The auto giant recently unveiled the iX SUV, formerly known as the iNext, an all-electric "sports activity vehicle" (read: SUV) which will act as a sort of template for future electric vehicles produced by BMW.
Sleek minimalist design isn't the only thing the iX has to offer. The iX is using BMW's new scalable electric vehicle technology, which is essentially a template from which the company can make vehicles of different sizes. This is the "fifth-generation" of its e-drive technology and encompasses the SUV's electric motors, electronics, charging technology, and high-voltage battery.
“We are setting new industry standards with the technology in the BMW iX. The iX has more computing power for data processing and more powerful sensor technology than the newest vehicles in our current line-up, is 5G-capable, will be given new and improved automated driving and parking functions, and uses the high-performing fifth generation of our electric drive system.”
Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.
Despite its new scalable technology platform, notably absent from the iX is any self-driving technology. According to BMW, it has, however, bolstered its onboard computing power to process 20 times the data of previous models. That translates to double the amount of vehicle sensor data than prior models, the company says.
Driverless technology or not, the iX looks like a pretty cohesive and encouraging step for BMW's future EVs, especially if you're a prospective buyer with some extra money and enough charging stations in your vicinity. Alternatively, you'll likely be able to pay a little extra to get a fast charger installed in your garage.