DIRT 5™ introduces the new Super Size Content Pack, which includes the Bentley Continental GT Ice Racer first seen at Zell am See in 2020
Year 1 and Amplified Edition players will have immediate access to the Bentley Ice Race car, and Standard Edition players can purchase it
Three new Bentley livery options will be available to customise your Bentley, including a GT Ice Race Livery, Art Livery and Toblerone livery
DIRT 5™ is a Codemasters® award-winning off-road racing game, available on Playstation, Xbox and PC.
Bentley’s Continental GT Ice Race car joins the new DIRT 5™ Super Size Content Drop on July 20, allowing players to experience the thrill of the ice race, sporting bespoke Bentley liveries, from the comfort of their own home.
DIRT 5™ is the award-winning off-road racing game from Codemasters® known for spectacular scenery and exhilarating circuits, playgrounds and stadiums. The amplified, off-road racing experience will now offer a Bentley off-road grand tourer, ready to take on all terrain and all challengers.
The cover star of the DIRT 5™ game update is the Bentley Continental GT Ice Racer. However, don’t be fooled by the name and inspiration behind the virtual car, while this Ice Racer will indeed be right at home on sub-zero surfaces at New York, Norway and Nepal this 626 bhp racecar will tear up all surfaces in DIRT 5™ on its 22-inch rims; a perfect blend of luxurious design and extreme performance. Available in three liveries as part of this DLC pack:
GT Ice Race Livery: the livery of the GP Ice Race car that raced at Zell am See in 2020.
Art Livery: the fantasy livery co-designed Sean Bull Design, for inclusion in the DLC pack
Toblerone Livery: designed in-house by the Codemasters team
The Bentley Ice Race Continental GT was specially prepared for the 2020 GP Ice Race in Zell am See, and reflected Bentley’s heritage of high performance on ice throughout recent decades. The livery of the car pays homage to its record-breaking compatriot from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2019.
Chris Senn, Engineer at Bentley Motorsport, commented: “I cannot wait to get my hands on the Dirt 5™ Super Size content pack and experience the thrill of drifting the Continental GT Ice Racer in all the different environments.”
Robert Karp, DIRT 5™ Development Director at Codemasters said, “The Bentley Continental GT Ice Racer is an awesome addition to the vehicle roster, allowing players to tackle unique new terrain from New York to Nepal.”
The Bentley Continental GT Ice Racer will feature as part of the Super Size Content Pack, dropping tomorrow, as the third paid content pack for DIRT 5™ launching on 20 July 2021. Year 1 and Amplified Edition players will gain access to the car as part of their entitlement, or players with the Standard Edition can purchase the pack on its own to add the car to their collection.
DIRT 5™ is available to players of PlayStation 4 and 5; Xbox One, Series X and Series S; Windows Store; Steam; Google Stadia and soon Amazon Luna.
DIRT 5™’s new Super Size Content pack will feature a line-up of three additional iconic modern race cars, with the Bentley Continental GT Ice Racer being one of the most imposing vehicles on the game’s roster. 27 new bespoke Career events, new circuits and various Playgrounds as well as new Achievements and Trophies will also be available. The Super Size Career chapter adds 27 tailored events, each centered around these incredible machines. Two new Careeer sponsors have also been introduced, Toblerone and Power Maxed, each with their own unique rewards earned by completing objectives.
All-new sports car has pride of place on the Lotus stand as FoS celebrates Norfolk company as its ‘Featured Marque’
All-electric Lotus Evija hypercar also making its Festival debut
‘Central Feature’ sculpture promises high levels of interactivity for fans on site or attending digitally using advanced AR technology
Lotus-developed track bike also on the FoS stand until Sunday
Fresh from a triumphant world premiere on Tuesday evening, the Lotus Emira makes its dynamic debut at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The all-new sports car, which goes into production later this year, has pride of place on the Lotus stand and is taking part in numerous runs up the iconic Hill Climb throughout the weekend. The Lotus Evija, the all-electric hypercar and the world’s most powerful production car, is also making its debut at the Festival of Speed.
Lotus is the ‘Featured Marque’ at this year’s Festival, which starts tomorrow (Thursday 8 July) and finishes on Sunday. The whole event celebrates the peerless sporting and technical achievements of Lotus. Both the Emira and Evija are taking part in Batch 6 of the Hill Climb, which is for ‘Supercars and First Glance’. Each car will compete twice a day, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. A Lotus Elise 240 Sport Final Edition and an Elise S1 are also involved.
