2022 BMW iX Specs Announced for Canada

Published on June 2, 2021 in New Models by Gabriel Gélinas

BMW’s first-ever all-electric SUV in North America will hit the Canadian market in the first quarter of 2022 with a starting MSRP of $89,990, the automaker announced on Tuesday. The model is available to order right now.

Featuring two electric motors that combine to deliver 516 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque, the iX xDrive50 benefits from all-wheel drive and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Range is estimated at 475 kilometres.

A full charge takes a little more than 11 hours when using Level 2 power (240V) thanks to the 11-kilowatt onboard charger. When plugged into a 200-kilowatt DC fast charger, expect to get 150 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes, or charge from 10-80 percent in just over 30 minutes.

From Concept to Reality

Previewed by the Vision iNext concept, the BMW iX is built on a monocoque architecture made of steel, aluminum and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic. Called “Carbon Cage,” it’s an evolution of the Carbon Core technology that was developed a few years ago for the 7 Series sedan.

Just like the new i4 M50 electric sedan, the BMW iX sends power to the rear wheels to maximize efficiency and range in normal driving conditions. The front motor kicks when extra grip is required. By the way, these new motors were developed entirely in-house by BMW and don’t use any precious metals. They achieve 93 percent efficiency whereas a typical combustion engine is more at 40 percent. A single-speed transmission controls power.

A double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension with roll bars at both ends contribute to a stable and comfortable ride. The BMW iX is also available with an adaptive air suspension. A variable-ratio, electro-mechanical steering system comes standard, but customers can opt for Integral Active Steering which turns the rear wheels in either the same or the opposite direction to the front wheels to improve low-speed manoeuverability or high-speed stability.

Digital Interior With Curved Display

The interior of the new BMW iX is quite spacious and almost futuristic with an ultra-wide and curved display that appears to be floating above the dashboard.

Comprised of two screens put side by side, this driver-oriented interface provides vehicle data and infotainment from the new iDrive 8 system with unique graphics and numerous menu configurations. Instead of conventional buttons, a control surface with active haptic input subdivided by feeler bars is used to select the iDrive menus, My Modes and other functions. There’s also a rocker switch for gear selection.

Furthermore, the iX is available with the largest glass roof ever fitted in a model from the BMW Group, a 4D Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround sound system and BMW Digital Key technology making it possible to unlock the vehicle using a smartphone.

iX M60 Coming in 2022, Too

A bit later in 2022, BMW will expand the iX lineup with the sportier iX M60. The company has no specific details to share about this model for now, but it will be the first M-branded SUV ever and generate more than 600 horsepower.