Minimalist design at its best – the new BMW iX

_ BRAND STORY

One year before market launch, we not only had the chance to take a closer look at the BMW iX, we also took a seat in the fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). A few weeks ago the final design had been presented at the BMW Group’s digital event #NEXTGen 2020. Right now the new technology flagship undergoes its final winter testing to be ready for market launch end of 2021.

What immediately catches the eye is the minimalist design – not only in the exterior but also in the interior. Length and width of the iX can be compared to the X5, height to the X6 and the size of the wheels brings to mind the X7. The clear and straight surface design is absolutely beautiful with the flush-fitted door openers, the frameless windows and the slim, futuristic front and rear lights. The design is coherent all around and absolutely stunning.

The iX combines the latest technologies in the field of electric mobility, automated driving and intelligent connectivity. The vehicle is built on a new, holistic sustainable approach in terms of aerodynamics, lightweight design and the use of natural and recycled materials. It’s the first model based on the BMW Group’s new future toolkit. What we already know today is that the two electric motors together generate a maximum power output of more than 370 kW/500 hp, the electric range will be over 600 km (according to WLTP) and in less than 40 minutes the iX can be charged from 10 to 80 percent with up to 200 kW.

The kidney grille, developed and produced at the BMW Group’s LuTZ lightweight design and technology centre in Landshut, stands quite prominent at the centre of the front. Due to the fact that the electric drive system of the iX only requires a small amount of cooling air, the kidney grille is completely closed and serves from now on as an intelligence panel. Camera technology, radar functions and other sensors are integrated behind a transparent surface. The grille takes on the role of a multifunctional high-tech interface for the advanced driving assistance systems. And with it, the iX paves the way for automated driving. 

Besides the flush-fitted door openers that operate at the touch of a button, the filler neck for the windscreen washer fluid is concealed under the BMW logo on the bonnet. These are again great examples of how well, reduced and discreetly everything is designed. The BMW  iX definitely stands out with its clear and reduced design language.

BMW breaks new ground with the iX. The design has been developed from the inside out. It puts people more than ever at its heart. The electric SAV offers highest comfort and stands for a new automotive lifestyle. The BMW iX feels like a mobile living room offering a vast amount of room on the front and the back seats – and with its huge panoramic glass roof, it conveys a luxurious lounge-style ambience When you take a look at the interior of the iX, the minimalist design language continues. The technology aboard is deployed intelligently and thus is only manifesting itself when it is actually required. Everything is neatly arranged, easy and intuitively to use. For example the buttons for adjusting the seat position are located at the top of the side door arranged in the form of a seat. Besides the centre console made of wood looks like a high-quality piece of furniture. The interior design has been reduced to its basics but with the highest technology and qualitative materials. Everything seems very clear and tidy. As sustainability is nowadays a must-have, natural and recycled materials like old fishing nets or plastic bottles are being used in the interior design of the BMW iX. For example the foot mats are made of old fishing nets and recycled plastic is among others used for the surfaces of the door panels, seats and floor panelling. FSC-certified wood is being used for the centre console.

“The BMW iX shows how we can give new technologies a very modern and emotionally engaging design. The car is technologically highly complex, but it feels very clear and uncomplicated. The BMW iX offers a mobile living space in which people will feel at ease and the car’s intelligence is always available without becoming obtrusive.” – Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design

The design and concept of the BMW iX is more than convincing. The vehicle is a great look ahead to the future and we can't wait to test drive it.

Pictures: BMW / Enes Kucevic for ellectric
Text: Britta Reineke