BMW announces Australian prices for electric iX SUV

BMW Group has unveiled the Australian pricing and specifications for the BMW iX, revealing that the all-electric SUVs due to begin deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2021 would cost between $A135,900 and $A169,900.

The German car maker said on Wednesday that the first-ever BMW iX SUVs, which showcased new generation technology, connectivity, design and fully electric “driving enjoyment,” would land in Australia later this year via two models and three variants. Orders for the EVs were opened in April.

A third model, which BMW said would join the line-up “at a later date,” would be the “powerhouse” iX M60, which would produce a maximum output in excess of 440kW and deliver “an exceptionally sporty all-electric driving experience.”

For now, however, the Australian iX line-up will include the xDrive40, xDrive40 Sport and xDrive50 Sport, with each offering “extensive standard specification items” and “myriad luxury, safety, technology and convenience features.”

BMW said the two power systems at the heart of the iX models were highly advanced and able to deliver abundant power and long ranges.

For the xDrive40, this translated to 240kW of combined output, 630Nm torque and 425km range from latest-generation 77kWh battery.

The xDrive50, meanwhile, was capable of 385kW combined output, up to 765Nm torque and a massive 630km range from a 112kWh battery.

Both models are said to offer “supremely flexible charging” with up to 200kW (DC) on xDrive50 able to add 150 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes, and 150kW (DC) on xDrive40 able to add more than 95 kilometres range in that timespan.

On torque, BMW said the xDrive50 promised acceleration times of 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, while the xDrive40 would come in a fraction slower, with 100km/h from rest in 6.1 seconds.

In terms of drive management and assitance, the intensity of the brake energy recuperation (regenerative braking) in the EVs can – when in a certain setting – be adapted to different road situations, guided by data from the navigation system and the sensors used by the driver assistance systems.

“When approaching a junction, for example, the degree of recuperation is automatically increased, maximising energy recuperation while simultaneously harnessing the deceleration effect to a standstill,” BMW says.

“On the open road, coasting functions can take over, allowing the car to free wheel with no drive power whenever the driver eases off the accelerator.

Alternatively, the driver can choose to set a high, medium or low Brake Energy Regeneration setting for all driving situations via the BMW iDrive menu.

An integrated ‘Efficiency Trainer’ offers hints for driving in the most economical manner possible, BMW says, while the range horizon clearly illustrates the impact of driving style on the battery’s charge level.

The BMW iX also debuts the latest generation of iDrive, based on BMW Operating System 8, that combines a new-look cruved display with extensive software upgrades. And it includes the specially composed drive sound that are a product of BMW’s well documented collaboration with film score composer Hans Zimmer.

Standard specifications across both models and all three variants include a range of luxury and practical items, from heated seats that also offer a massage function, to a five-year subscription with EV charging company ChargeFox.

For the $141,900 xDrive40 you get all that with the Sport Package adds in extras on colour, exclusive 22-inch wheel design, dark headlights, Sport brakes with brake callipers in blue, dark smoked-glass taillights, exclusive paint finishes and a kidney grille pattern in Chrome (optionally Titanium Bronze).

iX xDrive50 Sport, at $169,900, has the above and, for your money, a panorama glass roof “Sky Lounge,” BMW Laserlight Integral Active Steering, Adaptive 2-Axle Air Suspension and Soft-Close Doors.