iX

Make
BMW
Segment
SUV

The BMW iX3 debuted as the Bavarian automaker's first-ever electric SUV rivaling the likes of the Audi e-tron, Mercedes EQC, and Jaguar I-Pace, but it won't be coming to America. Instead, the first electric SUV bearing a BMW badge available on US soil will be the production version of the iNext.

Presented as a concept back in 2018, the BMW iNext will serve as BMW's flagship electric SUV that will compete with the Tesla Model X. Despite being similar in size to the BMW X5, BMW's flagship electric SUV reportedly won't be called the iX5. Instead, it will simply be called the BMW iX.

As BMW's teaser campaign continues, our spies caught two prototypes parading the streets with less camouflage than ever before, grabbing some close-up shots revealing some new design details. At the front, the "angel-eye" daytime running lights have been replaced with a new design that looks like an eyebrow above each sleek headlight. The design of the front bumper is now visible, as is the massive front grille that incorporates sensors enabling level 3 semi-autonomous driving.

As for the rear, the taillights integrated into the tailgate are covered up, but we can still see the light graphics. The compressed C-pillar design also appears to be inspired by the BMW iX3.

Reports claim the BMW iX will be offered in three flavors. The entry-level model will reportedly produce around 308 horsepower, which is comparable to the entry-level version of the combustion-powered BMW X5, while the mid-range variant is expected to have around 522 hp.

Topping the range will be a dual-motor model producing 610 hp, putting it roughly on par with the BMW X5 M. The BMW iX is expected to have an all-electric range of around 360 miles based on the European WLTP cycle but nothing has been confirmed as yet. Production of the BMW iX isn't expected to begin until July 2021, but we're hoping the production model will debut within the next few months.