What Do We Love About The BMW iX? Here’s Our Best Five!

Revealed during June was the all-new BMW iX, which will come in two variants: the iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive50. Reportedly, the model line-up will be available in the first quarter of 2022. 

To recap, the former will be the entry-level iX, which will feature the specs and options similar to the BMW X5 xDrive40i - a net 71 kWh battery pack and dual motors which would produce 326 hp and 627 Nm and would be able to complete a century sprint in 6.1 seconds with a max range of 425 kilometres. Meanwhile, the latter model will spot a new 105.2 kWh net battery pack and dual motors, producing 523 hp and 764 Nm, respectively. It is claimed that the iX 50 completes a century sprint in 4.6 seconds while having a range of 530 kilometres. 

It is worthy to note that the iX is the most advanced vehicle built in the BMW portfolio and is on its path to shape the brand’s electric future. This newest model comes with a long list of gadgets and features to explore, and we have some of the features of the iX we are impressed with.

Aerodynamic Wheels

You are welcomed with the aero wheels, which spot a stylish feel to it right off the bat. The minesweeper-like design is vital in reducing aerodynamic drag while also ensuring the futuristic aesthetic across the iX is portrayed in design. 

Light Dance

Upon walking towards the iX, the vehicle will activate its “Great Entrance Moments” performance to detect if the driver is within a few centimetres. The vehicle will perform a welcome choreography by doing an exterior and interior light dance that will unlock the car. It then creates a light carpet next to the door while preparing the interior. Concurrently, the iDrive system is also preparing itself, allowing the interior seating surfaces to heat up if the weather is cold outside. 

The feature is expected to be available by the end of 2021, which Apple announced, which has been working closely with BMW Group for the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC). 

Electrochromic Glass Roof

Once inside, one noticeable feature of the iX is the single-piece transparent glass roof. Being the most prominent glass roof fitted in a BMW model, it features Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDCL) technology which only takes less than a second to shade the interior. Activating the shading is simple: just push the button in the roof function centre, and you’re good to go! Even so, the shading mode will be activated automatically once the vehicle is parked. 

All-New iDrive 8

The brand’s latest iDrive 8 oversees a list of upgrades - an all-new screen, improved graphics and easy accessibility. BMW improved its functionality by improving its UI and making the system more intuitive. The system was designed with a focus on interactions that are dialogue-based with one-touch operation and natural language. Other features include the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant upgrade, which has a new graphic to communicate with the passengers. 

Safety Ensured: The BMW Remote Theft Recorder

A new eye-catching feature spotted in the iX is the BMW Remote Theft Recorder, which works in conjunction with the overhead interior camera, triggered when the alarm system is activated. A notification will pop up on the owner’s smartphone, which the owner can access and save the pictures from both the interior and exterior cameras. A 360-degree panoramic view can also be retrieved, with all the images combined. 

On a brighter note, the overhead camera can also take snapshots during a trip, which can also be taken by voice command, gesture or touch control. A self-timer option is available if necessary, limited to a three-second delay, and the system can also be set to take a photo when at least one occupant is smiling. 

The camera operates in HDR mode and produces sharp black-and-white pictures under low light conditions, thanks to its night mode option. Images can be accessed easily by scanning a QR code located in the control display with any smartphone connected to the vehicle by WiFi.

What are your favourite features for the all-new BMW iX? Let us know in the comments below!