BMW brings iX to BEV battle

BMW is seeking electric redemption with the launch of the iX crossover in early 2022.

The X5-sized utility vehicle, built on BMW's Cluster Architecture platform, delivers 500 hp and a projected EPA driving range of 300 miles.

The new model, part of BMW's ambitious target to have 25 electrified models by 2023, is the company's first battery-powered electric crossover in the U.S. after it aborted plans to bring the shorter- range iX3 compact crossover here.

The midsize iX addresses shortcomings that made the iX3 a nonstarter in the U.S. — it's larger with more stamina. The iX delivers more than 86 additional miles of range than the iX3, based on the European Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure.

But it's unclear whether the iX will go far enough for American comfort levels.

"Three hundred miles of range is table stakes in the U.S. premium market," said Sam Abuelsamid, Guidehouse Insights principal analyst. "BMW really needs to be aiming higher for follow-on models."

With a first-quarter 2022 launch, BMW will be late to the premium electric crossover market. Audi and Jaguar are already on the field, while Volvo will introduce the XC40 Recharge P8 crossover early next year.

The iX, previewed as the iNext concept in 2018, is the first BMW model to be based on an all-new technology toolkit conceived for electric mobility.

The aluminum space-frame body structure is a first for its segment, BMW said. The materials and manufacturing processes increase body rigidity and crash safety while keeping weight low.

BMW's new large kidney grille is featured prominently. Since the electric-drive system requires only a small amount of cooling air, the grille is closed off and hides a suite of sensors including cameras and radar required for automated driving features.

The iX's computer can process 20 times the data volume of previous models.

The increase in computing power sets the iX up for achieving a higher level of automated driving when artificial intelligence needed to handle the task is ready to be deployed in customer vehicles, said Conrad Layson, an analyst with AutoForecast Solutions.

"The sensors will have to communicate with the AI faster and more often with higher levels of vehicle autonomy,"

Layson said. "With the new iX, BMW takes a step away from 'the ultimate driving machine' and toward what could be the 'ultimate mobility machine.' "

The grille is bookended by the slimmest headlight units on a series-production BMW. Daytime driving lights, with integrated turn signals, have a new design as two-dimensional strips along the upper edge of headlights.

The iX has doors with frameless windows and electric door handles that fit flush into the door surfaces.

The BMW iX interior design is minimalist, eschewing physical knobs and buttons for high-tech and high-definition displays and software controls.

The dashboard is anchored by a free-standing curved display that combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and the center 14.9-inch control display to form a single unit angled toward the driver. With a magnesium housing and a frameless, single-piece glass surface, the display uses anti-reflective glass to eliminate the binnacle typically used to shield the readouts from sunlight.

The iX is the first model from BMW Group to be fitted with a hexagonal, track-inspired steering wheel, which the automaker said gives the driver a better view of the section of the curved display positioned behind the steering wheel.

A head-up display projector is flush-fitted into the instrument panel without a frame, which allows it to be hidden from sight.