BMW has revealed its iX electric SUV, due on sale at the end of 2021 and bringing a 600km-plus range and 500hp of power.

BMW’s iX electric SUV is due on sale at the end of 2021

The near production-ready model follows on from the Vision iNext concept shown at the Paris Motor Show in September 2018 and provides a new flagship model for the brand.

Comparable to the X5 in length and width and a similar height to the X6, the five-seater SUV is the first model based on the group’s new, modular, scalable future toolkit and, alongside electrification, also blazes a trail for the brand’s expertise in design, automated driving, connectivity and services.

The iX uses the fifth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology, using two motors to give all-wheel drive and providing a 500hp-plus output, powering the iX from 0-100km/h in under 5.0 seconds. It’s also on track for a range of over 600km (373 miles), according to provisional data, helped by its lightweight design and optimised aerodynamics. Full specs are yet to be announced.

The iX will also make use of new charging technology, enabling DC fast charging at up to 200 kW. This means the battery can be charged from 10 to 80% cent of its full capacity in under 40 minutes. And a 10-minute charge will give more than 120km of range. From a 11kW wallbox, it will take less than 11 hours to charge the battery from 0 to 100%.

The iX is also focused overall on a more sustainable level. The power used to produce the battery cells and the high-voltage battery come exclusively from renewable sources while the iX also makes extensive use of natural and recycled materials.

It’s also said to make significant progress in the areas of automated driving and digital services. It will be 5G-capable and will be given new and improved automated driving and parking functions.

The iX will go into production at BMW Plant Dingolfing from the second half of 2021.