Celebrating Lotus is the theme of the Festival’s ‘Central Feature’ – the dramatic and often highly imaginative art installation which is always created directly in front of Goodwood House. This year’s sculpture is also highly immersive, with greater-than-ever levels of accessibility for those attending the Festival both in person and digitally from all corners of the world using the latest augmented reality (AR) technology.
Inspired by Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s philosophy of ‘simplify then add lightness’, it employs the engineering concept of ‘tensegrity’ – a structural principle which creates exceptionally strong and rigid structures for their mass. Its shape evokes the ‘rooster tail’ airflow analysis of the Lotus Evija, and features the longest cantilever of its kind anywhere in the world. The impression is of a structure made more from air than actual material.
‘The Lotus Moment’ is being staged every lunchtime and is another must-see. A parade of Lotus vehicles old and new, it will include the Emira and Evija and culminate in front of Goodwood House with fireworks and cannon fire.
Festival visitors will be able to get up close and personal with the Evija and Emira – the most accomplished Lotus ever – on the Lotus stand, which is close to the Main Bridge opposite Goodwood House. Another Emira will be a regular visitor to the Michelin Supercar Paddock live stage, adjacent to the Hill Climb start line.
The third car on the Lotus stand is an Elise Sport 240 Final Edition. It’s the amazing first prize in a competition being staged by Norwich City Football Club’s Community Sports Foundation. Last month it was announced that Lotus had extended its relationship with the club and has signed as the new front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2021/22 Premier League season.
The final exhibit on the Lotus stand is unique… in that it has two wheels rather that four. Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of the business, has collaborated with partners to develop a new track bike to help British Cycling win medals.
Simon Clare, Executive Director, Marketing, Lotus Cars, added: “Car fans all over the world have been looking forward to the 2021 Festival of Speed, having been deprived of major motoring events for so long. Whether you attend in person or are watching from home we wanted to make the Lotus experience as immersive as possible and an event to remember. From the central feature AR experience, the virtual Lotus stand online or the continuous updates across our social channels, fans will be able to enjoy the experience from anywhere in the world. Our headline billing as ‘Featured Marque’ is crowned by two of the most hotly anticipated cars, the Emira and Evija, making their Goodwood debuts. All-in-all, the Festival is the perfect representation of the future of Lotus and I’d urge everyone to get involved.”
The LondonConcours recently closed the doors on a sold-out 2021 event, across a newly expanded three-day show
London Concours returns in 2022 from 7-9 June, expanding its focus on supercars following a successful dedicated ‘Supercar Day’ in 2021
This year, 50 supercars joined a line-up of 100 concours cars, and the roster expands for 2022, along with a fully judged supercar concours
The London Concours presented by Montres Breguet is firmly established as a world-class motoring event in the heart of London.
During 2021, its fifth annual event and the first year to move from a two-day to three-day format, the London Concours completely sold out, welcoming a line-up of 50 supercars on a new ‘Supercar Day’ in the process. For 2022 the focus on supercars will continue to grow.
Joining a collection of the world’s finest classic motoring rarities at the heart of the event will be an even larger collection of supercars, alongside a dedicated judged supercar concours. Just as with the main concours line-up of vehicles, prizes will be allocated based on condition, originality, provenance and more, critiqued by a panel of expert judges from the worlds of motoring, design and media. The supercars will be judged in classes, as diverse as Hypercars and Super SUVs, in a move that very much returns to the roots of concours d’elegance, where horse-drawn carriages or vehicles competing were less than 10 years old.
The London Concours 2022 will return to the Honourable Artillery Company, a five-acre oasis of green close to Bank, again with a world-class collection of rare and exotic vehicles at its heart. This year, 100 cars were on display across eleven classes, including the ‘200MPH Club, ‘Young Timers, ‘Great Marques – Porsche, ‘Great Marques – Lotus’ and ‘The Italian Berlinettas’. Each of the classes was packed with stand-out works of automotive art, from the Ferrari 250 SWB/Competizione Sefac Hot Rod to the Bugatti Chiron and the Jaguar XJR15.
The London Concours’ expert committee of judges picked an extraordinarily well-preserved Lotus Eleven LM50 with impeccable heritage as ‘Best in Show’ for 2021. It was a Team Lotus works entry, which raced at Rouen and Reims in 1957 driven by Herbert Mackay-Fraser, an American always known as ‘Mac’ Fraser.
