2021 BMW iX confirmed for Malaysia, xDrive40 models priced from RM419,630

BMW Malaysia seems to be planning an all-out EV offensive, with three electric models confirmed to land on our shores in the months to come. The iX3 and i4 – electric counterparts of the X3 and 4-Series respectively – will join the iX SUV in Malaysia as the latter spearheads the Bavarian carmaker's electric revolution in the domestic market. 

BMW's first-ever dedicated electric SUV will be offered here in xDrive40 format as a start across two trim lines, with prices starting from a competitive RM419,630, without an extended warranty and service package that is. Opt for full coverage – which includes six years of service at a discounted rate exclusively for the iX – and the base BMW iX xDrive40 will cost you RM435,800 while the iX xDrive40 Sport tops out at RM488,800. Buyers can top up RM4,600 for the Power Package, which throws in a BMW i Wallbox and BMW i Public Charging Cable, which seem quite necessary for a car that runs purely on electric. 

For the money, you get an emissions-free Bimer that will do up to 425km on a single charge of the 76.6kWh lithium-ion battery, which supports DC charging up to 150kW. The iX xDrive40's eDrive dual electric motors develop the equivalent of 326hp and 630Nm of torque, which rallies it to 100kph from a standstill in just 6.1 seconds. To put things into perspective, that's just half a second slower than the BMW X5 xDrive45e, which packs less electrification but six cylinders of petrol-fuelled power. Top speed for the iX is rated at 200kph, which isn't Tesla crazy, but more than sufficient by any measure. 

Standard equipment in the iX xDrive40 include 21-inch 'aerodynamic; LED headlights, four-zone climate control, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Plus and BMW's latest Connected Package Professional and Live Cockpit Professional featuring a curved 12.3-inch instrument display and 14.9-inch central infotainment. The Sport model adds on 22-inch wheels, Sport Line cosmetics (blue calipers, chrome grille graphics, etc.), BMW Laserlight clusters, a panoramic glass roof, 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and more autonomous features such as Active Park Distance Control, Lane Control Assistant and automatic Speed Limit Assist.

BMW Malaysia also lists the iX xDrive50 Sport in its press release, albeit without any word on prices at time of writing. As its name suggests, the higher-end variant packs more grunt – 523hp to be specific – allowing it to do the century sprint in a swifter 4.6 seconds. It also features Integral Active Steering, adaptive two-axle air suspension and a bigger battery to cover up to 630km of range. Speaking of batteries, all EV batteries regardless of model or variant are covered by an eight-year warranty capped at 160,000km. 

The BMW iX can already be reserved online for a booking fee of RM5,000. BMW Malaysia is offering pre-booking 'advantages' for the first 50 customers, which includes complimentary charger installation and complimentary one-year public charging access. This early-bird campaign runs till 22 September, subject to terms. Reckon the iX can convince Malaysia's Bimmer faithful to petrol-free motoring?