When you think of BMW electric cars, which model comes to mind? The original i3, i8? Or the new cars from the 5 Series, 7 Series series announced last year? Perhaps, the latest SAV “electric car” iX that has just been introduced should be worth getting to know first.
Recently launched at the Wan Chai BMW flagship showroom, the iX is BMW’s latest all-new electric vehicle model, and also BMW’s first-ever “pure electric” flagship luxury SAV model.
As the first “pure electric” flagship SAV model of BMW and its X series, the all-new iX is developed entirely by the manufacturer, creating a future-oriented vehicle in line with BMW’s theme of “i AM THE FUTURE.” In terms of appearance, the front of the car is equipped with the iconic “double kidney” grille, with embedded Shy Tech invisible innovative technology that integrates functions such as cameras, radar, and sensors. The iconic BMW emblem on the front of the car has been transformed into a water-in-water design, and the badge on the rear of the car is a rear mirror cleaning device. Additionally, the iX features hidden door handles, embedded speaker systems, and multiple unique button designs, showcasing the design philosophy of Shy Tech. It is worth noting that BMW has equipped the iX with a heating element, allowing the front grille to self-repair within 24 hours at room temperature or within 5 minutes with warm air flow in case of accidental damage, demonstrating its forward-thinking approach.
In addition to the exterior design, BMW has also made significant optimizations to the interior decoration of the iX. To complement this idea, the factory has specially redesigned and adjusted the iX chassis, using materials such as carbon fiber composites and aluminum alloys to create a “lightweight” chassis, while also helping to enhance the spaciousness of the cabin.
The all-new iX cabin is designed with the theme of “living space”, providing absolute comfort through a design concept similar to mobile homes. In terms of design, BMW offers three styles of cabin for the iX: Atelier, Loft, and Suite. Atelier features standard interior with three main theme colors of white, black, and dark brown; Loft is composed of fabric and fiber materials with a predominant blue-gray tone; and Suite style uses leather treated with olive leaf extract for all seats, complemented by gold accents, contrasting stitching, and breathable perforations, achieving a luxurious taste. BMW emphasizes that the iX model is a major goal for the manufacturer to embody sustainability, so the entire new car is made with a large amount of natural materials and recyclable materials, including FSC-certified wood and 100% recycled nylon.
To enhance the sense of space, the top position of the iX cabin is replaced with a Sky Lounge panoramic electrically adjustable sunroof. The sunroof, made of double-layered glass and three layers of anti-UV film, can strongly insulate heat and block ultraviolet rays. The color-changing liquid crystal layer inside can be adjusted for shading through “one-click operation,” and the intelligent personal voice assistant system inside the cabin can instantly adjust the transparency of the sunroof.
In terms of details, the cabin will be equipped with the latest iDrive 8.0 system, consisting of a 12.3″ instrument panel and a 14.9″ central console, forming an “integrated” curved screen that provides both touch and voice control modes, covering various functions of the iX. In addition, THE iX full-color head-up display can show car speed, check control messages, status indicators of driving assistance systems, AR navigation route prompts, phone and entertainment lists, etc. The angle and brightness can be individually adjusted for the head-up display and the combination of the curved screen, delivering the most accurate information to the driver in any situation.
Furthermore, the center console for the first time uses the elegant and simple Clear & Bold glass-cut interior components, from the iDrive rotary knob, gear selector, to the volume control button, and front seat adjustment button are all replaced with these glass components.
Of course, we cannot ignore the performance of the iX. This time, BMW introduced two iX models, the iX xDrive40 and the iX xDrive50, both using BMW eDrive technology and electric 4WD configuration, with a battery capacity of 71-105 kWh, and the vehicles are powered by two sets of electric motors. In terms of the xDrive40, the range is up to 425km, with a maximum power output of 326 horsepower and peak torque of 630 Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100 in just 6.1 seconds; while the xDrive50 offers even higher performance, with a maximum power output of 630 horsepower, peak torque of 765 Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100 in just 4.6 seconds, and a range of up to 630km. It is known that the new iX series currently has the highest range and performance among vehicles in the same class. It is worth noting that BMW recently announced the establishment of up to 100 electric vehicle charging stations in all 18 districts of Hong Kong, with showrooms also providing 24-hour year-round fast charging services. Taking xDrive40 as an example, it can replenish up to 299 kilometers of travel range per hour, enough for up to four round trips between Central and the airport in a day.
The all-new BMW iX is available in eight different body colors to choose from, including Alpine White, Mineral White, Sophista Grey Brilliant Effect, Black Sapphire, Blue Ridge Mountain, Phytonic Blue, Storm Bay metallic, and Aventurine Red metallic. In addition, the BMW iX becomes the first model to support the BMW Digital Key function, allowing you to unlock the car by simply placing your smartphone near the door handle, start the vehicle by placing the electronic key in the wireless charging position in the cabin, and share the key with up to 5 family and friends. In terms of pricing, the BMW iX starts at HK$988,000, and under the “One-for-One Plan,” it starts at HK$798,000. For BMW enthusiasts or owners who are considering switching to an electric car, why not visit the Wan Chai BMW luxury flagship showroom to admire the new BMW iX series in person? Visitors who register to attend the BMW iX exhibition event will have the chance to receive a limited edition snack bottle co-branded by BMW and local eco-lifestyle store Slowood, while supplies last.
資料及圖片來源：Courtesy of BMW Hong Kong