Andrew Evans, London Concours director, said: “The London Concours is built around content that our audience wants to see, and following visitor demand we expanded our 2021 event with the addition of a new Supercar Day. The response was so overwhelmingly positive that we have grand plans for 2022 to create the only judged supercar concours in the UK, expanding the content around the latest performance cars. We will, of course, continue to offer the same eclectic line-up of rare motoring icons at the London Concours as we always have done, alongside a collection of the world’s foremost jewellery brands, food and drink offerings and luxury goods.”
Rolls-Royce collaborates with Swiss master horologists BOVET 1822 to create unique timepieces for first Boat Tail coachbuilt commission
Pair of reversible tourbillon timepieces, each designed to be worn on the wrist, used as a table clock, pendant or pocket timepiece, or placed within the fascia as Boat Tail’s Timepiece
Timepieces and dashboard holder took 3,000 hours to develop and manufacture
Five-day power reserve and tourbillon mechanism ensure the timepieces keep perfect time when used as dashboard clocks
“Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is a pure expression of its owners’ interests, influences and passions, with every detail minutely considered. We have enjoyed working with BOVET 1822 to create a pair of exquisite timepieces that also serve as Boat Tail’s dashboard clocks. In doing so we have together created historically significant items of detail, precision, and beauty. These remarkable objets d’art, unique to the first iteration of Boat Tail, represent the finest examples of the skills and values shared by our two great luxury Houses.” Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
“I am so proud of the BOVET 1822 team, who worked in tandem with their counterparts at Rolls-Royce to produce something truly spectacular. The owners of the coachbuilt car, and these bespoke timepieces, are personal friends, as well as valued collectors of BOVET 1822. It was important to do the very best for them – two completely unique pieces that are unlike anything we have ever done before.” Pascal Raffy, Owner, BOVET 1822
A MOMENT IN TIME The clock in a Rolls-Royce motor car frequently assumes a jewel-like status, often becoming a canvas for the client to tell the story of their commission in miniature. For Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, the recently unveiled, first of three, coachbuilt creations, in which every element has been created to the owners’ exact specifications, this iconic centrepiece has been elevated to new technical and aesthetic heights.
In a spirit of warm collaboration, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Swiss master watchmakers, BOVET 1822, have created a pair of unique timepieces for Boat Tail and its owners. This ambitious undertaking brought together designers, engineers and craftspeople from both luxury Houses, in a magnificent demonstration of their shared values of excellence, precision, heritage, artistry, innovation and attention to detail.
The timepieces are unique to both the horological and automotive worlds. Made as a pair – in lady’s and gentleman’s versions – they are reversible, and housed in BOVET 1822’s patented Amadeo case, which allows them to be worn on the wrist, or used as a table clock, pendant or pocket-watch, as well as being placed front and centre in Boat Tail’s fascia as the motor car’s own timepiece. Both are fitted with tourbillon mechanisms to ensure perfect accuracy.
IN KEEPING WITH TRADITION BOVET 1822 initially earned its reputation making luxury pocket-watches for wealthy patrons in China; today, it is renowned worldwide for its exquisite timepieces featuring hand-painted dials, detailed engraving and finely finished visible mechanisms.
The timepieces, created for this first iteration of Boat Tail, have specially designed 18K white gold cases and feature matching front dials with the same Caleidolegno veneer found on the aft deck of Boat Tail itself, and are finished with the owner-couples’ names. The gentleman’s timepiece is highly polished; the lady’s is ornately engraved then filled with blue lacquer.
On the reverse side, the dials are more individual. The gentleman’s features an aventurine dial with the celestial arrangement of the night sky over the place of his birth on his birth date; the lady’s is decorated with an ornate miniature painting of a flower bouquet on a mother-of-pearl dial. This design is a traditional BOVET 1822 motif, chosen by and personalised for the owner.
Both reverse dials have hand-engraved Bespoke sculptures of Boat Tail, complete with wheels, door handle, mirrors and other fine details. By working closely together, the teams at Rolls-Royce and BOVET 1822 were able to achieve a precise colour match between the lacquer on this tiny work of art and the full-size motor car.
Further close cooperation was required to ensure the timepieces conformed to the demands of their unique role as motor car clocks. In watchmaking, weight is rarely an issue for a complex timepiece, but in this instance, there was a limit on the combined permissible weight of the timepieces and their holders. BOVET 1822 met this requirement by creating an entirely new 44mm white gold case. In addition, the timepieces and holders also had to be tested to automotive-industry standards for vibration and crash safety – something never previously undertaken on mechanisms of this kind.
At a conservative estimate, the timepieces’ design, engineering, sculptures, miniature painting, marquetry, bespoke movements and cases took a total of 3,000 hours to complete.
