BMW IX test (2021): in all discretion<

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They put everything there, at BMW.Even if it means upsetting the codes and the usual presentation of the brand's models.Besides, he does not have a range number.An "I" for its 100 % electric technology and an "X" for its SUV body, the IX stands out for itself as a special model, an exhibition showcase for the technological know-how of the Bavarian manufacturer.So obviously, he is noticed.Trenched lines, 4.95 m long, 1.97 m wide for 1.70 m high and a front side which could redefine the concept of expressiveness.Such a style, we are used to it in car fairs, less on open roads.It is too much?Too bad if it doesn't appeal to everyone.It is not for everyone.The relatively confidential customers he seduces will take care of turning the head of all other motorists and passers -by.

Two versions are offered at launch, both equipped with two engines, one on each axle.At the front, a block of 272 hp.At the back, 340 hp.The associated battery makes it possible to vary the total power delivered by the two electric machines.We therefore have the choice between the IX XDRIVE40 of 326 horsepower and 630 nm of cumulative torque with a useful 71 kWh battery (76 kWh gross) and the IX XDRIVE50 of 523 horsepower and 765 Nm for a useful capacity of 105.2KWH (111.5 kWh gross).

It’s huge, like the weight that the latter leads.Let's evacuate the angry figures.The IX XDRIVE50 weighs 2,510 kg empty and makes its services pay at € 103,500 minimum excluding options.Our test model was not missing, with almost € 30,000 in supplements.The IX XDRIVE40, calms the game a little but does not do in lace either: 2,365 kg and 86,250 € minimum.And it could have been worse on the scale.An careful work of materials of materials for its structure employs a large part of aluminum, in combination with reinforcements in steel and even, side parts of the interior plastic reinforced with carbon carbon.We can note the efforts of BMW for the follow-up of its supply chains concerning the raw materials, intended for the manufacture of electric motors and batteries, the absence of rare earths in rotors (synchronous electro -ity engines) andAmong the most virtuous assembly methods, so, such accumulators and such masses to be moved are nothing ecological.He is not the first to exhibit this assessment, not yet the last as long as the technology of current batteries available on the market is not replaced.That the IX is positioned in a niche segment is not ultimately devoid of meaning.At least, there is no shortage of content.What he offers inside, too, is heavy.But in this case, we are delighted.

Colors and materials

We do not recognize the interior of a BMW inside the IX.It is just if the double curved screen reminds that the driver must be at the center of attention.There is one for the instrumentation of 12.3 "and one for multimedia of 14.9", grouped under a shiny glass surface.The whole rests on several arms tilted on the back, attached to a dashboard taking air of design TV furniture.It looks like a luxury lounge.Silver or gold color inserts of ventilation, handles or on the central console draw the contours of this setting in which it is possible to choose glass controls imitating the crystal.Like jewelry, the adjustment buttons for electric seats sparkle on the doors, just like the round control of the Idrive system in the center, cut like a diamond.The audio volume roulette and the selection trigger of the walking direction also use this multifacette glass.An option at € 1,150 which also adds a surface of sensitive wooden controls, on which the IDRIV controller rests.The different keys are applied in relief to distinguish them to the touch.Driving modes, lifting of suspensions or the display of cameras are among the available buttons.A haptic return and a slight mobility of this wood element correctly refer the feeling of support.

Even the six -sided steering wheel and two branches is originally.Several types of upholstery are available.Full leather tanned with olive leaf, black or red, can replace an association of blue suede, covering the entire dashboard and counter-door, and fabric on a third of each seat.Black, brown or beige imitation is present in series.The parts usually made of plastic are here covered with thick fabric, up to the glove box and under the windshield bay.We borders on flawlessness, which escapes him because of elements of door bins and on the underside of the central console, in black plastic with too basic grainy appearance in this exclusive environment.

Installed at the front, it feels like on living room armchairs.Comfortable, with beautifully drawn seams, they forget the lateral maintenance but are glued to the doors.Impossible to slide your hand with bulging offices that flush as they go up to side windows.The dashboard creates the same effect, floating above a flat floor for a beautiful feeling of space.Despite files with a very sporty look, ergonomics seem more thought of for relaxation than driving.

And at night, the multicolored room lighting continues to put the view of it to the loudspeakers, on the high-end system, as well as along the four windows.

Latest Equipment

Audio has just been particularly neat.If in series, there are already 12 speakers and 205 watts in power and it is possible to equip yourself in place of the Harman Kardon system of 655 watts against € 750, it is possible to go much further. Pour 4 850 €, Bowers & Wilkins met en place une installation de 1 615 watts comprenant 30 haut-parleurs, dont huit se trouvent dans les appuie-têtes des quatre places latérales.There are two basses of bass and vibration generators in the files and the foundations to accompany and make the bass physically feel.A fully configurable "4D" system for a "Home Cinema" sound that breathes.

