General News
15 March, 2025
New BMW SUV EV due soon
BMW Australia will introduce the enhanced BMW iX, which had its world premiere last month, by the middle of 2025.
It will start with one variant at that time, the iX xDrive45 M Sport, which supersedes the iX xDrive40 Sport.
Extensive changes, include development of performance electronics, fine-tuning of the wheel bearings and tyres and revised styling for both the interior and exterior.
Major updates to key components result in a power increase of 25 per cent, a 30 per cent greater energy content for the high voltage battery, a 38 per cent increase in driving range and a 17 per cent faster charging rate.
The dual motor drive system of the new iX has been fine-tuned and the power electronics further developed to deliver noticeably more power for the iX xDrive45 M Sport.
Its system output and torque have been increased by 60kW and 30Nm over the outgoing variant, with the final figures registering 300kW and 700Nm. The increases lead to a substantial one second improvement in acceleration, with the new model capable of accelerating from rest to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds.New battery cell technology has increased the energy content of the high-voltage battery for the BMW iX xDrive45 by approximately 30 per cent, to 94.8kWh.
In addition, the new iX is the first BMW electric vehicle to integrate silicon carbide semiconductor components (SiC inverters). These ensure significantly more efficient energy conversion in the drive train. Semiconductors made of silicon carbide are more efficient, more powerful and significantly more temperature resistant than semiconductors made of conventional silicon.
Driving range for the iX xDrive45, according to the WLTP cycle, is now rated at up to 602 kilometres.
Standard equipment includes Driving Assistant Professional including Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function that can be used up to the maximum speed of the vehicle, front collision warning with brake intervention and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant and Reversing Assist Camera. Locally-delivered models also feature Parking Assistant Professional, which enables control of parking and manoeuvring via a smartphone.
The price is $142,900 plus on-road costs.
For Westco BMW sales inquiries call Grant Woolcock on 4044 4122.
