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BMW is about to add another member to its growing family of electric vehicles in the form of the BMW iX1. With its prototype caught a number of times before in various circumstances, including the latest one caught resting at an Ikea parking lot, we believe that its launch date is imminent. And now, BMW has teased the model officially, along with some details including its estimated range.

It has been over a year since we first saw an iX1 prototype out in the wild but this is the first time that BMW has released a teaser for the model. According to the official release, "the spacious and compact BMW iX1 impresses with dynamic performance values ​​and a long range."

Based on the teaser image provided, the iX1 will take the design cues of the bigger BMW iX3. The closed-off grille and blue accents are stalwarts of electric BMW cars, which will also appear in the iX1. The headlights are also from the iX3, though wrapped in a shrunken package.

In the official release, BMW says that the iX1 will have an electric range of 413-438 kilometers (257-272 miles) according to WLTP standards. BMW notes that the predicted values ​​are based on the vehicle's current development status.

Take note, though, that WLTP range ratings are substantially higher than the EPA standards; the latter is the one being used in the US.

BMW also mentioned that the all-new iX1 electric crossover will follow "shortly after the market launch" of the BMW X1. The next-generation X1 will also arrive with a plug-in hybrid electric version.

BMW has been testing the X1 extensively; the hotter X1 M35i version has been spotted with four exhaust tips last month. It is set to arrive soon this year as it is expected to go on sale in the latter half of 2022. No exact dates have been revealed at this point, though.

COMO, Italy – BMW's range of models has been partly defined by letters for many years. You've got M, X, and i, and they all represent decidedly different personalities. If you're familiar with the naming system, you know right off the bat that the i3 and the X6 M are on completely opposite ends of the BMW spectrum. Some models have been pegged at the intersection of two categories, like the aforementioned X6 M and the iX3, but none ticked all three boxes until the electric BMW iX M60 made its debut in 2022. It's an i, an X, and an M at the same time.

Can it wear three hats at once, or is it on the cusp of an identity crisis? I trekked across the Alps in one to find out.

Most of the changes that BMW made to the iX before deeming it worthy of wearing the M badge are under the body. Power comes from a pair of motors (one per axle for through-the-road all-wheel-drive) that draw electricity from a massive, 111.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack to zap the four wheels with 610 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque. That's enough for a brisk 3.6-second sprint from zero to 60 mph, but note that these figures can only be unlocked with Sport mode and Launch Control turned on. Keep both systems off, and you've got 532 horsepower and 749 pound-feet of torque under your right foot, which is still plenty. Maximum driving range checks in at 288 miles with the standard 21-inch wheels and 274 miles with the optional 22-inch wheels, according to the EPA. For comparison, the base iX xDrive50 also comes with dual-motor all-wheel drive, but it offers a total output of 516 horses and 564 pound-feet of torque, it takes 4.4 seconds to reach 60 mph from a stop. Its EPA-rated maximum driving range varies from 305 to 324 miles depending on the size of the wheels.

Chassis changes are also part of this recipe. The air suspension system that's optional on the iX xDrive50 is fitted as standard on the M60. It automatically adapts the ride height and damping based on current driving, road, and load conditions, and I'm told that it was calibrated by the M division's engineers to deliver sportier handling. The roll bars are M60-specific as well.

One point that deserves to be clarified is that the iX M60 is not the electric equivalent to the V8-powered X5 M. It's not a full-blown M car.

“It's an M Performance vehicle, not a high-performance version,” BMW M boss Frank van Meel told me. “Our target for the M Performance cars is always to give the driver more power and more precision. We change the chassis setup so that it's more direct and the body control is better without going as far as making a track vehicle like the high-performance ones. The gap between the series-production [iX] and a pure M was so big that customers demanded, 'could you give me more M character, but not for the track? You can develop it on the track, but please don't give me a car for the track. I just want more performance and a better chassis, but don't make it too hard.'“

This approach to design at least partially explains why the iX xDrive50 and the iX M60 look so much alike. Look closely and you'll notice that the range-topping model gains the Sport appearance package, subtle emblems, and the aforementioned 21-inch wheels. It can be ordered with the optional BMW Individual Titanium Bronze Exterior, which is shown in our gallery and brings gloss black and bronze exterior trim.



