BMW has just launched the iX electric SUV, but the soft launch concentrated more on the latest EV’s design rather than its technology. So far, only one model has been launched by the Bavarians, a 500-horsepower and 300-mile range vehicle that we believe is their top model. The fifth-generation drivetrain that features a flatter battery pack design with a higher energy density packed inside than the previous generation has also been mentioned.
At a high stage, the fifth generation’s BMW eDrive technology contains a highly engineered drive mechanism in which the electric motor, transmission, and control electronics are housed in a single enclosure. The BMW iX would also be able to feature electric motors on both axles.
Johann Kistler, the head of the BMW ix project, told us that the BMW iX would provide the xDrive and all-wheel-drive components. But at the moment no further information can be related. Of course, because that’s one of the key criteria in a market like the US. BMW has to sell an all-wheel-drive electric SUV. The BMW of North America skipped the iX3 electric SUV for the same reason.
Competitors such as Tesla, Audi, and Mercedes sell their all-wheel-drive electric SUVs, so BMW has to be competitive in what forms a lucrative, albeit demanding market.
BMW eDrive power unit
In the iX electric SUV, the BMW eDrive power unit produces 370 kW/500 PS (490hp). In less than 5.0 seconds, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h can be achieved.
According to preliminary calculations, the gross energy content of 100 kWh of the high-voltage battery is sufficient to ensure an overall range of more than 600 kilometers.
It provided a low combined consumption figure of 21 kWh / 100 km measured according to the WLTP cycle. The new BMW iX will achieve more than 300 miles in the EPA FTP-75 range test.
With less power output but at least the same electric driving range, at least two additional iX models will be sold in the future.