THE TRANSFORMATIVE TOURBILLON When a pocket-watch is left static in one position for any length of time, the effect of gravity on key moving parts can impair its accuracy. At the end of the 18th Century, watchmakers solved this problem by developing the tourbillon, where the escapement and balance wheel are mounted in a cage that slowly revolves, cancelling out the gravitational effect. In a wristwatch, the wearer’s natural physical movements diminish the need for the tourbillon. However, when that same timepiece is mounted vertically in a car dashboard for many hours at a time, the tourbillon truly comes into its own.
BOVET 1822 is a specialist in tourbillion timepieces, for which it holds a number of patents and has received many awards including the Aiguille d’Or, watchmaking’s highest honour. It is also one of the only companies in the watch industry to manufacture its own spirals and regulating organs. To reduce potential impact from the vibration from the car, the tourbillon has pivots rather than the traditional ball bearings; a heavier balance wheel and an increased oscillation rate to aid precision. Finally, the tourbillon bridge is finished with a miniaturised Spirit of Ecstasy handcrafted in gold.
The timepieces have an astonishing five-day power reserve, rather than the 42-48 hours of a ‘standard’ watch, to allow for their role as motor car clocks.
DASHBOARD HOLDER MECHANISM: PERFECT PRECISION The holder mechanism is unique to Rolls-Royce Boat Tail and was designed by BOVET 1822 engineers and the Rolls-Royce Coachbuild design team from a blank sheet of paper. Although in a Rolls-Royce vibration is naturally reduced to an absolute minimum – undetectable vibrations are inevitably still present. This highly complex mounting assembly serves to isolate the timepieces from these micro-vibrations. It also ensures they operate silently, are easy to mount and remove from the dashboard and, above all, remain safe and secure.
These challenges were unlike any normally encountered in watchmaking and car manufacture. From the start, BOVET 1822 was determined to follow a purely mechanical approach in keeping with its tradition of Swiss handcrafted production. The engineers’ innovative solution was to keep all the system’s moving parts external, with the dashboard providing a solid setting for the holder. Finally, Rolls-Royce ensured that when the holder is not housing one of the time pieces, it can be covered with a beautiful engraved and lacquered display plaque. Below the clock, the dashboard is fitted with a special drawer, lined with the same leather as Boat Tail’s seats, which serves as a safekeeping receptacle to house the timepieces, straps, chain and pendant when not in use.
ROLLS-ROYCE BOAT TAIL TIMEPIECES FACTS & FIGURES
Case Size: Bespoke; diameter – 44mm; thickness – 14mm
Case Type: 18K white gold Fleurier case; BOVET 1822 bow at 12 o’clock; 49 components
Case Function: Amadeo Convertible System; reversible; pocket watch on chain; pendant watch on necklace; table clock; dashboard clock
Case Finishing: Men’s timepiece is high polish finish; Women’s timepiece is hand-engraved then filled with blue lacquer
Functions: Hours and minutes on both sides (reverse hand-fitting); power reserve indicator on front
Power Reserve: 5 days
Men’s Front Dial: Hand-made wood marquetry dial; hand-engraved Spirit of Ecstasy sculpture fixed to the tourbillon bridge; “A Special Timepiece Commission” on the dial
Women’s Front Dial: Hand-made wood marquetry dial; hand-engraved 18K white gold Spirit of Ecstasy sculpture; “A Special Timepiece Commission” on the dial
Men’s Reverse Dial: Blue aventurine glass with sky chart of owner’s birth day and birth place; hand-engraved bespoke Boat Tail sculpture, lacquered to match the colour of the car then miniature painted by hand to add the details; lady’s name engraved on the mirror-polished (by hand by the watchmaker) tourbillon bridge
Women’s Reverse Dial: Miniature hand-painting of flower bouquet on mother-of-pearl dial (based on historical BOVET 1822 timepiece, customised); hand-engraved bespoke Boat Tail sculpture, lacquered to match the colour of the car then miniature painted by hand to add the details; gentleman’s name (engraved on the mirror-polished (by hand by the watchmaker) tourbillon bridge
Dashboard Holder: Aluminium and Titanium; 51 components; Engraving of two Rolls-Royce Boat Tails in a white gold case, to match that of the timepieces, to place inside when the timepiece is not present (100% engineered, designed, and produced in-house by BOVET)
In-car Drawer: to hold timepieces, straps, chain, necklace
Represents the pinnacle of the BMW Group electrification strategy
Range of up to 380 miles (WLTP) on a single charge
Premiere for the new generation BMW iDrive powered by Operating System 8
The most extensive set of standard driver assistance systems ever seen on a BMW
Luxurious and contemporary lounge-style interior, seating five
BMW IconicSounds Electric vehicle sounds composed in collaboration with Hans Zimmer
Choice of iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive50 variants with Sport and M Sport trim choices
Comprehensive BMW Charging solution. Subscription-free access to ‘bp pulse’ and ‘IONITY Plus’ packages for iX retail customers in the first 12 months of ownership
BMW iX priced from £69,905 OTR and due for UK launch in November 2021 BMW has announced UK pricing and specifications for the BMW iX ahead of the launch of the flagship electric model in November.
