All-new BMW iX EV xDrive50 SAV part 2

When I did my first production iX post about BMW's new sport activity vehicle, I used info from the international BMW site, since nothing seemed to be available at the US version. I was early I guess. The US media release gives us lots and lots of info that wasn't available elsewhere. (I used different pics of the same iX to give more exposure.) Firstly, the iX is scheduled to arrive in the US during the first quarter of 2022 (as a 2023 model?). Secondly, the iX xDrive50 is the model coming to the US with a starting price of $83k+ which is a lot more than I thought. I was guessing an iX xDrive40 would start here under $50k, but what do I know?  Since BMW utilizes groups and packages to allow customization and to drive up pricing I thought these newbies would be cheaper. Wrong. Size wise the iX may compete with more mid-sized EVs, the pricing puts the car in the luxury group like the Tesla Model Y, Jaguar i-Pace, and others. Depending on how they flesh-out the rest of their EV line-up (besides EV versions of regular models) will determine if BMW has made a mistake. BMW has been making EVs for years so it can't be all about recouping cost. On this issue there will be more...

One thing the new media release provides is much more information about the production version. In fact, it is one of the longest media releases I've seen in a long time and it's all there after the "read more" jump. Highlights include the new iDrive system with over-the-air updates, an adjustable roof that can be clear or opaque, available 5G and eSIM, a curved display with a heads-up feature, all-wheel-drive, and lots more, Range is still estimated at 300 miles with 516 hp and fast charging. Zero to sixty mph is estimated at just over 4.5 seconds. Remember that the iX xDrive50 is the first iteration we'll get in the US with others following like the high-performance iX xDrive 60 with 600+ hp and the more reasonably priced iX xDrive40. Personally, I like the styling and the front end doesn't bother me especially when you read about the tech that is housed there. (PS: I still like the dark metallic red on this car) Since I live in an area that has lots of EVs and BMWs, I can't wait to see these out on the road. BTW: BMW is partnering with EVGo to provide sustainable charging and to improve the EV infrastructure. Read on and enjoy the videos as well.

Source - BMW USA - Media release: pics, videos (2) and spec chart after the "read more" jump. Really first post,

BMW's all-new iX e-SAV breaks cover

BMW's iX electric sports activity vehicle (e-SAV) is ready and about to hit the roads near you later this year (assuming that you're in Europe and Germany of course). The iX and the upcoming i4 share one of BMW's new EV platforms. Despite the controversial front end design (I like it especially when the grilles are blacked out), the iX is an attractive ute-ish thing especially from the rear. The interior features a large video component that appears to sweep across most of the dash. Color will be very important to this car with some colors wiping out the car's distinctiveness while other colors will accentuate the design (and yes I still love a candy-apple red metallic color). The iX will initially be available in xDrive40 and xDrive50 models with a higher-performance xDrive60 model coming later. The xDrive40 iX will feature about 324 hp and about 263 miles of range with a 10 to 80% charge taking only 30+ minutes. The iX xDrive50 features 523 hp and 391 miles of range. Expect 600 hp from the xDrive60 model. Taking the extra battery weight into consideration, the BMW iX should move along very quickly and still have BMW's vaunted all-wheel-drive traction and handling. Ultimately, availability and price will be the decision maker's quandary especially since charging is getting easier every day. My advice, charge at home of you can (oh and get a solar roof for almost free driving...btw: apartments and other buildings are getting in on this too). Check out the complete media release and b-roll video after the "read more" jump. Can't wait.

Source: BMW - Media release, pics, and video