BMW unveiled the iX electric crossover to us late last year, but it was only a partial reveal. We got to see the EV from every angle, think about some preliminary specs and check out some of the technical features. Today we learn about the final production specs of the iX and countless other details.
We’ll start with the important, final power figures. The iX will be launched in the US only in xDrive50 spec, giving it standard four-wheel drive. Output is 516 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque combined with the two electric motors. The rear engine is stronger than the front, with a maximum of 335 horses, while the front engine power is 268 horsepower. BMW revealed today that an iX M60 model is on the way “with more than 600 horsepower” as the first electric M crossover. Timing on that model is not yet available. The standard xDrive50 model will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, so expect the M60 to be closer to or below 4.0 seconds. BMW chooses to use a single-speed transmission as opposed to the Porsche Taycan’s two-speed transmission.
BMW used to be about charging speeds and surface-level range, but there’s even more to learn today. Only one battery option is available. It’s a 111.5 kWh battery pack, but BMW limits it to 106.3 kWh. This practice of limiting battery charging to its maximum capacity is common with EVs. There is still no official EPA estimated range available, but BMW continues to claim a range of “about 300 miles” on a full charge. Connect the iX to a DC fast charger and it will take 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. In useful terms, powering an iX with a charge rate of 200 kW would increase the range by 90 miles in 10 minutes, assuming you start with a 10% charge. BMW is making EVgo its public charging infrastructure partner, with a more seamless charging experience for iX owners and a $100 free charge to get you started.
Also new today are details about the suspension and chassis technologies. BMW uses “lift-related shock absorbers” as the standard suspension. Additional hydraulic damping has been incorporated into the shocks, which can adapt firmness to changing suspension travel. With large suspension, a second piston falls down into the inner sleeve, BMW says the technology ultimately results in less body dive over big bumps and more comfort over small bumps in the road.
You can also forget about the above and optional BMW’s adaptive air suspension, which includes electronically controlled shocks and adjustable suspension height settings. The damping is continuously adjusted with these shock absorbers, just like with BMW’s other electronically controlled adaptive suspensions. Maximum ground clearance isn’t listed, but it’s possible to raise the iX 0.8 inches on command or lower it 0.4 inches in Sport mode. The iX automatically lowers to its lower ride height at speeds above 140 km/h, to a top speed of 240 km/h.
BMW says it is using new steering gear (debut in the iX) for its standard variable-ratio steering rack. However, the company’s optional Integral Active Steering system is also available, adding rear-wheel steering to the mix. The rear wheels can pivot opposite the front wheels to increase cornering maneuverability/reduce the turning radius when parking, and they can also pivot with the front wheels for more stability at speed.
A new all-wheel drive electric system is coming to the iX that is fully variable and can split torque to drive only in the rear for maximum efficiency or all-wheel drive for maximum traction. The traction control system designed for new BMW EVs also features near-actuator wheel slip limit technology. This TCS system is integrated into the engine management system in an effort to eliminate any kind of signal delay to apply corrective inputs more quickly and accurately between the front and rear wheels.
The brake-by-wire system allows you to select your favorite brake pedal experience. BMW says single-pedal driving will be possible, but there’s also a rollout option and a combination of the two that sounds like it’s the closest thing to what the brakes on a traditional petrol engine feel. The brakes are hidden by standard 20-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels. You can switch to optional 21-inch or 22-inch options that BMW calls Air Performance wheels – BMW claims they are about 15% lighter than conventional alloy wheels. These optional wheels are also fitted with special tires designed specifically for the iX to reduce tire noise as it is an EV.
Finally, BMW revealed a starting price for the iX xDrive50. It starts at $84,195, including the $995 destination surcharge. BMW says we should see the first iXs roll out to the US in the first quarter of 2022.
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