The new BMW iX ushers in an exciting new chapter for the brand, the fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) being the first model based on a new, modular, scalable toolkit on which the future of the BMW Group will be built. Conceived from the outset for purely electric mobility and sustainable manufacturing techniques, the BMW iX combines locally emission-free driving pleasure and sporting agility with a highly usable operating range and luxurious spaciousness.
What’s more, the BMW Group’s new technology flagship brings together the company’s latest developments in the strategic innovation fields of Design, Automated Driving, Connectivity, Electrification and Services to create a premium mobility experience that is unrivalled in its segment. It is the first model to feature the new generation BMW iDrive, powered by Operating System 8.
When the BMW iX launches later this year, the model range will comprise the BMW iX xDrive50 with a combined output of 523hp and a range of up to 380 miles (WLTP), plus the BMW iX xDrive40 that produces 326hp and is able to cover up to 257 miles on a single charge. Powerful performance is instantaneous and all with zero tailpipe emissions. Both versions are equipped with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, making the iX the very first all-wheel-drive pure electric vehicle produced by BMW.
The impressive battery range is complemented with flexible charging that is designed to be as convenient as possible. DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 195 kW (BMW iX xDrive50) or 150 kW (BMW iX xDrive40). This allows the battery charge to be increased from 10 to 80 per cent in around 35 minutes in the BMW iX xDrive50 or 31 minutes in the BMW iX xDrive40.
Both variants will be available in Sport or M Sport trim levels, with the extensive standard specification including 21-inch alloy wheels, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, climate comfort windscreen, four-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, wireless phone charging and Shadow Line exterior trim. An array of options, including dedicated Packs that group extras which complement each together, allow for further personalisation.
Also set to join the model line-up at a later date is the BMW iX M60 which, with an expected maximum output in excess of 600hp, promises an exceptionally sporty all-electric driving experience.
Model
Max Power (hp)
Peak Torque (Nm)
Acceleration (0-62mph)
Top Speed (mph)
Range (Miles)* (WLTP)
CO2 Emissions* (WLTP)
Electric Power Consumption* (WLTP) kWh/62 miles
OTR Price***
iX xDrive40 Sport
326
630
6.1
124**
257
0
21.0 / 20.0
£69,905
iX xDrive40 M Sport
326
630
6.1
124**
257
0
21.0 / 20.0
£72,905
iX xDrive50 Sport
523
765
4.6
124**
380
0
21.4 / 20.5
£91,905
iX xDrive50 M Sport
523
765
4.6
124**
380
0
21.5 / 20.5
£94,905
*All figures relating to output, charging capacity, performance, energy consumption and range are provisional. **Electronically limited. *** Preliminary on-the-road pricing, correct at the time of publication – the latest prices can be found at www.bmw.co.uk.
The BMW iX will be produced at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. It is thoroughly integrated into the existing manufacturing structures there and will be built on a flexible assembly line together with models from the BMW 5 Series, 7 Series and 8 Series ranges. The plant in Lower Bavaria is the first facility in the BMW Group’s international production network to manufacture all-electric, plug-in hybrid and combustion-engine models on a single assembly line. Both the vehicle itself and the battery cells will be manufactured using green power across the board.
Well-balanced driving characteristicsThe body structure, design principle and chassis tuning of the BMW iX are perfectly geared to blending superb ride comfort with sporty handling characteristics. The aluminium spaceframe construction and the Carbon Cage’s use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the roof and at the sides and rear result in an intelligent material mix that increases rigidity at the same time as minimising weight. The optimised aerodynamic properties that contribute to the car’s drag coefficient of just 0.25 also have a positive impact on efficiency and range.The high-voltage battery located low down in the car’s underbody lowers the centre of gravity, combining with the even weight distribution to make handling even more agile. Thanks to its well-balanced driving characteristics, the BMW iX feels solid and comfortable out on the road, yet also nimble.
