BMW iX

BMW iX: The Brand’s Bold Leap into India’s Luxury EV Segment

BMW has officially entered the Indian luxury electric vehicle market with the introduction of the iX electric SUV. With this move, the brand joins the ranks of other premium automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Jaguar, all of which already have electric SUVs on offer in the country. As expected for a high-end offering, the BMW iX arrives as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and squares off against rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi e-tron, and Jaguar I-Pace.

For the Indian market, BMW is offering the iX in a single variant – the xDrive40. The company had earlier confirmed that customer deliveries would commence in April 2022. Built on BMW’s latest platform, the iX features an aluminum space-frame coupled with a carbon-fiber-reinforced cage, combining exceptional torsional rigidity with reduced weight. Its design reflects BMW’s evolving language, incorporating signature elements like the kidney grille – which, in this case, integrates a suite of driver assistance tech including radars, sensors, and cameras – all wrapped in a futuristic EV aesthetic.

Under the skin, the iX carries BMW’s fifth-generation electric drivetrain technology, with dual motors (one on each axle) delivering an electric all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. The xDrive40 variant packs a 76.6 kWh battery, offering a total output of 240 kW (322 bhp) and 630 Nm of torque. On a full charge, the SUV is rated to deliver a WLTP-certified range of up to 425 km. While BMW does offer a more powerful xDrive50 variant overseas (503 bhp), there are currently no plans to launch it in India.

Step inside and the iX’s cabin immediately impresses with its modern, minimalistic layout. Soft-touch materials enhance the premium feel, and traditional gear levers have been replaced with a rocker switch for gear selection. The SUV runs BMW’s next-gen operating system and debuts the company’s new hexagonal steering wheel, designed to offer better visibility and ergonomic comfort. Seat controls have migrated to the door panels, and a massive curved display unit serves both infotainment and instrument cluster functions, acting as the central control hub for the vehicle.