While the front end may still be polarising to some, BMW has assured that it’s better than its predecessor in every way

Singapore – BMW Asia has announced the release of the new BMW iX in Singapore, which prides itself on combining luxury with sustainable mobility while undergoing an extensive refresh. Interestingly, BMW calls it a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), designed exclusively for all-electric driving, with improvements in driving performance and range compared to its predecessor.

Preeti Gupta, BMW Singapore’s head of comms says that the car is pretty… geddit?

The car’s exterior now has what BMW calls a commanding and monolithic appearance, with a redesigned BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille that has contour lighting included as standard. The headlights now feature sleek new vertical elements for daytime running lights and indicators, and adaptive LED headlights with the cornering light function are also standard.

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The M Sport package elevates the vehicle’s appearance even more with powerful lines, front air intakes and rear vertical reflectors. With the optional M Sport package Pro, the iX features dark M Shadow Line headlights and rear lights.

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“We do not usually call a BMW ‘monolithic’, but the BMW iX truly stands out,” stated Lars Nielsen, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia. “Since its debut in 2021, it has impressed with its unique design, performance, and eco-friendly features. The new BMW iX has now been upgraded across the board – with a glowing kidney grille, the ability to stream YouTube videos and play games on the control display, a newly-improved digital key, and much better range. It is clearly built for those who want comfort, space, and long-distance capability in an electric vehicle.”

The new BMW iX features electric all-wheel drive, with both front and rear axle having an electric motor. With an extra 60kW (82hp), its power output has been increased to 300kW (408hp). This shaves its century sprint by an entire second to a rapid 5.1 seconds, while its top speed has been electronically limited to 200 km/h. Elegant 21-inch aerodynamic wheels are included as standard.

On the inside, the iX’s infotainment is based on the state-of-the-art BMW Operating System 8.5. BMW iDrive allows for an easy user experience with the BMW Curved Display’s touch function and voice control with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Digital services such as video streaming and in-car gaming are also included for passengers while ensuring that the driver is not distracted at the wheel.

Conveniently, BMW Digital Key Plus can be set up as standard for compatible smartphones and smartwatches, which automatically unlocks the iX when approached. The engine can even be started with the device still in the driver’s pocket.

Driver assistance hasn’t been forgotten either. Driving Assistant Plus is included as standard, which comprises Active Cruise Control and front collision warning with brake intervention. BMW has also thrown in Parking Assistant Plus, which comes with Reversing Assistant and 3D Surround View with line and curb detection. However, Parking Assistant Professional comes as an optional extra, which simplifies the parking experience by allowing parking and manoeuvring to be controlled using a smartphone.

New battery cell technology increases the capacity of BMW iX xDrive45’s high-voltage battery by about 30% to 94.8 kWh. Advancements in the powertrain’s electronics have also helped to increase range up to 40%. This is seen in the car’s 602km of range compared to its predecessor’s range of only 425km. If drivers are low on range, activating MAX RANGE can also increase the vehicle’s range by up to 25%.

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To optimise the EV ownership experience, BMW Asia offers BMW EV customers either a home or public charging package based on their needs. For home charging, customers receive a BMW Wallbox with complimentary installation service, allowing the vehicle to charge efficiently at a rate of up to 22kW. Charging can end automatically when the battery has reached its pre-determined capacity or has been fully replenished.

For customers using public charging, BMW Asia will continue offering customers a subscription package of up to 3 years of free charging (up to 10,000 kWh) at Shell Recharge stations, with no monthly cap for charging. This is equivalent to 50,000km of driving range with an average energy consumption of 20kWh per 100km.

Text: Tan Kai Wyn
Photos: BMW Singapore & Clifford Chow