2022 BMW iX specs detailed: All-electric Mercedes-Benz EQC and Audi e-Tron rival to arrive before year's end

BMW Australia’s all-electric iX will land in local showrooms before 2022 in two grades, the xDrive40 and xDrive50, to take on the Audi e-Tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC and Jaguar I-Pace.

Differentiating in the two variants are two different sized batteries – a 70kWh unit for the xDrive40 and a 100kWh version for the flagship xDrive50.

As a result, the xDrive40 can travel more than 400 kilometres on a single charge, while the xDrive50 extends range to over 600km – both tested on stricter WLTP standards.

Maximum charging capacity also differs between the two, with 150kW and 200kW available to the xDrive40 and xDrive50 respectively.

This means that after 10 minutes of charge time at the right outlet, the xDrive40 can recoup 90km of range, while the xDrive50 can recover 120km.

Performance will also differ across both grades, as the electric motors’ combined output in the xDrive40 will equal around 240kW for a zero-to-100km/h run of around five seconds thanks to all-wheel drive.

The xDrive50 meanwhile, kicks things up a notch to 370kW, dropping the landmark acceleration time to around four seconds.

The iX will also be the first model to feature BMW’s updated Operating System 8, which is displayed across a massive 14.9-inch multimedia screen that also incorporates climate controls and other functions.

Complimenting the gargantuan multimedia screen is a 12.3-inch all-digital driver’s display.

Underpinning Operating System 8 is updated hardware and optimised software for faster processing times, while input methods include touch, a rotary control knob or voice.

Full pricing and specs will be revealed closer to the model’s launch, but given the iX’s large SUV size and cutting-edge powertrain, expect it to sit above the X5 SUV.

With the X5 starting at $104,900 before on-road costs for the sDrive25d, and the plug-in hybrid xDrive45e positioned at $135,900, don’t be surprised if the iX starts north of $150,000.

For reference, the Jaguar I-Pace starts at $128,248, the Audi e-Tron is available from $137,100 and the Mercedes EQC is priced at $139,700.