BMW’s latest electric car announcements have been very ambiguous up to now. BMW has provided roundabout, approximate figures for capacity output, and price but has not provided exact figures to judge its vehicles. However, the Bavarians have now revealed some details about their first-ever electric SUV. Speaking of its first-ever all-electric SUV, here comes the all-new BMW iX xDrive40 and BMW iX xDrive50.
The iX xDrive50 will serve as the flagship model of the iX Series and is the more expensive of the two. It has a pair of electric motors that are powering each axle. These motors are part of BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive power units. It is incorporating the electric engine, transmission, and all necessary electronics into a single module. BMW simply claims that the BMW iX xDrive50 will have a larger than 100 kWh battery. Precisely saying, it will make around 500 horsepower.
On the other hand, the BMW iX xDrive40 will come as an entry-level model. It will have a lower-density 70 kWh battery. Due to its lower-density, the range is just 249 miles, yet even better than the Audi e-tron SUV. The xDrive40 will also have dual electric motors, allowing it to drive all four wheels. However, this results in less horsepower of only 300 and will accelerate from 0-60 mph in about six seconds.
With compatible DC fast chargers, both the BMW iX models will be able to charge at a rate of 200 kW. For that speed alone, the BMW iX will charge from 10-80 percent in just 40 minutes of charging. There will also be a short 10-minute fast charge that offers a range of 120 km for the iX xDrive50 and 90 km for the iX xDrive40. The BMW iX will also have a panoramic sunroof with electrostatic shading. It also comes with a Bowers & Wilkins 4D surround sound system with 30 speakers and magnetically controlled shakers.
In Germany, the iX xDrive40 will launch at 77,300 EUR, while for the xDrive50, BMW hasn’t announced it yet. On the other hand, the iX xDrive50 will start at about $80,000 in the United States. Expect the first-ever all-electric SUV models to be priced similarly to the BMW X5 in all markets, respectively. It’s priced similarly to cars like the Audi e-Tron and Tesla Model X regarding class-leading charge speed, performance, power, and specification and packs competitive ranges.