Step inside (don't forget to check out the carbon fiber door sills first) and you'll again notice not a lot separates the standard iX and the M60. BMW packs a long list of standard features, like a Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system, but the two variants look and feel largely the same. That's not a bad thing: the iX offers a lot of space, comfortable seats, and an intuitive infotainment system with navigation software that cleverly relies on augmented reality to ensure you don't miss a turn (it's more useful than it might sound). The steering wheel is a hexagon, the center console has two stories, and the dashboard is defined by an elegant minimalist design. But, since the M60 is part of the vaunted M range, shouldn't it receive carbon fiber trim, front sport seats, and a sprinkling of M emblems? Nope, van Meel argued.

“The dashboard itself is iconic,” he explained. “That was the discussion with the iX: how much do we want to change in this unique vehicle? It really is unique; it's different from all of the other BMWs. And, if you look at the dashboard, it would have been difficult to fit carbon fiber onto it because it gives you this very light flying impression. So, we decided not to change too much in the interior.”

When you're looking through our gallery, don't be surprised by the unusually large number of bugs that picked the iX's front end as their final resting place. It's not that insects are madly attracted to the design; they ended up there because this wasn't your average first drive. I picked up the iX in Berlin and dropped it off over 600 miles later in Como, Italy, after crossing Austria, Liechtenstein (a country about the size of Denver), Switzerland, and the Splügen pass in the Alps. I experienced nearly every common type of road imaginable during this trek.

I took the autobahn from Berlin to Munich in the interest of time, and to put BMW's claimed top speed (155 mph, versus 124 mph for the standard iX) to the test on the unrestricted sections. Getting to 155 mph is a breeze: like most high-power electric cars, the iX delivers quick and linear acceleration with no flat spots. At this speed — which few owners on our side of the pond will experience, admittedly — the iX doesn't feel as stable as I expected given the M badges that it wears and the bulky battery pack that significantly lowers the center of gravity. More alarming is the range: cruise at 155 mph and you're losing about a kilometer (or about three-fifths of a mile) of driving range every 5 or 6 seconds, according to the display in the instrument cluster. Gasoline- and diesel-powered engines burn fuel at a spectacular rate at triple-digit speeds, too, but a fuel tank can be brimmed in a couple of minutes, which can't be said about an EV. Whatever time you gain by driving at 150-plus mph you'll lose at a charging station. If you're wondering what's going to kill the unrestricted sections of the autobahn, this is it.

Austrian authorities aren't nearly as enthusiastic about the idea of letting drivers choose how fast they cover ground, and the country's highways are limited to a more America-like 75 mph. At this speed, the iX is right in its element: it's comfortable and it cruises effortlessly. It's also impressively quiet ... which is easier said than done. Sure, there isn't a straight-six or a V8 to mute, but taking the engine out of the equation means that other noise sources (wind, for example) finally get the chance to sing for you. Engineers did a good job of keeping noise in check in the iX's cabin. There is some great technology, too: adaptive cruise control works with steering assist to keep the iX in its lane without playing ping-pong with it (previous BMW systems weren’t as successful). Turning this system on summons a specific configuration in the instrument cluster that shows the car, its lane, and what's around it, including motorcycles, cars, and trucks.



The Alps appear on the horizon almost like a mirage, with snowy peaks poking through the clouds. This huge mountain range once believed to be indomitable (locals feared that dragons lived at the summits well into the 18th century) is now a source of excitement for hiking and driving enthusiasts alike. With the Sport mode engaged via the touchscreen to unlock the drivetrain's full output, the iX M60 feels markedly different than the xDrive50 (which I drove in the Alps as well). It leans much less when going into a turn, it's far quicker coming out of it, and the four-wheel-steering system makes it feel more nimble than it actually is. It's ultimately closer to the M brand's spirit.

On a secondary but significant level, driving an EV up a mountain pass is the automotive equivalent of reading a thriller. First, a bout of panic sprouts in your chest as you watch the range drop at a frighteningly quick rate. Wild thoughts ricochet inside your head: “What are the odds that there is a charging station at the top? Maybe someone has a generator? What if all I find is a household outlet? Oh, hell, Hannibal survived here with a herd of elephants in 218 BC, I can probably keep myself alive for a night or two.” But then, past the summit, the brake energy recuperation system saves the day. There are two settings to choose from in the iX, normal and the more aggressive “B.” Selecting that dials in enough recuperation to allow for one-pedal driving. On your way down, you rarely need to touch the brake pedal and the drivetrain generates electricity as fast — if not faster! — than it was losing it on the way up. Phew.

