31 Aug Back to the future 5 – The iX Factor
Museums are defined as “a building or institution where objects of artistic, historical, or scientific importance and value are kept, studied, and put on display”. FMM is no exception, but also keeps up with the times. Following last month’s experience with the all-electric BMW i4, this time we offer brief impressions of an iX xDrive40…
The BMW Group’s new technology flagship is blazing a trail for innovations in the fields of electric mobility and digitalisation. Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology enables locally emission-free driving pleasure with electric all-wheel drive and a long operating range. The BMW iX is based on a new future toolkit covering various development fields including on-board network architecture, software, digital services, connectivity, and automated driving functions. The advances achieved as a result can be seen in the latest generation of the iDrive control/operating system, exceptionally efficient energy management and numerous innovative driver assistance systems.
The BMW iX is a modern Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) that has been designed from the inside out and redefines the idea of interior spaciousness and luxury. The model is powered by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear axle, creating an electric all-wheel-drive system, together producing a system output of 240 kW in the BMW iX xDrive40 (electric power consumption combined as per WLTP 22,5 – 19,4 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions: 0 g/km). Zero to 100 km/h takes 6,1 seconds. The operating range for long-distance journeys is up to 425 kilometres. The average electric power consumption in the WLTP cycle is under 20 kWh per 100 kilometres.
The aluminium spaceframe construction and the Carbon Cage’s use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the roof, flanks and rear, serve to minimise weight. A raft of aerodynamics measures helps to achieve a Cd of 0.25. The electric all-wheel drive is combined with fast-acting and precise near-actuator wheel slip limitation. The iX comes with the most extensive spread of driver assistance systems ever fitted as standard on a BMW, along with a wealth of extra innovations.
Inside, the iX offers vast amounts of room. Newly-developed seats with integral head restraints set the tone for the luxurious ambience. The absence of a centre tunnel creates extra legroom, plus sufficient space for storage areas and a centre console designed in the style of a high-quality piece of furniture. The car’s interior features FSC-certified wood, leather tanned with olive leaf extracts and other natural materials. Among the raw materials used for the floor coverings and mats are recovered fishing nets.
“Must be the most futuristic motor car I’ve ever driven,” says Wayne. “Yet nothing about it overwhelms. It has all the leading BMW Shy Tech technology and connectivity systems we are quickly becoming used to. The total package is based around the new earth-friendly electric drive system, which offers excellent acceleration and power delivery in a package largely made from recycled materials. The list of features almost makes you feel like you are in a Tron movie.”
“Wayne’s right, it sure is an advanced automobile,” adds Mike. “I only managed a very brief drive in the car, but straight away (as one of an older generation!) I felt like the Eagle comic’s Dan Dare stepping into a spaceship. The whole experience is ‘other-worldly’ and a stepping stone into a what is fast becoming the way of the future.”
The BMW iX xDrive40 sells for R1 650 000, which includes a complimentary Wallbox charger and installation, free charging at any BMW-branded charging stations, free insurance for the first year, and a year’s subscription to the Charge Point Operator’s network portal.
