In the era of new energy vehicles, we have seen the innovation of Tesla, Weilai, Ideal, Xiaopeng and other new car-making companies. But we all overlook that traditional car manufacturers also have strong research and development capabilities. Their innovation is not inferior to that of the new car-making companies. It's just not as limeish as the new power companies.
The BMW iX can be seen as the epitome of BMW's technology in pure electric vehicles. Many of the details and functions of this car reflect the rigor of being a German luxury car brand!
[1] The middle grid with heating function and self-healing function
BMW's mesh size in the nostrils is getting bigger and bigger, and the iX's unique double kidney grille design is eye-catching. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary mid-net, no different. But it's a smart panel with built-in radar, ultrasonic sensors, cameras and autopilot-assisted heating elements.
This mid mesh even comes with a heating wire that can be heated. The reason is simple, because various sensors, including radar, measure distance while observing objects like the human eye. In this case, if a large amount of snow falls on the mid-grid, the sensor's field of view will be limited and will not work properly. So to prevent this, there is a heating wire in the middle net, and the snow will melt in real time to ensure a stable field of view.
There is another function hidden in the double kidney grille. Self-healing is achieved by polishing the mesh surface with a specially treated polyurethane coating. If left at room temperature for 24 hours or blowing hot air for 5 minutes, the degree of slight scratches will automatically recover. Not only does it minimize sensor failures due to injuries, but it also reduces the stress of vehicle maintenance.
[2] Hidden cleaning liquid nozzle, hidden glass water filling port
Another deeply hidden feature of the BMW iX is the cleaning nozzle, which is hidden inside the body, but when the cleaning function is activated, it pops up to clean the camera. Its role is to remove foreign objects from the camera more effectively. This is especially useful when driving on rough roads where the exterior of the vehicle is often dirty or when experiencing bad weather.
The engine compartment of the iX cannot be opened, because as a pure electric vehicle, the iX does not need to change the oil maintenance like a normal fuel vehicle. And there are various electrical equipment in the engine compartment, and high-voltage current passes through, so the general consumer does not need to open the engine cover.
So you can't open the engine cover, how to replenish the cleaning fluid? BMW has reserved a space for the cleaning fluid on the logo located at the front of the vehicle. The cleaning fluid injection hole hidden in the bonnet logo and the rear camera located inside the BMW logo contribute to the clean design.
[3] Hidden door handles are not new, but the 0.25cd wind resistance is very strong
For a large SUV like the iX, it is not easy to achieve a very low drag coefficient. The DRAG coefficient of the BMW iX is only 0.25Cd, which is the lowest in the SUV of its class, which is similar to the wind resistance coefficient of the 4 Series coupe.
In addition to the closed intake grille, there are hidden door handles to help achieve low wind resistance. The BMW iX's hidden door handle is electronic, with a button on it, and when pressed, the lock unlocks electronically, and passengers simply pull on the door.
【4】The interior is simple but the most functional!
The iX's interior design also has highlights, which features a minimized number of buttons while maintaining a driver-centric cockpit structure. Well-designed vents and a HUD integrated into the dashboard make simple interiors stand out.
All the buttons needed to operate the car were moved inside the display, leaving only the parts that were used frequently. A cleaner interior is achieved due to the minimization of physical buttons. The centre console is equipped with an i-drive controller, gear selection and a start button with crystal glass.
Eco-friendly planks are also impressive. Unlike most brands that use wood as a simple design element, BMW has created a control panel that can take advantage of the vehicle's various functions. Not only do the fingers feel good, but every function can run quickly.
[5] Invisible Power, 4D surround system
The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround system features a total of 30 speakers, hidden from the headrests, ceiling, doors and seats. When the 4D surround system is enabled, you can enjoy more vivid and richer stereo sound with surround speakers hidden throughout the vehicle.
Here, a virtual sound system developed in collaboration with the world-famous composer Hans Zimmer adds to the thrill of driving. The system is output via the indoor sound system and VSG (Vehicle Sound Generator) speakers at the front of the vehicle, playing optimized sound based on the driving mode selected by the driver.
This is where bmw ix is powerful, it seems that there are many things similar to ordinary cars, but in the hands of BMW, it has also been rejuvenated.