BMW’s first electric offering for India is finally here, and it’s an SUV! The 2021 BMW iX has finally been launched, with prices starting from Rs 1.16 crore (ex-showroom). This is a significant moment for the luxury electric vehicle segment, because the iX is the first of three electric products planned by BMW for India, with an electric Mini also slated for launch soon. The 2021 BMW iX goes up against the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Jaguar I-Pace, and the Audi e-tron.
We’ve talked a lot about the design already, but the 2021 BMW iX portrays a glimpse of what a next-generation X lineup could look like. It will remind you of its electric powertrain with details such as the blue tinges on the bumpers, the futuristic-looking sleek headlights and tail lamps vertical kidney grille (which it actually isn’t!), which serves more than a cosmetic purpose. Our principal correspondent has an interesting take on it — click here to find out.
Underpinned by an all-new platform built specifically for electric vehicles, the iX receives BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology — power is sent across to all four wheels via two synchronous electric motors, one placed on each axle. Since we’re getting the xDrive 40 variant in India, the iX will put out 321bhp and 630Nm of torque. You can charge the iX’s 71kWh battery via a 11kW AC wallbox charger which will take about eight hours for a full charge, while a 150kW DC fast charger will take about 31 minutes for a 10 to 80 per cent charge. In terms of range, the 2021 BMW iX has a claimed range of 372 to 425km on the WLTP cycle.
The highlight of the interiors has to be, well it’s hard to decide, considering the interiors make use of natural and sustainable materials. You get the hexagonal steering wheel (which receives three-level adjustable heating by the way!), the large glass panel housing a 14.9-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with BMW Operating System 8 and iDrive, which can be controlled via the glass iDrive knob. The advanced driver assist suite includes front collision warning, steering and lane control, active cruise control, stop-and-go function, parking assist, reverse camera, exit warning, and remote theft recorder. Some more kit on the BMW iX includes an 18-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system , BMW head-up display, gesture controls, automatic climate control, and 5G connectivity among others.
Prices for the 2021 BMW iX xDrive 40 start from Rs 1.16 crore (ex-showroom), and it enters a hotly-contested space going up against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQC (Rs 1.06 crore), Jaguar I-Pace (Rs 1.05 to 1.12 crore), and the Audi e-tron (Rs 1.01 crore). The iX marks BMW’s electric journey in India, with three models planned over the next six months. Let’s wait and see how things unfold!
You can also check out the video of our first impressions on our YouTube channel by clicking the link above!