While the standard iX carries a base price of $84,195, including the $995 destination charge, the iX M60 starts at $106,095. Both prices exclude any government rebates. Both are compelling options for those in the market for an electric SUV. They offer a spacious interior, a usable amount of driving range, and an intuitive suite of technology. They satisfy both the i and the X in their names. But for the iX M60, what about the M?

Viewed through the M lens, it's an intriguing addition to the range. It doesn't feel like a typical M (or M Performance) car but it also doesn't not feel like an M car. It's a distinctly different flavor of M-ness. And, at the same time, it's also a distinctly different flavor of i-ness than the iX xDrive50; it's faster and generally sportier without going overboard. It seems to know what it is. No identity crisis here.

More power, more dynamic performance, more efficiency: The new BMW iX takes the driving and travelling experience in an all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) to a new level. Consistent progress in the field of drive and high-voltage battery technology as well as the targeted further development of BMW EfficientDynamics measures not only increase the power output and sporty driving characteristics, but also the efficiency and thus the range of the model. From the outset, the BMW iX was designed for all-electric premium mobility. Depending on the model version, the power output is up to 25 percent higher and the range up to 40 percent longer than before. For the first time, an all-electric model from the BMW brand achieves a range of 701 kilometres (435 miles) in the WLTP test cycle.

A new inverter technology for the power electronics optimises the power density of the drive system. This ensures particularly high efficiency in the transfer of energy from the high-voltage battery to the electric motor. The innovative silicon carbide module of the inverter optimises the peak performance of the electric motors, their efficiency and thus the range of the new BMW iX. Thanks to the consistent further development of the performance electronics and the fine-tuning of the wheel bearings and tyres, among other things, fuel consumption in the statutory WLTP test cycle has been improved by more than 8 per cent (best case scenario, depending on model and equipment). In the case of the new BMW iX xDrive60, this corresponds to an increase in range of around 60 kilometres (37 miles).

The energy consumption of the all-electric SAV determined in the WLTP test cycle is 21,8 kWh per 100 kilometres (62 miles) for the new BMW iX xDrive45 and 21.9 kWh per 100 kilometres for the new BMW iX xDrive60 and 23.5 kWh per 100 kilometres for the new BMW iX M70 xDrive. The BMW iX is yet another impressive example of the effectiveness of the BMW EfficientDynamics package of measures and technologies. BMW EfficientDynamics optimises every aspect of vehicle development in terms of sustainability.

The optimised combination of dynamics and long-distance capability in the new BMW iX goes hand in hand with a driving behaviour that is equally unique in the competitive environment. BMW eDrive technology, now in its fifth generation, with a highly integrated drive unit on both the front and rear axle, provides all model variants of the new BMW iX with a highly efficient all-electric four-wheel drive system that distributes drive torque to all four wheels as required. The spontaneous power delivery of the electric motors, the rapid response of the directly controlled wheel slip limitation and suspension technology that has been precisely tuned to the optimised performance characteristics enhance traction, agility and driving stability and ensure coherent, typical BMW handling in every situation.

All model variants with significantly increased performance

In each of the three model versions of the new BMW iX, a re-tuning of the drive system and optimised power electronics result in noticeably more spirited power delivery. The new BMW iX xDrive45 delivers a system output that has been increased by 60 kW/82 hp to 300 kW/408 hp. The added power results in a 1.0 second improvement in acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) to 5.1 seconds. The new BMW iX xDrive60 has a power output increase of 15 kW/21 hp to 400 kW/544 hp and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds. Both models have an electronically limited top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).

More than ever, the new BMW iX M70 xDrive offers particularly fascinating performance characteristics. The drive of the BMW M vehicle delivers 30 kW/40 hp up to 485 kW/659 hp in My Mode SPORT and a maximum torque of 1,100 Nm (811 ft-lb), which is available when Launch Control is activated. The new BMW iX M70 xDrive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds. Using the "1-foot rollout" method, the time taken to sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) is 3.5 seconds. The all-electric athlete's top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).

Numerous efficiency-boosting measures enable a record range of more than 701 kilometres (435 miles)

Like the drive units, the high-voltage batteries used in the new BMW iX are based on the latest development status of the current fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology. The innovations also include a new battery management system that optimises efficiency. Combined with the high energy density of the high-voltage batteries used in the new BMW iX, this contributes significantly to the outstanding range compared to the competition. A new battery cell technology increases the energy content of the high-voltage battery for the BMW iX xDrive45 by around 30 per cent to 94.8 kWh. The high-voltage batteries of the other model variants provide a usable energy content of 109.1 kWh (BMW iX xDrive60) and 108.9 kWh (BMW iX M70 xDrive).

