2021 BMW iX: Everything We Know About The iNext Tesla-Fighting Electric SUV

While Coronavirus prematurely put the brakes on this year’s Geneva Motor Show, it didn’t undermine some of the more eagerly awaited new reveals (albeit via live-streamed presentations). One of those was BMW’s i4 Concept, Munich’s take on a Tesla Model 3-esque battery electric vehicle in a Gran Coupe-fastback format.

However, as alluring as the i4 Concept may be, it’s unlikely to lure the masses like a crossover ever will. Fortunately, BMW has an ace up their sleeve with that in mind; It’s called the iX (formally known as iNEXT) – an EV flagship tour de force on stilts.

Also Read: BMW Vision iNext Shows The Way Forward For A New Electric SUV

So what can we expect from the iX in terms of design, technology and powertrain? We take an illustrated, spy shot-based preview before BMW officially lifts the covers.

2021 BMW ix SUV illustrations copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes

Polarising Design

As with the upcoming 4-Series and other recent concepts, there’s no escaping BMW’s controversial tall new grille. Like it or not, it’s a bold, confident look with slim LED headlights, flanked by muscular sculpting of the front bumper and contrasting accents.

The bodyside is relatively clean with frameless windows, flush door handles and minimal defining lines. There are some fussy details in the lower rocker panels, however, they do compliment the strongly-defined front and rear fenders. Rear styling features staunch haunches, slim LED taillights and a bold lower diffuser panel.

Exquisite Accommodation

Like the i4 Concept, minimalism is key with futuristic elegance combined with standout technology. One of the interior’s more striking aspects is a huge, driver-focussed curved touchscreen display which controls the entertainment system, augmented navigation, and climate functions.

Prototypes of the BMW iNext reveal a unique layout for the dashboard

A unique two-spoke, polygonal-shaped steering wheel features a flat bottom and optical fibres which light up when the driver needs to take control over any of the Level 3 semi-autonomous driving assists. It’ll also have 5G connectivity and various cabin ambience settings to suit  occupant needs (or their mood).

Under The Skin

To be produced at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany, various sections of the iX’s body-in-white will be joined with the aid of rotary bonding technology. This process allows BMW to join aluminum and high-strength steels by using heat caused by friction when a steel element pierces an aluminum component, resulting in the parts fusing.

To ensure the highest standards of durability for the car and its electrified powertrain, the iX has been gruelingly tested in the heat of the Kalahari Desert, BMW’s sub-zero test center in Sweden, and thrown about the Nurburgring.

Electrified Performance

Propelling the iX is BMW’s 5th generation eDrive system; in range-topping guise, it’s tipped to offer 530 horsepower and a high-density 80-kWh battery pack good for around 400 miles (or about 640km). With the aid of lightweight batteries and all-wheel-drive, this should yield a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint in under 4 seconds.

To quash any thoughts around range anxiety, a versatile charging unit can enable the iX to be charged to 80 percent within 35 minutes, with a maximum of 150kW DC fast charging.

Rivals & Reveal

The iX will fight in an ever-expanding, high-margin EV segment; when it goes on sale it’ll face Jaguar’s I-Pace, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi E-Tron, Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.

We anticipate a reveal later this year, with sales starting sometime in 2021. Finally, what are your thoughts on BMW’s EV ambitions, and could you stomach the styling? Share your thoughts in the comments below.