Teased in Malaysia, BMW iX electric SUV starts full production in Germany

For BMW, 2020 was the year of the grille. Though, let’s just admit that the vertical grilles at least add some personality to the BMW 4 Series, M3, and M4. When the BMW iX was launched though, the backlash on its design was overwhelming.

However, the design is clearly here to stay as standard production of the fully-electric SUV begins at BMW’s plant in Dingolfing, Germany. The plant is BMW Group’s largest production facility in Europe and also produces the BMW 5 Series, 7 Series, and 8 Series.

The Bavarian automaker has spent more than € 400 million in refurbishing the plant to allow production for the electric SUV. Many of the remodelling and structural measures required for the iX’s production will benefit the next-generation 5 Series and 7 Series, BMW says.

Also read: All-electric BMW 5 Series coming soon as BMW ramps up its electrification line-up

BMW aims that by the middle of the decade, half the vehicles produced in Dingolfing will be electrified. In addition to the existing line-up of PHEVs and all-electric vehicles, BMW is planning on launching fully-electric variants of existing models including the 5 Series and 7 Series.

With the BMW i4 planned for production in Munich later this year, all German plants will be producing at least one fully-electric model by the end of next year.

Also read: Malaysia-bound BMW i4 debuts with first all-electric BMW M performance model

Of course, we can’t just end this article without mentioning that snout up front. The large kidney grilles don’t cool off the engine because this electric SUV doesn’t even have one.

Also read: Why the long grille? BMW iX debuts at 2021 Shanghai Auto Show

That being said, the grilles do function a purpose as an intelligence panel with integrated sensors, camera, and radar technology for the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

Also read: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems ADAS, more harm than good?

The iX is powered by a pair of electric motors which produce 500 PS that are connected to an electric all-wheel-drive system. This X5-sized electric SUV is capable of going to 100 km/h from rest in under 5 seconds.

The iX made its regional debut in Thailand back in June though it has been teased on BMW Malaysia’s Facebook page three months earlier. Two variants were offered on BMW’s registration of interest site, the iX xDrive50 and the iX xDrive40 with the difference being the electric range (xDrive50: 600 km, xDrive40: 400 km).

Also read: 2021 BMW iX teased; 500 PS electric SUV coming to Malaysia

With the ongoing MCO 3.0 lockdown incurred throughout Malaysia, the launch of BMW’s electric SUV will be pushed back. If you’re wondering what are the other cars that could be launched in the second half of 2021, you can check out our list of anticipated models.

Also read: The cars Malaysians are expecting in the second half of 2021 – Iriz Active, City Hatchback and more!