The first ever BMW iX
The BMW iX, with its completely newly developed design, is the first representative of a generation of cars poised to redefine the driving experience, the feeling of space inside and the relationship between vehicles and those on board. With the BMW i4, it marks the next major step in the BMW Group transformation towards a 50% global share of fully-electric vehicle sales in 2030, .
The BMW iX is ready for series production and is due to arrive on the world’s roads from November 2021. The BMW Group’s new technology flagship combines locally emission-free driving pleasure, sporting agility and a compelling operating range with a character profile dedicated squarely to sustainability. With its trailblazing design and an interior devoted to luxurious spaciousness, the BMW iX embodies a fresh new take on the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. Conceived from the outset for purely electric mobility, this model is based on a new toolkit for the future, whose vast potential for innovations in the areas of automated driving, operation, connectivity and digital services translates into a premium mobility experience unparalleled in this segment.
The BMW iX will be launched with a choice of two model variants. Both are equipped with an electric all-wheel-drive system, with combined output of 385 kW/523 hp in the BMW iX xDrive50 and 240 kW/326 hp in the BMW iX xDrive40. The drive technology’s efficiency paired to the very latest battery cell technology results in WLTP-calculated ranges of up to 630 kilometres (391 miles) in the BMW iX xDrive50 and up to 425 kilometres (264 miles) in the BMW iX xDrive40.
and high-performance thermoplastics, along with high-strength steels
and aluminium (Photo: Production at Plant Dingolfing)
Also set to join the model line-up at a later date is the BMW iX M60 with a maximum output in excess of 440 kW/600 hp that promises an exceptionally sporty all-electric driving experience. (The figures relating to motor output and energy consumption for the BMW iX M60 are predicted values based on the car’s current stage of development.)
Intelligent material mix: combining weight reduction and maximum rigidity
The aluminium spaceframe construction used for the body structure of the BMW iX is another first for its segment. The materials selected and manufacturing processes employed are both precisely matched to the requirements of each specific component in order to increase body rigidity and crash safety while keeping weight as low as possible. The cutting-edge mix of materials for the bodyshell includes CFRP and high-performance thermoplastics, along with high-strength steels and aluminium. With its targeted use of different materials, sometimes in combination with one another, the innovative design of the supporting structures and the wide array of production techniques used in the process, the BMW iX once again showcases the BMW Group’s unrivalled technological expertise in the field of intelligent lightweight design for the automotive sector.
Carbon Cage: lightweight design that makes a visible and measurable difference
Remarkably light yet extremely torsion-resistant CFRP components in the body’s side, rear and roof areas form a key element of the safety concept for the BMW iX passenger cell. At the same time, the car’s agility is given a further boost by the resulting weight optimisation. The CFRP components for the side frame, rain channels, roof frame, cowl panel and rear window frame together form a ‘Carbon Cage’ featuring for the first time in the BMW iX body.
The BMW Group has employed its many years of experience in working with this high-tech lightweight material – amassed during production of the BMW i models and the current BMW 7 Series, for example – to use CFRP intelligently to reinforce the body while also saving weight. The Carbon Cage has evolved from the Carbon Core used in the 7 Series and allows the fascinating qualities of this high-tech material to be appreciated visually as well.
Fitting a lightweight CFRP side frame reduces the vehicle’s weight while also helping to keep its centre of gravity low. The cowl panel and rear window frame components are manufactured from continuous fibrereinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP) using an all-new method. Together, they constitute a particularly effective lightweight design measure. The innovative blend of materials forms the basis for an exceptionally slim profile that adds to the sense of spaciousness in the cabin. What is more, brackets for control units, washer fluid lines and wiring harnesses can also be incorporated into these components. The CFRTP construction increases stiffness while also achieving a weight saving of some five kilograms compared to similar elements made of steel.
concept for the BMW iX passenger cell (Production at Plant Dingolfing)
The CFRP used in the side frame and at the rear end lends an added visual flourish to the BMW iX: the carbon components’ striking fibre structures clearly stand out in the entrance area and when the tailgate is open, providing a further reminder of the car’s high-tech character. And the multi-layered arrangement of the carbon fibres creates a threedimensional
feel.
Acceleration
The BMW iX xDrive50 posts acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds, while the BMW iX xDrive40 hits the same mark from rest in 6.1 seconds.
You can create a free technological watch and keep you updated about all these subjects.