The latest, highly efficient design of the highly integrated drive units, combined with the greater energy content of the battery for the BMW iX xDrive45 and other efficiency-boosting measures, results in an increase in range of up to 40 per cent. With a WLTP range of 563 up to 701 kilometres (350 to 435 miles), the new BMW iX xDrive60 sets a new benchmark in its competitive environment. The two other variants of the new BMW iX also significantly outperform their predecessors. The range of the BMW iX xDrive45 has been increased by more than 160 kilometres (99 miles) to 490 - 602 kilometres (305 - 374 miles) according to WLTP. The WLTP values for the BMW iX M70 xDrive are 521 to 600 kilometres (324 - 373 miles).

Adaptive recuperation with efficiency-optimised control

When driving, the latest version of adaptive recuperation helps to extend range. The intelligent networking of the drive control system enables the intensity of energy recovery during acceleration and braking to be adapted to the traffic situation as determined by navigation data and the sensors of the driver assistance systems. For example, the recuperation power can be increased when approaching a junction and more energy can be fed into the high-voltage battery during deceleration.

As an alternative to adaptive recuperation, the driver can select high, medium or low braking energy recovery for all traffic situations in the BMW iDrive menu. Low recuperation corresponds to the coasting function. The BMW iX rolls along without drive torque as soon as the accelerator pedal is released. The electric drive is not energised and thus no energy is consumed from the high-voltage battery.

If required, My Mode EFFICIENT can be used to activate a particularly energy-efficient operating mode for the drive system. The MAX RANGE function can increase the range remaining before the next charging stop by up to 25 per cent by limiting the drive power and maximum speed, combined with a reduction in comfort functions.

New heat pump function, more efficient predictive heat management for the high-voltage battery

All model variants of the new BMW iX are equipped with an advanced heat pump function as standard. The new intelligent combination of heat pump technology ensures even greater efficiency in a wide range of driving situations and outside temperatures between minus 20 and plus 30 degrees Celsius for the integrated heating and cooling circuit of the interior, as well as for the heating and cooling system of the drive and high-voltage battery. For example, the waste heat from the electric motors can be used specifically to heat the interior and the high-voltage battery. This allows both the interior and the high-voltage battery to be heated simultaneously with the heat pump function and, if required, with a central electric auxiliary heater.

When outside temperatures are low, a new storage heating function optimises the pre-conditioning of the high-voltage battery for optimum DC charging with shorter charging times and greater efficiency. Efficient use of the heat generated by the instantaneous water heater allows the high-voltage battery to heat up much faster. Anticipatory thermal management ensures that the temperature of the high-voltage battery is optimally controlled in good time before a stopover at a fast-charging station. When the navigation system is active, the battery is automatically pre-conditioned before a planned charging stop. Pre-conditioning the battery can be manually activated and deactivated by the customer at any time. The high-voltage battery can even be pre-conditioned before departure via the My BMW App.

Combined Charging Unit and optimised charging software

The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) used in all model variants of the new BMW iX enables AC charging with a maximum output of 22 kW (standard for the BMW iX M70 xDrive). The CCU of the new BMW iX xDrive45 can now supply energy with an increased output of up to 175 kW at a DC fast charging station. The maximum charging power of the two other model variants is 195 kW.

In addition, the charging current control has been further developed in order to make the best possible use of the high charging capacities. The charge level of the high-voltage battery in the new BMW iX can be increased from 10 to 80 per cent of the total capacity in 35 minutes (BMW iX xDrive45: 34 minutes). Similarly, the range can be extended by 131 to 166 kilometres (81 to 103 miles) (BMW iX xDrive45), 168 to 217 kilometres (104 to 135 miles) (BMW iX xDrive60) and 152 to 182 kilometres (94 to 113 miles) (BMW iX M70 xDrive) within 10 minutes at a DC fast charging station with a battery charge level of 10 percent. The charging process can now be ended easily and conveniently with a release button in the area of the charging port.

