BMW iX xDrive50 Launched: Big Range Improvement For Relatively Modest Premium

• BMW iX xDrive50 launched at Rs 1.4 crore (ex-showroom)

• No cosmetic revisions apart from bigger 22-inch alloy wheels

• No changes to the cabin, which isn’t a bad thing

• Gets two battery packs with a combined capacity of 111.5kWh

• Offers a range of up to 635 km and fast charging compatibility of up to 195 kW

• Packs a more powerful dual electric motor setup with an output of 523 PS/765 Nm

The EV space is evolving rapidly, even more so in the case of luxury EVs. The segment has witnessed an influx of a whole new bunch of EVs in recent times, packing impressive range and performance numbers. So in keeping up with the competition, BMW has now brought a new variant for the iX to India. Meet the BMW iX xDrive50, a more powerful, more versatile (range-wise) and more expensive variant than the existing iX xDrive40. 

Here’s a look at the prices:

BMW iX xDrive50 Exterior and Interior Design

Not much has changed in terms of the styling. In fact, it is only the new 22-inch wheels that are different from the model previously available in India. The styling is still striking, thanks to the huge kidney grille up front and the flared elements all around. While the rest is the same, it does get an optional extra in the form of a Titanium Bronze finish ‘Individual Exterior Line’.

The cabin too, is similar and as chic as it was before. Feels futuristic with the two digital screens and crystal finishes in multiple areas. You still get features like ‘panorama glass sunroof’, electric seats with massage function, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and connected car tech.

BMW iX xDrive50 powertrain

The xDrive 50 variant of the iX gets a significant improvement in its powertrain specifications. For starters, there’s a bigger capacity of charge on store, thanks to two batteries with a combined capacity of 111.5 kWh as opposed to the xDrive 40’s 76.6 kWh battery pack. The larger battery is paired to more powerful 523 PS/765 Nm dual electric motors. The setup offers a combined WLTP-claimed range of up to 635 km and boasts fast charging capabilities of up to 195 kW.

0-100 kmph comes up in 4.6 seconds, which is 1.5 seconds quicker than the xDrive40 variant. Charging times are as follows:

195 kW DC Charger – 10%-80% in 35 min / Up to 145 kms added range in 10 min

 50 kW DC Charger – 10%-80% in 97 min

 22 kW AC Charger – 100% in about 5.5 hrs

11 kW AC Charger – 100% in about 11 hrs

Also Read: VW ID.4 Electric SUV Revealed, Hyundai Ioniq 5 Rival Launch Confirmed For Indian Market

While a price difference of Rs 19 lakh might look a lot on paper, it actually isn’t when you see the ballpark of the price tags in the first place. For that extra cash, you do get better performance and more range, which makes the idea of owning an EV more appealing, and that’s what the xDrive 50 variant has done: make the iX a more appealing, more usable EV. With this new variant, the BMW iX now puts up a tougher fight against the likes of the Mercedes EQE, Audi e-tron, and Jaguar I-Pace.