Yes BMW has launched another electric SUV following the IX3 (their first electric SUV). The flagship BMW electric car is called the IX and it’s a 500hp and probably a stupidly high figure of torque (figures not been released yet). The 0-60 takes place in 5.0 seconds with a top range of 500 miles.
It is a huge thing with a similar wheelbase to the flagship gas-powered SUV, the X7 however, its roofline is more sloping like an X6. It is BMW’s most futuristic car to date following new design criteria inside and out. It is a key rival to the likes of the Audi e-Tron and Tesla Model X. The IX is in a growing market with many other manufacturers from all across the world jumping onto the EV train and creating electric SUVs.
The BMW IX was launched as the Vision iNEXT concept back in 2018 and many believed it to be known as the I5, as the smallest model was the I3 and the top model was the I8 so this car would nicely fit in the brand’s lineup. It features a lot of technology in and out including the ability to charge from 10 to 8- percent on DC fast charge or in milage terms 75 miles in ten minutes. This is up to 200kW. A standard 11kW charger will take 11 hours to charge the IX fully.
The BMW IX is set to hit showrooms next year but it may be delayed due to the global pandemic. Prices will probably be close to $100,000 too. Expect a faster and slower model to be produced as well later down the line of production. This is one of many electric BMW’s coming out in the next few years with talks about a new Tesla Model-3 rival (like everyone else) an electric luxury 7-series, electric 5 series, and a new electric supercar, we can see that BMW will purely up their electric game in the next coming years.
What Took Them So Long?
It is absurd how it has taken BMW 5 years to react to the Tesla Model X. Sure it’s Tesla’s current worst-selling model but it still is popular. BMW never took Tesla seriously until Model 3 came out. That was the “oh we messed up” moment every manufacturer took. It was like when Apple launched the iPhone and everyone else slapped themselves because they never caught on. Maybe like Blackberry then when they took 5 years as well to make their first proper touchscreen smartphone.
BMW have a huge fight to tackle. Luckily they have the fanbase and the repeat customers to get ahead of the game, but 5 years of letting Tesla walk all over a key market was a stupid decision hence why they are light-years behind them whether they like it or not. Tesla has also become the investor’s dream being right now the most valuable car company out there. How is this even possible?
BMW could have easily taken over Tesla and squashed them (with the help of other companies) years ago but they didn’t. they sat there thinking they knew best. Yes, the 2014 I3 was a start but it has taken 6 years for BMW to release another new electric car. The world of cars has changed hugely during this period with countries stating when combustion engine cars will stop being sold and new laws on emissions. BMW saw this coming and didn’t do anything.
The BMW IX is far better built than the Model X or really any Tesla. BMW knows interior design and quality which is something Tesla does not. It is a solid car just like any other BMW out there but it has been launched 5 years too late. If they had launched it at the time of the Model X then Tesla would not be in the position they are today. Why? Because BMW is more of a trustworthy brand, they have a history and they’re better built. Now Tesla is a big gun shooting down companies like BMW.
The 3-series, A4, and C-Class sales combined cannot even touch that of the Model-3. People love Tesla and BMW should have clocked onto this. Tesla has created a wild infrastructure of updates and charging points only BMW could dream of. For BMW to do the same now would cost billions.
The BMW I3 (first electric car) was experimental. Weird shape it was more of a gizmo gadget than a car. It was a fashion statement you would buy, not really that serious. Why was it like this? Because Tesla wasn’t a threat then. Now the BMW IX is a proper electric SUV which is the start of a new journey.
It is Highly Controversial
The new grille design is either loved or seriously hated. It is not a looker this car at all with its weird lines, shape, and grille. But it is very futuristic and will easily turn heads wherever it goes. It looks like a block of cheese on wheels rather than an SUV. It is practical being absolutely massive so it is a great family car. The range at 500 too isn’t bad either.
People are not surprised by the new car. Many knew BMW was making an electric SUV and that it would have some styling influence from the I3. The grilles were shown in the concept and many didn’t believe it was true. That’s until the new 4-series came along. Now it looks as if the vertical kidney grille is here to stay and will be implemented on many new future cars. People will get used to it after a while, however, at first, this grille is an eye-sore.
Plus not many BMW fans want an electric car. BMW has always been that petrolhead-cult brand making the ultimate driving machine. Yes, electric cars are brilliant to drive (some of them) but they lack the feeling of a gas car. BMW has made sensational engines, which nobody will ever forget. But now it is somewhat time to move on whether or not enthusiasts like it.
The days of the gas engine is limited. Electricity takes its pathway and in 10 years’ time, it would be rare even to see a new gas-powered BMW. It is the start of a new journey we are going to have to accept. It does though have 20 times the amount of computer power compared to previous BMWs.
The IX3 is a Better Buy?
Its little brother the IX3 looks far more normal. It is essentially an electric X3. More normal, cheaper, and better looking. Still a quick car and very spacious too. Its range is a lot lower though at 285 miles, however, if you don’t do many long journeys this is perfect. Maybe the cheaper option this time is a far better purchase?
Featured image credits via: autocar.co.uk