The standard chassis technology for the BMW iX comprises a double-wishbone front axle, five-link rear axle, lift-related dampers and an electric steering system with Servotronic function and a variable ratio. Two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers and Integral Active Steering are standard on BMW iX Drive50 variants, while the M Sport trim level enhances braking performance further still with M Sport brakes as standard.
Both the iX Drive40 and iX Drive50, in either Sport or M Sport specification, feature 21-inch alloy wheels.
Electric all-wheel drive and near-actuator wheel slip limitation The electric all-wheel-drive system in the BMW iX transmits exactly the right amount of drive torque to the front and rear wheels in all driving situations. Its intelligent control enables fully variable power transmission ranging from highly efficient pure rear-wheel drive through to an all-wheel-drive set-up that maximises traction. The near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology fitted in tandem with all-wheel drive for the first time brings about a further improvement in traction and handling stability. Integrated into the motor management, this system produces very precise and exceptionally fast corrective inputs to enable the car to make effortless progress, even in adverse weather and road conditions. Aided by the advanced system, the BMW iX xDrive50 posts acceleration of 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the BMW iX xDrive40 covers the same sprint in 6.1 seconds.
Highly integrated and efficient drive technology The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology fitted in the BMW iX is centred around a drive unit which brings together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single housing. This highly integrated electric drive system topology has a beneficial effect on both power density and efficiency, at the same time as making the most use of the installation space in the area between the front and rear axle.
Both motors in the BMW iX work according to the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor, where the excitation of the rotor is induced by the feed-in of electrical energy rather than fixed permanent magnets. This enables them to put their maximum torque on tap immediately on pulling away and maintain it over an extremely broad rev range. Combined torque peaks at 630Nm in the BMW iX xDrive40 and an even higher 765Nm in the BMW iX xDrive50.
Adaptive and individually regulated recuperation Adaptive recuperation gives a further boost to the efficiency and range of the BMW iX. Intelligently connected drive management means the intensity of the brake energy recuperation during overrun and active braking can be adapted to the road situation, as detected by data from the navigation system and the sensors used by the driver assistance systems. When approaching a junction, for example, the degree of recuperation can be increased, working to feed energy back into the high-voltage battery while harnessing the deceleration effect at the same time. On the open road, meanwhile, the coasting function can take over, allowing the car to “freewheel” with no drive power, whenever the driver eases off the accelerator.
Adaptive recuperation is the default setting in driving position D. Alternatively, the driver can choose a high, medium or low Brake Energy Regeneration setting for all driving situations in the BMW iDrive menu. The highest recuperation setting is automatically activated in driving position B, which also produces the characteristic one-pedal feeling.
Information on the energy flow can be viewed in the control display no matter which driving position is selected. The Efficiency Trainer offers hints for driving in a very economical manner, while the range horizon clearly illustrates the impact of driving style on the high-voltage battery’s charge level.
High-voltage battery with the very latest battery cell technology Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology also includes a high-voltage battery with state-of-the-art battery cell technology. Its volumetric energy density at cell level is up by around 40 per cent compared to the high-voltage battery in the 2020 BMW i3. The BMW iX xDrive50 is fitted with a high-voltage battery with a net energy content of 105.2 kWh (gross energy content: 111.5 kWh), while the battery unit for the BMW iX xDrive40 has a net energy content of 71 kWh (gross energy content: 76.6 kWh).
The standard specification of the BMW iX combines an integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin with anticipatory thermal management for the high-voltage battery and a drive system that operates using an exceptionally efficient heat pump function. Anticipatory thermal management enables the high- voltage battery’s operating temperature to be optimised for quick and efficient charging prior to a scheduled stop at a high-power station.
The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) in the BMW iX has been designed to offer a very high level of charging flexibility. DC power can be taken on board at a rate of up to 195 kW (BMW iX xDrive50) or 150 kW (BMW iX xDrive40). This allows the battery’s state of charge to be increased from 10 to 80 per cent in around 35 minutes in the BMW iX xDrive50 or 31 minutes in the case of the BMW iX xDrive40. A range of up to 90 miles for the BMW iX xDrive50 and over 59 miles for the BMW iX xDrive40 can be delivered in just ten minutes when they are plugged into a DC high-power station, as long as there is an initial battery charge of 10 per cent or more.
