BMW iX & i4 forge brand's next generation of electrification
Fully electric. Fully BMW. Following in the footsteps of its first electric models (i3 and iX3), the iX and i4 EVs are second-generation of BMW’s total electrification project. While other manufacturers have entirely upended their design architecture in the EV space, BMW’s ground up adaption comes with familiarity and performance, which is music to the ears of long-standing customers and brand enthusiasts.
Did somebody say, “music?” BMW has you covered here too with … Hans Zimmer. That’s right. Two-time Oscar Award winner and score composer for countless iconic movies such as the Batman: Dark Knight Trilogy, Man of Steel and Gladiator is producing “Iconic Sounds Electric” for the i-Series EVs. Zimmer’s unique soundtrack replaces the traditional engine noise when pressing on the gas pedal. BMW left behind no detail.
BMW iX
The BMW iX is a versatile sports activity vehicle (SAV) focused on technology. As BMW’s flagship EV, its also a platform for development with evolving features such as on-board network navigation, adaptive software, digital services, connectivity and automated driving. Highlights also include the manufacturer’s latest iDrive system, highly efficient energy management and innovative driving features.
However, even with all the changes at hand, the heart of every BMW stays the same.
“It’s an electrified car, with the flare of BMW where you still get the handling, excellent engineering and safety,” said Josh Wilson, Sales, Hendrick BMW Charlotte. “The iX and X5 are very comparable. The iX has a little more legroom that then X5, and just as comfortable. You can get it with or without air suspension, which is nice to have, especially with a heavier car. Also, the iX is more than 80 percent recyclable. It’s a really great car.”
Minimalist interior design and a brand-centric exterior, the iX is a stepping stone into BMW’s electrified future. Coming in two model variants, the iXDrive40 and the iX Drive50, the iX is equipped with AWD capability and extended range.
The top-of-the-line 50 has dual all-electric motors with a total output of 610 horsepower and 749 foot pounds of torque. The SAV is also equipped with two energy recuperation modes to stop the vehicle, as the real-time adaptive mode has a traditional vehicle feel, while one-pedal drive is available for those who are more comfortable with regenerative stopping.
“With BMW, there are two different modes for braking,” Wilson said. “You can do one-pedal driving mode, which is what most electric vehicle customers are used to. It is a different sensation for people coming out of gasoline-powered vehicles.
“However, (these vehicles) also have a mode that makes it feel more like a gasoline powered vehicle,” Wilson continued. “It will coast like a traditional vehicle and not start immediately braking like the one-pedal mode. BMW really gives customers the flexibility to drive how they would like.”
The available braking system also features quite a few safety features such as ABS, cornering and dynamic control, brake drying, drive-off assistance and automatic hold. Integral axle and rear-axle steering is bolstered by a dual axle self-leveling air suspension.
Innovation doesn’t stop there. Efficiency optimized 21’ wheels grounds the iX’s aluminum spaceframe body, self-healing kidney grill and unique moonroof.
“One of my favorite things about the iX is the eclipsing roof,” Nicholas Clifton, client advisor, Hendrick BMW. “It doesn’t have a physical shade that opens and closes. You click a few buttons, the glass frosts over, so you can’t see through it and you can’t feel the heat. You click it again and it clears. There’s so much cool technology in the iX.
“One of things I always point out is the front kidney grill,” Clifton continued. “It has some incredible tech in there. If you ever get a scratch, rock chip, take a hair dryer or heat gun to it and it will “heal itself.” It’s important because a lot of the sensors and radars are located there. Not only is it for protection, your car will always pretty much look brand new.”
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Connected FOR You
Staying connected is important for families on the go. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility available, the Connect Package Pro features real-time traffic, on-street parking information (selected cities) and hazard preview, while BMW Remote Services includes stolen vehicle recovery, remote door unlock, the My BMW app and concierge services. Wireless device charging, Buetooth technology, and front-rear USB power delivery stations are also available.
The interior is also inviting, spot lit by the driver-centric, 12.3-inch instrument cluster and multi-input iDrive central vehicle information system that augments the overall experience. It just one of the amenities that customers seem to enjoy.
“I haven’t seen an interior quite like the iX,” Clifton said. “From the fit and finish to the comfortability and usability, it’s unique. The infotainment system is the best I have ever used. There are so many hidden features and they really do spoil you. One of my personal favorite features of the iX is the radiant heating. Your dash, door panels, everything heats up and it like you are in a cozy fireplace.”
The i4
BMW also built an enthusiast EV for fans of the original flagship – the 3-Series. Focused on driving, the new four-door I4 Gran Coupe had driving in mind with the benefits of emissions free ownership. There are no compromises in this vehicle, as its famous cornering dynamics, 50/50 weight distribution, lower mounted batteries and sporting prowess remain true to the brand.
“You feel connected and you feel like you are in charge,” Wilson said. “You feel like you can make an evasive maneuver if you have to. You feel safe.”
“It’s a step into the future,” said Wilson on BMW’s modern EV lineup. “When you talk about a BMW, you think of an inline six, gas powered vehicle. I remember getting into my first electric BMW -- it was an i4 -- drove it and instantly knew it was a BMW. These vehicles aren’t sacrificing any of the performance or handling to do it.”
“It’s a BMW first and an electric car second,” Clifton added. “They were able to integrate the familiarity of BMW with electric technology. Even with the battery, it doesn’t feel like something that’s completely new. You feel at home when you are driving the car, then you have all the added benefits. The interface is still familiar to long-time BMW customers. It still very straightforward for those that are new to the brand as well.”
All wheel drive, 536 horsepower and 0-to-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, the i4 lineup is calibrated to hit a range of 252 to 307 miles, depending on the model you choose. And at Level 2, the battery re-charges from zero to 100 in less than 8 hours.
The top-of-the-line M50 has 536 horsepower (586 foot-pounds of torque) with a single-speed automatic transmission, often out accelerating the brand’s M-performance models. Standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch versions with an expanded rear wheel contact patch help in this area. Much like the M, it is a daily driver with the soul of a sports car when taken to its limits.
“These cars really accomplish something for drivers that not a lot of other cars are able to,” Clifton added. “They have the perfect blend of performance, luxury, comfort and connectedness. The car does exactly what you want it to do, and does it perfectly. You can get into a 2-Series, all the way up to a 7-Series and all the electric vehicles and you won’t be disappointed. From a luxury, comfort model or to the more sporty and performance models – it’s all there.”
Along with the M badging and great performance, the i4 M 50 offers driver amenities including vernasca leather, ambient interior lighting, lumbar back support, heated seats and steering wheel. Other options include adaptive LED headlights, ventilated front seats, Harman Karden sounds system and wireless charging.
“With the i4, it has the exact same shell and body of the gas version, which makes it different from a lot of other EVs,” Clifton said. “This car feels so familiar to what everyone is used to. It doesn’t feel outlandish or too futuristic, so it’s the perfect car to transition into the electric world.”
To learn more about BMW’s EV present and future, connect with one a Hendrick Automotive Group dealership today. Don’t forget, now through Oct. 2, you can take advantage of the “No Payments for 90 Days” sales event.
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