BMW iX xDrive50 test: German technological opulence

With its surprising design to say the least, the BMW iX does not go unnoticed. Halfway between the rolling lounge and the concept car, the iX is resolutely turned towards the future by combining a silhouette, an engine and avant-garde on-board technologies. To find out if the sauce takes, we took this huge, all-electric SUV for a day. Here we give you our first impressions.

Presentation

Stemming from the iNext concept, the iX incorporates its main features, in particular extraordinary dimensions with a length of 4.95 m, a width of 1.96 m and a height of 1.69 m. The silhouette relies on a sloping roofline towards the rear, over-inflated fenders and a set of facets which give the whole a certain dynamism. Although 31mm longer than the already massive X5, the iX is 50mm shorter. But contrary to what his line might suggest, his Cx is not that bad (0.25).

Behind the modern pencil line, the frame structure is equally so with a mixture of materials combining high strength steel, die-cast aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastics. The whole saves weight where possible and BMW puts forward a design integrating the issues of sustainable development in its manufacture. Thus, not less than half of secondary aluminum is used and 60 kg of recycled plastics. Some might accuse the firm of greenwashing, the fact remains that 17% of CO2 emissions are saved in the supply chain alone.

Sleek interior

One of BMW’s new mantras is Shy Tech, a philosophy that offers technological debauchery without ostentation. Outside, there are effectively five cameras, five radars and twelve ultrasonic sensors to manage parking and orientation in space without being visible. Especially, we appreciate the double closed bean shell, composed of a polyurethane coating which self-repairs in 24 hours at room temperature or in 5 minutes in hot air.

Shy Tech is also found in the cabin with a style that is sure to confuse the brand’s regular customers. If the purity is pushed to its near paroxysm – at least when you know the BMW codes -, we can only appreciate the feeling of space and comfort that emerges. The wheelbase of almost 3 m makes it easy to accommodate passengers, aided by a flat floor and seats that look as padded as a Roche Bobois lounge. The furniture is not only very qualitative to the touch, but also plays with elegance by integrating keys with haptic feedback on the central wood panel in the extension of the armrest and on which we will find the driving modes, the control selector. gear and the navigation wheel that BMW once again cleverly retained.

However, we remain a little surprised by the choice of these glass controls imitating crystal, which we also find in the storm doors for the seat adjustments. A matter of taste, no doubt… In any case, passengers are pampered and even more so with invisible thermal panels which diffuse heat without blowing on the legs or making noise. A comfort that can be further increased by a notch with the panoramic 1.1 m² electrochromic roof which dims on demand, or an optional Bowers & Wilkins “4D” 1615 W and 30 audio system. speakers. Too bad the trunk volume does not exceed 500 l.

Curved Display, the new command center

A word about the huge curved touchscreen (Curved Display) which combines 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and a 14.9-inch central screen already discovered in the BMW i4 and which contributes to this feeling of space and space. ultramodern environment. If its responsiveness is almost flawless (at least when you are not playing with the navigation map), it ticks in front of the very, too long list of icons, menus and submenus that can lose the boe and oblige too often taking their eyes off the road. You must go through the interface to deactivate lane keeping or to adjust the power of the regenerative braking. Good point, however, for the modern graphics and computing power of this eighth generation of BMW iDrive.

The new BMW cloud-based navigation maps allow the integration of augmented reality, electric range, traffic and, above all, navigation based on driving habits. Voice interaction with the driver is also smoother and more natural, while the dialogue around the heating controls seems more intuitive. In addition to OTA updates, the user will also be able to benefit from remote monitoring of his interior and the Digital Key Plus function which links smartphone and vehicle (provided they have a compatible model). Finally, relying on 5G connectivity, a maneuver assistant will soon be available with fully autonomous driving over the last 200 meters.

Driving

Once on the road, the BMW iX, notably available in the eDrive50 version of our test, is surprisingly dynamic. Everything is done to make us forget its pachydermal mass of more than 2.5 t. A mass that should never be forgotten in the event of an outrageous attack on small roads. The temptation to crush the right pedal is indeed strong with a power of 523 hp and a torque of 765 Nm available immediately. The 0 to 100 km / h being shot in 4.6 s, this gives an idea of ​​the driving force of the powertrain. Nevertheless, the atmosphere on board and the driving posture encourage calm driving.

The air suspension coupled to the four-wheel steering gives this SUV astonishing agility in cornering combined with excellent comfort. Some low-speed trepidation will be due to the 22-inch wheels, but overall the iX shows an astonishing rigor with shock absorbers capable of stemming all the parasitic body movements. When lifting the foot, it is possible to set four levels of energy recovery. Even if there are no paddles on the steering wheel to play with the intensity, the adaptive mode manages the regeneration according to the environment and the stopping is carried out smoothly automatically.

Autonomy

On a route made up of highways, departmental roads and city traffic, our consumption stabilized at 26.5 kWh / 100 km, which with a battery of 111.5 kWh (105.2 kWh useful) would increase autonomy around 400 km. A figure relatively far from the announced 549 km WLTP. However, the BMW iX is able to recover 150 km in 10 minutes of charging on a fast terminal thanks in particular to an accepted peak of 200 kW. It is possible to go from 10% to 80% in 35 min.

The flagship of a premium brand, the iX can only boast high prices. This xDrive40 version vehicle starts at € 86,250 with a 76.6 kWh battery for 326 hp and 630 Nm of torque. Our xDrive50 trial version is priced at € 103,500. Opposite, the Audi e-tron S and Mercedes EQS do not necessarily do better in terms of price, range, performance. It is again Tesla and its Model X which may overshadow this astonishing iX. The model of the Texan manufacturer nevertheless sports a very luxurious approach and a daring design; a certain idea of ​​the automobile of tomorrow.