During its (online) NextGen 2020 presentation, BMW revealed today that the BMW iX, its forthcoming all-electric flagship model previously designated as the iNext, is scheduled for release in late 2021. Utilizing BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology, the iX will showcase a refreshed aesthetic—including a redesigned kidney grille—while maintaining dimensions comparable to the current X5 and X6 SUV models. The manufacturer anticipates a driving range of approximately 300 miles and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just under five seconds.

BMW has not yet announced official pricing details for the iX. Earlier reports this year suggested a price point nearing $100,000.

The company projects having over one million electric vehicles on the roads by the close of 2021. Currently, around 13% of all BMW and MINI vehicles registered in Europe are either fully electric or plug-in hybrid models, with a goal of increasing that figure to 50% by the year 2030.

Several new additions to the company’s electric vehicle range are planned for the coming year, but the iX is undoubtedly the primary focus. The next-generation eDrive system will also be incorporated into the 2021 i4, and BMW is also evaluating a 5-Series variant equipped with three of these new motors, capable of generating a maximum power output of 720 hp—demonstrating the company’s continued commitment to both performance and luxury.

Equipped with DC fast charging capabilities up to 200 kW, the iX is expected to recharge from 10% to 80% in roughly 40 minutes. A quick 10-minute charge at a fast-charging station should provide approximately 75 miles of driving range. These figures are generally consistent with competing electric vehicles, although Tesla’s V3 Supercharging network offers potentially faster recharge times, and some other vehicles support charging rates exceeding 200 kW.

As BMW’s electric flagship, the iNext/iX naturally serves as a platform to display the company’s most recent technological advancements. This is unsurprising, given BMW’s use of various iNext concept car iterations to explore optimal methods for integrating new technologies into its future vehicle generations.

The iX includes a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance systems (specific details remain limited), a head-up display, and expansive screens featuring a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch control display. Notably, the company’s overarching design philosophy, termed “shy tech,” is also a key element.

“Shy tech” refers to technology that remains unobtrusive, revealing its functions only when actively utilized,” the company explained in today’s announcement. “Upon entering the vehicle, the first function presented is the electrically powered door locks. The interior provides occupants of all five seats with a luxurious, lounge-like atmosphere and ample space to utilize travel time in new ways.”

The user interface is largely designed to minimize distractions, allowing the driver to maintain focus on the road.

BMW’s long-term vision includes enabling drivers to relax in self-driving vehicles. While the iX’s driver assistance features have not yet been detailed, the company contends that the absence of a traditional center tunnel creates a more “airy and spacious” environment, enhancing the “lounge-style ambience and long-distance comfort” of the interior.

In many respects, the iX represents the culmination of BMW’s current electric vehicle aspirations. Importantly, the company is maintaining a high degree of internal control over development, including at its Dingolfing plant. Furthermore, BMW is independently developing its own battery cells, and a new pilot facility for battery production near Munich is slated to open in 2022. “This pilot plant will position BMW as the first automaker to manage the complete process chain for electric driving in-house,” BMW asserts.

As expected with a significant technology launch, the iX will also incorporate 5G connectivity, making it among the first—if not the very first—5G-enabled production vehicle. This should provide increased bandwidth and reduced latency when connecting to the BMW cloud. However, as recent smartphone releases have demonstrated, 5G is currently more of a promising feature than a fully realized technology. Perhaps more significantly, it may facilitate new C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle to Everything) solutions, enabling communication between vehicles and nearby smartphones—even without a cellular network connection.