BMW iX models in the UK are supplied complete with the Flexible Charger offering a charging rate of up to 11 kW and a mode 3 charging cable for public charging stations. Retail customers purchasing their iX via the BMW UK Retail Network will receive a BMW Charging card which facilitates access to special tariffs offered by the BMW Charging network. This allows electrical power to be replenished at a very attractive price at both public and high-power charging stations. In addition, ‘bp pulse’ and ‘IONITY Plus’ packages are offered to iX customers without a subscription fee for the first 12 months of ownership. With these additional benefits, BMW iX customers in the UK gain access to one of the world’s largest public charging networks, using just one RFID card or App.
Premiere for the new generation of the BMW iDrive / Operating System 8 The new generation of the iDrive system, display concept and Operating System 8 are making their debut in the BMW iX, making interaction between driver and vehicle even more intuitive than before. They combine to give the BMW iX all the tools needed to serve as an intelligent and proactive partner in any situation. The intuitive, multimodal operation becomes a dialogue between the user and their car that seeks to precisely tailor all the functions controlled via BMW iDrive to the driver’s needs and preferences as the situation demands.
New features available immediately include the expanded capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and the BMW Curved Display. The all-new BMW Curved Display features a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches housed together behind a glass surface that is angled towards the driver. The digital personal assistant now boasts additional capabilities and uses a new graphic when communicating with the vehicle’s occupants.
The new My Modes expand the range of vehicle settings that can be selected. Remote Software Upgrades and the option to purchase vehicle functions later from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store via Functions on Demand, with them then installed over the air, will keep the vehicle software up to date in the future. Navigation using the cloud-based system BMW Maps and Augmented Reality Video in the control display ensures quick and accurate route planning, while also making it easy for the driver to find their way on the road.
BMW Digital Key Plus with ultra-wideband radio technology BMW is a pioneering force in the use of smartphones as digital vehicle keys. The iX offers a new generation of this convenient and secure means of unlocking and starting the vehicle, without the user even having to take their Apple iPhone out of their pocket.
The BMW Digital Key Plus, set to make its debut with the BMW iX, employs the ultra-wideband (UWB) technology already integrated into the vehicle and, for example, the iPhone’s U1 chip. As customers approach the BMW iX, they are welcomed by a staged lighting effect using the exterior lights, and the vehicle unlocks just before they reach the door. Once they have got in, the Apple iPhone can be simply left in the user’s pocket or placed in the smartphone tray for wireless charging; no physical key is required to start the vehicle.
Apple and the BMW Group have been working closely together with the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) to develop the Digital Key Release 3.0 specification for UWB, which will serve as a global standard for both the automotive industry and smartphone manufacturers. The iPhone’s iMessage service can be used to share a Digital Key with up to five other vehicle users. The Digital Key Plus function is expected to be available from the end of 2021.
Personalisation using the BMW ID When interacting with the new BMW iDrive, BMW iX customers benefit from increasing personalisation of the user experience based on their own BMW ID. This is used to securely store even more personalised settings and to transfer them between vehicles. A PIN code can be created or the BMW ID associated with a particular key to prevent other users of the vehicle accessing personal data. When signing in to a vehicle for the first time, simply scanning a QR code is all it takes to create a new BMW ID on a smartphone. If the user has the My BMW App and is therefore already in possession of a BMW ID, this will be automatically imported into the car via the app when the QR code is scanned.
The BMW ID can be created and activated effortlessly and securely in vehicles with BMW Operating System 8 or BMW Operating System 7. Once the BMW ID has been imported, the driver will receive a personal greeting which will include the customisable profile image the driver can create in the My BMW App. At the same time, personal settings for seat and steering wheel position, exterior mirrors, navigation system, driver assistance functions, display layouts, shortcuts, favourites and infotainment system settings will be imported automatically.
The most extensive set of standard driver assistance systems ever seen on a BMW The new technology toolkit in the BMW iX offers considerable potential for driving forward the development of automated driving and parking functions, with the prospect of Level 3 functionality in the medium term. A new generation of sensors, a new software stack and a powerful computing platform provide the basis for exceptional intelligence. Five cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors are used to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.
The BMW iX comes equipped with the most extensive set of standard driver assistance systems ever seen on a BMW, along with a wealth of innovations. The front collision warning system, for instance, now detects oncoming traffic when turning left (in countries where vehicles drive on the right) as well as cyclists and pedestrians when turning right. Availability of the Steering and Lane Control Assistant has been significantly expanded, while the Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function offers enhanced situational distance adjustment.
The exit warning function, which alerts to the presence of cyclists or pedestrians in the surrounding area before the doors are opened, and the Interior Camera are both new features. The Parking Assistant including Reversing Assist Camera and the Reversing Assistant also come as standard on the iX.
