Photo: BMW
At a time when most most of the other carmakers are planning a flood of electric cars as soon as this year, BMW is taking its time, planning the launch of its truly-purpose built EV, the iNext, no sooner than 2021.
The German carmaker is making full use of the time left, testing the electric car and its systems in all possible ways. This month, the iNext traveled to Arjeplog, Sweden, to undergo sub-zero trials and tribulations.
Cold is a particular challenge for electric cars, and BMW is trying to see how the electric motor, the high-voltage battery, and the cooling systems perform under these conditions.
BMW engineers will use the data gathered regarding system recharging, electricity transfer and heating and air conditioning operation to make the production version a car customers will not shy away from buying.
Taking advantage of the conditions available near the polar circle - snow-covered roads and ice-covered lakes – BMW is also testing and improving the steering and braking systems.
To be based on the Vision iNext concept shown last year, the production version iNext will be heavily autonomous, highly connected and of course electric. The powertrain system that has not yet been detailed, so there’s no info yet of battery capacity, range or power.
Visually, there’s not much to go on, as the model shown this week is wearing heavy camouflage. The concept, however, showed a blanked off kidney grille, a four-eyed super-slim headlight setup and a widescreen that goes up all the way into the large panoramic roof.
The iNext is considered by the Germans an SAV, meaning it is built on a long wheelbase to provide plenty of interior room.
BMW is planning to build the iNext from 2021 at the Dingolfing plant in Germany. Until then, a number of other electric Bimmers will head our way, including the iX3.
Cold is a particular challenge for electric cars, and BMW is trying to see how the electric motor, the high-voltage battery, and the cooling systems perform under these conditions.
BMW engineers will use the data gathered regarding system recharging, electricity transfer and heating and air conditioning operation to make the production version a car customers will not shy away from buying.
Taking advantage of the conditions available near the polar circle - snow-covered roads and ice-covered lakes – BMW is also testing and improving the steering and braking systems.
To be based on the Vision iNext concept shown last year, the production version iNext will be heavily autonomous, highly connected and of course electric. The powertrain system that has not yet been detailed, so there’s no info yet of battery capacity, range or power.
Visually, there’s not much to go on, as the model shown this week is wearing heavy camouflage. The concept, however, showed a blanked off kidney grille, a four-eyed super-slim headlight setup and a widescreen that goes up all the way into the large panoramic roof.
The iNext is considered by the Germans an SAV, meaning it is built on a long wheelbase to provide plenty of interior room.
BMW is planning to build the iNext from 2021 at the Dingolfing plant in Germany. Until then, a number of other electric Bimmers will head our way, including the iX3.
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