Thermal and visual well-being can also mount a notch by exploring the catalog of options a little more.We find there the fixed panoramic roof of 1.1 m² of surface, electrochrome, becoming almost opaque in a pleasant gray shade in a single support on a touchscreen in the ceiling.It is billed 3,350 €.To warm up, the "full heating" adds to the commons and heated flywheels, the door panels, the lower part of the dashboard and all the heated armrests.What diffuse heat without activating ventilation, that the system can consider too noisy depending on the time of day.

The latest version of the IDRIVE system can always be ordered by a few hand gestures, by voice or rotary control but is oriented towards more tactile.Air conditioning and shortcuts are all integrated into the central screen.Shortcuts accessible by a downward drop -down menu, useful for not getting lost among the many applications offered.Physical commands have not completely disappeared but it still lacks separate keys for each driving mode, replaced by one, displaying a selection menu.In the same way, the lumbar adjustment of the seats is piloted from the screen.

Navigation introduces a very useful augmented reality function, filming the road and inlaying steering arrows that have always been relevant.A camera can be added in the cabin to record a sequence manually or when the vehicle is locked, in the event of a break -in.The screen also displays the rendering of the four cameras of the parking aid, with a 3D view and the possibility of cleaning the front and rear cameras on request.The water jets are projected by jets hidden under covers in the middle of the grille and, at the back, under the blue and white of the propeller in the center of the BMW logo on the tailgate, deploying at this time.

In this regard, the filling of the windshield washing machine is by lifting the logo at the end of the front hood.Because this hood does not open.Control of the brake fluid level is automatically carried out by a sensor and indicates whether a passage through the garage is necessary.

In terms of original new features, we note the full grille, covered with polyurethane, a erased, smooth and transparent coating, capable of repairing alone in case of stripe or.The procedure puts 24 hours at room temperature and 5 minutes by heating the material.It is supposed to better protect the various radars hidden behind.This recalls the paintings proposed by Infiniti, the luxury brand of Nissan, also self-specific to certain models thanks to a thin layer of resin completely covering them.

On a Watts net

There is so much to see at a stop, that we almost forget to take the wheel.There are less keys there, especially for the cruise control.The distance adjustment is parameter indeed upstream, in the menus and then allows to launch control of the pace and distances of a single support on a button.Many things are settled in advance, from energy recovery to braking on three levels plus an adaptive mode (it is possible to go directly to the most powerful level at any time by pulling the trigger from the central selector to therear, authorizing the complete stop), at the speed of passage in curve when the centering on the track is activated.Thus, the IX no longer necessarily slows down a turn, and can, depending on the parameter chosen, tackle it in a relatively sporting manner for a semi-autonomous system, not hesitating to frankly steal the direction.Surprising!

Power compensates for weight in terms of acceleration.The two versions are limited to 200 km/h, the difference between xDrive40 and xDrive50 being on 0 to 100 km/h, 6.1 sec for the first and 4.6 sec for the second.So it works strong.The most powerful is, moreover, delivered with a pneumatic suspension and four -wheeled guidelines.If the robbery diameter does not take advantage of it to descend under 12 meters, this allows a certain agility for such a machine.And the amortization comfort is total, even with the largest 22 -inch rims.The artificial sound gives an indication of the speed, especially present in acceleration.You have to keep an eye on the meter but the driving position and the atmosphere that reigns inside (silence too), push for a calm conduct.

Passengers will appreciate, they who have more space than it takes.Except perhaps in the central place, suffering from a file used as a armrest, therefore very firm, and a seat whose softness only concerns two-thirds before its surface.At four, it's always better.Especially with 500 liters of trunk, sufficient in absolute terms but for example less good than that of an IX3 (510 liters), yet shorter of 22 cm.

Consumption will not be harder either.On nearly 400 km traveled (with fast recharging along the way), highways, departmental and cities included, not always with circumstance, we maintained ourselves at 27.9 kWh/100 km, both substantial and coherentWith regard to the size and the rhythm adopted.This would ensure at least 380 km of autonomy.The 549 km announced at least on the WLTP cycle seem in any case very theoretical.But whether it is connected to 200 kW to a quick continuous current charging station (150 kW max for the XDRIVE40) or in the middle of traffic, the BMW IX wants above all to stand out.When stopped or on the road, its occupants will have a good time.And if it is not the most enduring, do not surprise it.Its interest is elsewhere, in the high spheres of automotive luxury.A whole concept.

to summarize

The message is clear.The BMW IX testifies to the capacity of the German premium manufacturer to maintain itself at the highest level of technology, regardless of the type of engine.This new 100 % electric model impresses with its build and has no intention of going unnoticed.Luxury, comfort and power make up the personality of this SUV a little apart.