Plug & Charge Multi Contract and Connected Home Charging for maximum charging flexibility and convenience

The new BMW iX is also suitable for the Plug & Charge Multi Contract function. Plug & Charge Mulit Contract makes charging at compatible public charging stations even more convenient, as digital authentication via app or charging card is no longer required to access them. The vehicle authenticates itself independently through a technical interface. As soon as the vehicle is connected to the charging point, not only electricity but also the necessary contract data for invoicing the energy costs is transmitted through a communication interface via the charging cable. Customers can digitally store up to five individual Plug & Charge-enabled power contracts from different providers in the vehicle.

The Connected Home Charging option enables solar-, load- and cost-optimised charging at home based on a dynamic electricity tariff. The Connected Home Charging Package now also includes the new BMW Wallbox Plus equipped with comprehensive connectivity and the use of digital services to control charging processes via the My BMW App.

Reduced design language, enhanced sportiness

With its clear, reduced design language, the monolithic body and the proportions characteristic of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the BMW iX immediately signals a particularly progressive form of driving pleasure typical of the brand. The modern presence of the new edition of the pioneer in the premium segment of all-electric luxury class models is complemented by consistently enhanced sportiness. The dynamic appearance of the new BMW iX, already emphasised as standard, is an authentic reflection of the increased drive performance achieved in all model variants. At the same time, the almost seamless design of the front and rear apron surfaces, which are painted to a high degree in the colour of the vehicle, lends a particularly precise exterior design.

The M Sport package, now available as an option for the all-electric SAV for the first time, sets a clear dynamic accent with powerful lines, distinctive air intakes and new M light-alloy wheels. An M Sport package Pro is also available for the new BMW iX.

Newly designed BMW kidney grille and particularly narrow headlights

The striking front design of the SAV, designed exclusively for purely electric mobility, is characterised in particular by the redesigned BMW radiator grille with a structure of vertical and diagonal lines in its interior. Its surround is particularly finely modelled. The BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille with contour lighting, which comes as standard on the new BMW iX M70 xDrive and is available as an option for the other model variants, ensures a particularly expressive presence. The surface of the BMW kidney grille also has an additional polyurethane coating that makes it less sensitive to damage. Thanks to a special self-healing effect, light scratches can be removed within 24 hours at room temperature or within a few minutes by applying heat.

As the electric drive of the BMW iX requires very little cooling air, the BMW radiator grille is completely closed and serves as an intelligent functional surface that seamlessly integrates cameras, radar systems and other sensors behind a transparent surface. The BMW radiator grille also contains heating elements and a cleaning system for the sensors. The BMW logo on the engine compartment lid serves as a filler for the windscreen washer fluid. Otherwise, the engine compartment lid has no mechanism for opening by the customer.

The particularly slim adaptive LED headlights are another characteristic design feature of the new BMW iX. They now feature the brand's hallmark four-eyed face in the form of vertical, slightly slanted LED units for the daytime running lights and turn indicators. A Frozen Grey stripe pattern on the headlamp covers is a standard feature, echoing the structure of the BMW radiator grille and ensuring that the light sources are set off to great effect. In the M Shadow Line headlights, which are part of the M Pro Sport package and standard in the new BMW iX M70 xDrive, the stripe patters are finished in high-gloss black. The adaptive LED headlights come as standard and include the cornering light function and new city lights.

Three interior design options - and the new M Sport package

In addition to one standard and two optional interior design variants, the components of the M Sport package for the first time allow the interior of the new BMW iX to be specifically customised. An anthracite-coloured roof liner, a round M leather steering wheel, M pedals and M specific displays on the 12.3-inch Information Display and the 14.9-inch Control Display give the new BMW iX a sporty flair. All the design and equipment features of the M Sport package also lend the interior of the new BMW iX M70 xDrive a particularly dynamic appearance as standard.

The standard Atelier interior design of the new BMW iX includes a hexagonal steering wheel, model-specific seats with integrated headrests for the driver and front passenger and Sensatec surfaces. The seats feature a striking stitching pattern with perforated areas and are available in the colours Black, Oyster or Mocha. The stone-grey surfaces of the optional Loft trim feature a diagonally divided material and colour pattern, combining high-quality textile and microfibre fabrics with contrasting stitching and eye-catching quilting. The highlight of the Suite interior is the vegetable-tanned natural leather on the seats, instrument panel, centre console and centre armrest. This leather is available in Amido or Castanea.

