In the first quarter of 2022, the BMW iX xDrive50 will land on U.S. shores as the sole variant of the automaker’s electric ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ (SAV) series – for now, at least.
Newly-announced details confirm that U.S.-spec models come outfitted with a front electric motor producing 268 hp and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque and a rear electric motor with 335 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. These motors combine to pump out 516 hp and 564 lb-ft (764 Nm) of torque and get their power from a 106.3 kWh battery pack.
BMW quotes a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.6 seconds and a 124 mph (200 km/h) top speed. The iX xDrive50 has an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles (482 km).
The SAV supports fast-charging at up to 200 kW through DC fast chargers, allowing its battery to be topped up from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 40 minutes. The range can also be increased by up to 90 miles in 10 minutes. U.S. buyers of the BMW iX xDrive50 can use chargers through the EVgo network and will receive a $100 EVgo charging credit upon purchasing or leasing the SAV.
Read Also: BMW iX Tech Flagship EV Electrifies Shanghai, Will Launch In China This Year
BMW has equipped the iX with an advanced energy recuperation system. Drivers can choose between a high, medium, or low Brake Energy Regeneration setting that includes a one-pedal driving mode. The vehicle automatically goes into a freewheeling state when coasting the moment the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. As the iX gets closer to a vehicle ahead, brake recuperation will be activated automatically.
Three driving modes are offered; Personal, Sport, and Efficient, each tweaking the drive system and chassis, the instrument cluster, ambient lighting, the interior soundtrack, and the width of the seat backrest. In Sport mode, for example, the system makes the accelerator and steering more direct while also enhancing the interior soundtrack. The Personal mode allows customers to create their own driving mode by choosing various different characteristics.
BMW says it hasn’t forgotten to ensure the iX handles well
The iX xDrive50 will arrive as standard with a lift-related damping system that adjusts the firmness in the shock depending on suspension travel. BMW says this prevents excessive body dive when driving over large bumps while low damping forces around the middle damping position ensure a high level of comfort when traveling over minor road imperfections. Buyers can option an adaptive suspension system with electronically controlled shocks and two-axle air suspension with automatic self-leveling. Also making its debut on the iX is BMW’s Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance system that is said to have “excellent precision and feedback,” or so BMW says.
The interior of the BMW iX is a dramatic departure from all other BMW models. It combines a 12.3-inch infotainment display with a 14.9-inch control display under a single piece of curved glass. The system runs on BMW iDrive 8 and includes over-the-air updates. An advanced Head-Up display is also features as is a hexagonal steering wheel, four-way automatic climate control, and a panoramic glass roof that has a thin layer of film that adjusts the transparency at the touch of a button.
Audiophiles will also be pleased to learn that the iX xDrive50 comes standard with a Harman Kardon audio system with 18 speakers and 655 watts of power, plus two subwoofers and four speakers built into the headrests. A Bowers & Wilkins audio system with no less than 30 speakers and 1,615 watts can be ordered as an option.
Prices for the 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 start at $83,200 plus a $995 destination charge.
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