able to get up and go, while a boatload of luxury features will keep you comfortable while you get there.
We’ll have to actually drive it to determine if this is really an Ultimate Driving Machine, but from what we’ve seen so far, BMW is ready to throw down in the performance EV SUV wars.
Here’s everything you need to know about the BMX iX, from price and specs to range and charging time.
This story is developing and this report will be updated as more information becomes available...
BMW says the iX combines the functionality of the X5 with the agility of the X6 and the “expressive appearance” of the X7. In other words, BMW has taken bits of all its big SUVs and smushed them together to make the iX.
BMW iX range: 324 miles
There are two announced versions of the iX, the iX xDrive50 and the more powerful iX M60.
BMW estimates the less-powerful iX xDrive 50 will get 324, 305, or 315 miles of range with the 20-inch, 21-inch, and 22-inch wheel options fitted, respectively. The iX xDrive 50 have a 105.2 kWh net battery capacity (111.5 kWh gross battery capacity).
The more powerful iX M60 should have 280 miles of EPA-estimated range with the 21-inch wheel option according to BMW. The 22-inch wheel option doesn’t have a firm range estimate yet.
How fast the BMW iX charges its battery
The iX is capable of charging at up to 195 kW via a DC fast charger, and BMW says the iX M60 should be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes on a 250 kW charger.
Using a Level 2 residential charger, the iX can charge itself at a maximum of 11 kW for a 0 to 100 percent charge in under 10.5 hours.
BMW is offering a number of environmentally friendly interiors that use recycled materials, sustainably farmed wood, and three different leather-free seating options. Leather seating is, of course, an option as well but BMW is using olive leaf extract to tan the leather without creating harmful byproducts.
How much horsepower and torque does the BMW iX have?
The BMW iX xDrive 50 has a combined 516 horsepower from its two motors, 268 hp from the front and 335 hp from the rear. More importantly, it has 564 lb-ft of combined torque.
The BMW iX M60 has a maximum horsepower of 610 hp with the Sport Boost mode engaged. Maximum torque is 811 lb-ft with Launch mode active.
What’s the 0-60 time and top speed of the BMW iX?
BMW claims the iX xDrive 50 will hit 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and continue on to a top speed of 124 mph.
The performance-focused iX M60 will rip from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, heading on to a 155 mph top speed (with summer performance tires fitted).
The enormous sunroof is electrochromic, meaning it can go opaque at the touch of a button. There’s no shade required to keep out the sun, and it automatically turns on when the car is locked to keep things cooler inside.
What is the drag coefficient of the BMW iX?
The BMW iX xDrive50 has a drag coefficient of just 0.25, while the iX M60 sports a Cx of 0.26.
Is the BMX iX self-driving?
It is not self-driving. The iX includes a suite of BMW advanced driver assist systems, including the optional Driving Assistant Professional feature that combines an advanced Lane Keeping Assistant with Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go. The system will focus on maximizing energy efficiency when the car is in the most eco-friendly drive mode.
Between the two, the iX has an SAE Level 2 driver-assist system. The lane-keeping assist works up to 124 mph and uses visible lane markings and vehicles in the lane ahead to provide steering assistance. It uses data from both front- and side-mounted cameras, the front-facing long-range radar, and four more radar sensors facing to the sides of the vehicle.
Turn on the Active Cruise function and the dashboard screen will show images of cars, trucks, and motorcycles recognized by the camera and radar sensors at the front of the vehicle. This confirms that the iX is seeing everything it should. Though you can’t drive it completely hands-free, it will allow for brief periods where you can take your hand off the wheel (though you would never do that, of course).
The advanced driver assist system in the BMW iX can help drivers stay in their lane, maintain speed, and even make lane changes safely.
When will the BMX iX go on sale?
The US market launch of the BMW iX xDrive50 is expected in the first quarter of 2022, while the BMW iX M60 is expected to go on sale in June of 2022.
What’s the price of the BMW iX?
The BMW iX xDrive50 starts at $84,195 including destination, and it’s eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit — plus any applicable state incentives. Of course, option packages will add to that price a bit.
The BMW iX M60 starts at $106,095.
How can I buy the BMW iX?
BMW did not share any pre-order information, but contact your local BMW dealer to place a reservation.
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