The Atelier, Loft and Suite versions also feature selected accents and controls in Gold Bronze. In combination with the M sports package and in the new BMW iX M70 xDrive, they are finished in Dark Silver. This version is also available on the standard Atelier trim level in combination with an M leather steering wheel. The control panel in the centre console features a high-gloss black frame, a glass-look surface and BMW Controller as standard. The optional Clear & Bold interior applications include a control panel in FSC-certified walnut wood and controls in cut crystal glass. In conjunction with the M Sport package and in the new BMW iX M70 xDrive, the glass applications of the Clear & Bold option are combined with a high-gloss black control panel surface.

New M multifunction seats, top-of-the-range BMW iX M70 xDrive with exclusive standard equipment

Heated driver and passenger seats, a heated steering wheel, the BMW Live Cockpit Professional and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System are all standard in the new BMW iX, regardless of the interior trim chosen. Active seat ventilation is available as an option. The M multifunction seats are part of the M Sport package and standard equipment for the new BMW iX M70. Available for the first time in the all-electric SAV, these seats offer a particularly wide range of electrically operated adjustment options, including backrest width adjustment, lumbar support and pronounced contouring for optimum lateral support when cornering dynamically. The microfibre/Sensatec seats are finished in Atlas Grey/Black with M specific stitching and accents in the colours of BMW M GmbH. The new M multifunction seats are also optionally available in Amido natural leather and Castanea natural leather. As an option, they can also be combined with active seat ventilation and a massage function (standard in the BMW iX M70 xDrive).

The standard equipment of the new BMW iX also includes an alarm system, Welcome and Goodbye animation, adaptive LED headlights, Comfort Access and Driving Assistant Plus. The new BMW iX M70 embodies a fascinating combination of performance and luxury, with an interior that offers not only the contents of the M Sport package, but also exclusive design features and a particularly comprehensive range of comfort equipment for a personalised driving experience. The M leather steering wheel features the characteristic three-spoke design, contrasting stitching in the colours of BMW M GmbH and a red centre line. It is also equipped with 4-zone automatic air conditioning, solar control glazing, adaptive two-axle air suspension and Integral Active Steering as standard.

23-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels available for the first time

The new BMW iX comes on 20-inch light-alloy wheels as standard. 21-inch or 22-inch M light-alloy wheels are part of the M Sport package and the M Sport package Pro. The new BMW iX M70 xDrive comes with 22-inch M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive design as standard. For the first time, 23-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels are also available as an option for the new BMW iX. The 22-inch and 23-inch wheels are combined with tyres with integrated foam absorbers to optimise noise comfort.

Electric motors without rare earths

The new BMW iX is produced at the BMW Group's Dingolfing plant. The plant is not only the company's largest production site in Europe, but also the centre of competence for the production of electric drives. It supplies BMW Group plants around the world with electric motors and high-voltage storage systems for the production of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

For the electric motors of the current fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology, a design principle has been developed that makes the use of rare earth metals in the rotor unnecessary. Instead of magnets, which require these raw materials, a current-excited rotor is used to ensure spontaneous and precisely controllable excitation of the electric drive.

The biggest single contribution to the increased efficiency of the new BMW iX comes from the first-ever use of silicon carbide semiconductor components (SiC inverters) in a BMW electric vehicle. The use of a SiC inverter now ensures significantly more efficient energy conversion in the drive train. Semiconductors made of silicon carbide are not only more efficient, but also more powerful and significantly more temperature resistant than semiconductors made of conventional silicon.

Optimised aerodynamic properties, light-alloy wheels made from 70 percent secondary aluminium, A+ efficiency tyres

Efficiency and range also benefit from the outstanding aerodynamic properties, which help the BMW iX to achieve a Cx value of 0.25. The design of the light-alloy wheels has been further optimised in all dimensions. The 21- and 22-inch light-alloy wheels on the new BMW iX consist of 70 percent secondary aluminium.

The rolling resistance of the tyres has also been reduced. All tyres available for the new BMW iX now carry the highest efficiency label A+.

Materials and manufacturing processes for more sustainability in the interior

The interior of the new BMW iX also uses innovative and environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes to reduce the vehicle's ecological footprint. Seat surfaces in a combination of natural wool and microfiber offer a new option. Other options include interior and seat surfaces made from vegetable-tanned leather. Further optional equipment includes interior and seat surfaces made from vegetable-tanned leather. This treatment process significantly reduces the use of chemical substances.

The new BMW iX is equipped with floor mats made of 100 per cent recycled plastic in the face fabric as standard. Recycled material is also used for the face fabric of the floor panelling and for the door and tailgate panels. In addition, the optional wood used for the control panel in the centre console area is FSC-certified.