With the brand new BMW i4 and iX EV models slated for worldwide launches in November 2021, we might see these on our roads sooner than expected.
The all-new BMW i4 and BMW iX models mark the next major step in the BMW Group transformation towards a 50% global share of fully electric vehicle sales by 2030.
BMW i4
The BMW i4 combines BMW’s fabled sporting prowess and a range that also convinces over long journeys with the elegant design, spaciousness and practicality of a four-door Gran Coupé.
The model will be launching with two variants. The more powerful i4 M50 will have 400 kW/544 hp, all-wheel drive and a range of up to 510 kilometres.
On the other hand, the more economical i4 eDrive40 will have 250 kW/340 hp, classical rear-wheel drive and a range of up to 590 kilometres.
Exterior
The i4 is targeted at the midsize market segment, a category BMW is traditionally strong in with its ever-popular 3 and 4 Series. The i4’s overall design takes cues from the 4 Series Gran Coupe. With four doors, a tapered roof, stretched proportions, and a liftback-styled boot, the i4 combines sporty looks with the practicality of a family car.
Making another appearance in this BMW’s lineup is the distinctive kidney grille, which is now largely blanked off on account of the car being electric.
Interior
The interior of the car features a new BMW Curved Display, which merges the 12.3-inch information display and the 14.9-inch control display into a frameless, single-piece glass surface that is angled towards the driver.
iDrive has also been updated to the new BMW Operating System 8. The new system has features including the expanded capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which uses new graphics to communicate with the driver.
Driver assistance systems
The i4 features new driver assistance systems that tap on a network of extremely advanced sensors. Features that are standard on the car include Speed Limit Assist and Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function
Taken together, the new i4 is certified for Level 2 automated driving in accordance with SAE International Standard.
Improvements to battery cell technology
The i4 eDrive 40 features BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology, which encompasses electric motors, electronics, charging technology and battery. This enables the car to have a 30% improvement in power density over the 2020 BMW i3.
An extremely slim high-voltage battery with a gross energy content of 83.9kWh allows the i4 to have a range of up to 590km in the WLTP test cycle. As part of the new BMW eDrive toolkit, there is also a new Combined Charging Unit (CCU) that offers flexibility between using DC or AC-powered charging stations.
The CCU allows power to be taken onboard at up to 200kW, which can add 100km of range in just 10 minutes, and 10 to 80% charging takes 31 minutes.
Using a standard 11kW AC charger, the i4 can be charged from 0 to 100% in under 8.5 hours.
BMW iX
Alongside the i4, BMW is also releasing the iX, its first fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). The BMW Group’s new technology flagship combines locally emission-free driving pleasure, sporting agility and a compelling operating range with a character profile dedicated squarely to sustainability.
Exterior
With a muscular body and wide stance, the BMW iX redefines the successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) body concept.
The car features an almost completely blanked-off BMW kidney grille, which surface now incorporates camera and radar sensors.
As an alternative to the standard 20-inch light-alloy wheels, buyers can opt for either 21-inch or 22-inch Air Performance Wheels. These can be fitted with noise-reduced tyres, which have a layer of foam on their inner surface to enhance acoustic comfort.
Interior
On the inside, the iX’s interior has vast amounts of room. Newly developed seats with integral head restraints set the tone for a luxurious ambience. BMW will offer three different trims for customising the interior.
A hexagonal steering wheel and frameless projector integration for the optional Head‑Up Display further add to the focused driving experience. An optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with speakers integrated out of sight in the head restraints can also be fitted.
In addition to acoustic pedestrian protection, the BMW iX also features specially composed driving sounds, which provide authentic audio feedback in response to accelerator movements and speed.
BMW iDrive control & operation system
Like the BMW i4, the new generation of the iDrive display and operating system makes its debut in the BMW iX.
Navigation using the cloud-based system BMW Maps and Augmented Reality Video in the control display ensures quick and accurate route planning. Drivers also have the ability to integrate a personal mobile account into the car using the personal eSIM.
Driver assistance systems
The BMW iX comes equipped with the most extensive set of standard driver assistance systems ever seen on any BMW. Five cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors are fitted to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.
Availability of the optional Steering and Lane Control Assistant has been significantly expanded, while the optional Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function offers enhanced situational distance adjustment.
New features include the Exit Warning function and the Remote Theft Recorder. Also found on the standard equipment list for the car is the Parking Assistant including Reversing Assist Camera and the Reversing Assistant.
Powerful electric drivetrains
The BMW iX will be launched with a choice of two model variants. The more powerful BMW iX xDrive50 will have a combined output of 385 kW/523 hp and a WLTP-calculated range of up to 630 kilometres. Acceleration is brisk with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds, with torque figures at 564 lb-ft.
The more modest BMW iX xDrive40 has 240 kW/326 hp and a range of 425 kilometres. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h time is longer at 6.1 seconds, and its torque peaks at 464 lb-ft. Both models will feature electric all-wheel-drive systems.
Also set to join the model line-up at a later date is the BMW iX M60, with a predicted maximum output in excess of 440 kW/600 hp. Being an M-badged car, it promises an exceptionally sporty all-electric driving experience. Additional details about this vehicle have not been released at the time of this press release.
Latest battery cell technology
Similar to the BMW i4, the iX would feature BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology. The BMW iX xDrive50 is fitted with a 105.2kWh battery, while the BMW iX xDrive40 has a 71 kWh battery.
The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) in the BMW iX offers both DC and AC charging capabilities. Range can be increased by up to 150 kilometres for the BMW iX xDrive50 and over 95 kilometres for the BMW iX xDrive40 in just ten minutes when they are plugged into a DC fast-charging station.
Availability
Prices for the BMW i4 and iX have not been released yet, but prospective buyers won’t have to wait long, as both models are estimated to reach our shores by the end of 2021.
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Keyword: BMW Unveils the All-New i4 and iX - The Future of All-Electric Mobility