Mar 17

Mar 17 BMW Announces Pricing for iX, Shows i4 EV Sedan

By Edward A. Sanchez – March 17, 2021

After showing various iterations of concepts, BMW has finally revealed the production-intent models of its electric i4 sedan and iX crossover. The final form is not radically different from what’s been shown so far. Unfortunately, that also means the hood-to-air dam gaping grille also remains, although its presence on these models is largely symbolic due to the lower cooling requirements for an EV relative to an ICE vehicle. A photo of the i4 was revealed, and brief specifications of up to 530 hp, 0-60 time of around 4 seconds, and a promise of more details “in the coming weeks.”

In the release on the iX, we also get a better idea of the starting price for the full-EV crossover. Per the release: “US pricing will be announced closer to market launch but the iX is expected to have an MSRP starting in the mid $80s.”

The BMW iX will likely market to those interested in both the Tesla Model Y and Model X.

This puts the iX basically right in-between the Tesla Model Y and Model X in terms of pricing. Any hopes that the iX will be “affordable” has gone out the window. But for those who do fork over the Benjamins for an iX can sleep well at night knowing that extensive measures were taken to ensure the iX’s green credentials, all the way down to the sourcing of raw materials for the battery, the materials used in the interior, and the provenance and sourcing of minerals and rare-earth metals for the battery and motor.

While the front aesthetics are controversial, the rear design of the BMW iX is a safer play.

Unlike Tesla and many other EV manufacturers, BMW does not use permanent magnet motors. This approach dispenses with the need to use rare earth magnets in the motors, but typically results in slightly lower overall efficiency. Tesla uses permanent magnet motors for its primary (rear) drive, but electromagnetic motors for its secondary (front) motors. However, BMW is claiming a 93% efficiency rate with the motors.

Inside, BMW notes: “Among the raw materials used for the floor coverings and mats are recovered fishing nets.”

BMW is claiming a combined 500 hp for the iX, more than the estimated 450 hp for the Model Y Dual Motor Performance. That being the case, you’d expect a 0-60 time of under 4 seconds for the BMW. However, BMW is claiming a more conservative acceleration time of around 5 seconds. Although official specs have not been released yet, that leads us to believe the iX is on the heavier side, possibly approaching or surpassing 5,000 pounds.

The VW ID.4, a much more compact and mainstream model, waddles on to the scales at a comparatively porky 4,600 pounds, and that’s for the rear-wheel drive, single motor model. For comparison, even a dual-motor Model Y weighs in at just 4,400 pounds. Hardly “light” but for the configuration, comparatively lightweight. The announced battery capacity of over 100 kWh and range of around 300 miles suggest a higher weight and relatively lower efficiency than the Model Y, although we’ll have to await official figures until later this year to know for sure.