The revamped iX retains the same basics, with a synchronous motor mounted on each axle giving all-wheel-drive. The e-motors are the same units as before, but now offer a bit more power – BMW has yet to give specific outputs – and use new silicon carbide inverters to improve their efficiency. The battery remains the same physical size, but BMW has been able to make it more energy dense and efficient.
The result, BMW claims, is both an improvement in efficiency of around 10 per cent and increased performance. The latter means models will sport new model designations in line with the i5 saloon: so the xDrive60 we tested here is actually the mid-spec successor to the pre-facelift xDrive50. The equivalent to the iX M60 will, in turn, get its own higher number. Don’t stop to think about it too much and we’ll all be fine.
In terms of range, the old xDrive50 had an official economy of 391 miles. Another 10 per cent would take the new xDrive60 to around 430 miles, which is a useful improvement.
Elsewhere, there are new hydraulic rear axle bearings and ‘friction-optimised’ wheel bearings to improve the dynamics and ride comfort, while BMW has also worked to reduce weight. There are also new tyres with reduced rolling resistance, while the suspension has been tuned for each of the model levels. Our prototype rode on steel springs; air suspension with variable damping will be available.
