Background
BMW iX (I20) marked an important step in BMW’s development of electric mobility. Designed from the outset as a fully electric vehicle, the iX combined the luxury Sports Activity Vehicle concept with a new generation of electric drive technology, digital innovations and advanced materials. Its design was first revealed in November 2020, with series production beginning in July 2021. The iX reached the market in November of the same year and became BMW’s new technology flagship.
Futuristic design
The BMW iX stood apart from conventional X models through its minimalist and futuristic exterior design. Its large vertical kidney grille was no longer required for conventional engine cooling and instead incorporated cameras, radar sensors and other driver assistance technology. A long wheelbase, short overhangs and streamlined body contributed to a drag coefficient of just 0.25, improving efficiency and driving range.
Aluminium and Carbon Cage
The iX featured an aluminium spaceframe structure complemented by BMW’s Carbon Cage, which incorporated carbon fibre-reinforced plastic elements in the roof, sides and rear of the body. This combination of materials increased structural rigidity while helping to control weight. The high-voltage battery was positioned low in the vehicle floor, lowering the centre of gravity and contributing to the handling characteristics of the large electric SAV.
Dual-motor electric all-wheel drive
The BMW iX introduced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. The original range consisted of the iX xDrive40 with 326 hp and the iX xDrive50 with 523 hp. Both featured two electric motors, one on each axle, providing intelligent electric all-wheel drive. Their electrically excited synchronous motors avoided the need for permanent magnets containing rare-earth materials in their rotors. In 2022, the 619 hp BMW iX M60 joined the range, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
Long range and rapid charging
The original iX xDrive40 featured a battery with 71 kWh of usable capacity and a WLTP range of up to 425 kilometres. The more powerful xDrive50 had a usable battery capacity of 105.2 kWh, offering a range of up to 630 kilometres. Maximum DC fast-charging power was 150 kW and 200 kW respectively. BMW also introduced an intelligent regenerative braking system that automatically adjusted energy recovery according to driving conditions.
A new generation of digital luxury
The BMW iX interior was designed to provide an exceptionally spacious and minimalist environment. The absence of a conventional centre tunnel increased legroom, while the dashboard introduced the new BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch instrument display with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. The new iDrive system, based on BMW Operating System 8, together with voice control, 5G connectivity and over-the-air software updates, made the iX one of BMW’s most technologically advanced models of its time.
Production and further development
Production of the BMW iX began on 2 July 2021 at BMW Plant Dingolfing in Germany. BMW placed particular emphasis on responsible material sourcing and reducing the environmental impact of production, including the use of renewable electricity and recycled materials. The iX received a significant update in 2025, bringing increased performance and driving range. The revised range was headed by the 659 hp iX M70 xDrive, while the iX xDrive60 offered a WLTP range of up to 701 kilometres.
Model in the collection
The BMW iX (I20) in my collection was produced by Minichamps and represents a 2022 car from the early production period of the iX family. It is a limited-edition model, with a total production run of 336 examples.
Technical data in brief
Design premiere: November 2020
Production period: from July 2021
Market launch: November 2021
Production location: BMW Plant Dingolfing, Germany
Body style: five-door all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle
Electric drive: fifth-generation BMW eDrive
Motors: two electric motors
Drivetrain: electric all-wheel drive
Original versions: xDrive40 with 326 hp and xDrive50 with 523 hp
2022 flagship: iX M60 with 619 hp
Usable battery capacity: 71–105.2 kWh in the original versions
Driving range: up to 630 km WLTP in the original versions
Maximum DC charging power: 150–200 kW
Drag coefficient: 0.25
Special feature: purpose-built electric luxury SAV with an aluminium spaceframe and Carbon Cage construction