Striking exterior design that exudes luxury The pioneering character of the BMW iX is carried through to its exterior design. The body’s imposing styling with distinctive SAV proportions the precisely crafted details create a distinctive appearance that exudes luxury.
The exterior dimensions of the BMW iX – length: 4,953 millimetres, width: 1,967 millimetres, height: 1,695 millimetres (xDrive50 = 1,696 millimetres) – allow it to combine the functionality of the BMW X5 with the dynamism of the BMW X6 and the imposing appearance of the BMW X7.
Standout exterior features include the almost completely blanked-off BMW kidney grille, the surface of which is the product of innovative manufacturing techniques and which incorporates camera and radar sensors. The full LED headlights are also the slimmest units ever to feature on a series-produced model from BMW.
Shy tech for the exterior: subtly integrated technology As well as the intelligence panel in the BMW kidney grille, the BMW iX also has an array of other likewise discreetly positioned camera, radar and ultrasonic sensors. These are used by the driver assistance systems to make life easier for the driver in monotonous or unclear situations on the road and espouse the principle of “shy tech”. For example, the distance measurement radar sensors are integrated inconspicuously into the black body edging at the front and rear of the car.
The flush-fitted door openers and the rear-view camera with cleaning system integrated into the BMW badge on the tailgate are further examples of shy tech at work. The underlying principle here is that the technology stays in the background and only becomes apparent as and when the relevant functions are called into action.
Spacious lounge-style interior with a luxurious, contemporary feel The BMW iX has been meticulously designed from the inside out. The spacious cabin and newly developed seats with integral head restraints set a luxurious tone. The absence of a centre tunnel creates extra legroom and plenty of space for both storage and a centre console designed in the style of a high-quality piece of furniture. The control panel with active haptic input as well as a rocker switch for gear selection adds some very modern touches.
As well as the new BMW Curved Display, the polygonal steering wheel and frameless projector integration for the optional Head-Up Display further add to the focused driving experience. There is also a choice of three different types of upholstery trims for customising the interior.
The automatic climate control system in the BMW iX comes with a nanofibre filter to purify the air and new touchscreen controls. The system intelligently combines interior ventilation and surface, seat and steering wheel heating to maximise the occupants’ comfort.
As standard, iX models receive the Harman Kardon entertainment system, but should customers desire a sound experience that is even more concert hall-like, they can choose the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System. This system features speakers integrated out of sight in the head restraints and a 4D Audio function using bass shakers in the front seats.
In addition to acoustic pedestrian protection, the BMW iX also features a specially composed drive sound, which enhances the driving experience by providing authentic feedback in response to accelerator movements and speed. The BMW IconicSounds Electric function included as standard also allows new sound variants from a collaboration with film score composer Hans Zimmer to be added to the available acoustics. Sport and M Sport trim levels, plus extensive personalisation options The strong performance nature of the BMW iX is represented in the choice of Sport and M Sport trim levels.
The Sport specification includes a comprehensive list of equipment and features that are designed to optimise the style, comfort and convenience of the iX. Together with the likes of the Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant, BMW Live Cockpit Professional and storage for wireless charging, standard features include climate comfort windscreen, four-zone air conditioning, heated front seats and Shadow Line exterior trim.
Even more eye-catching and purposeful is the M Sport specification. As well as a different style of 21-inch alloy wheels, the exterior is set off with the Aerodynamics pack comprising of M Sport front apron, side apron, rear apron and diffuser, and air curtain. Dark taillight glass completes the appearance of the M Sport, while M Sport brakes and an Anthracite roof lining are also included.
Customers who want to personalise their iX to their own individual requirements can specify a host of options. For convenience, BMW has combined options that complement each other into a series of Packs. For example, the Technology Plus Pack encompasses Parking Assistant Plus/Interior Camera and the Bowers & Wilkins entertainment system, while the Comfort Plus Pack adds supreme refinement courtesy of Comfort Access, soft-close doors, front fully electric seats with massage, front and rear heat comfort system, and ventilated front seats. Seven individual options are also available, spanning Titan Bronze exterior trim and sun protection glass to a trailer tow hitch.
Production at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing using purely green power, monitored raw materials extraction, high proportion of natural and recycled materials The BMW iX will be produced at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. Both the vehicle itself and the battery cells will be manufactured using green power across the board. The BMW Group procures the cobalt and lithium required for the high-voltage batteries from controlled sources in Australia and Morocco and delivers it to the battery cell manufacturers. The design principle for the electric motors allows the use of rare earth metals to be avoided in the drive system rotors. Added to which, the company sources aluminium produced using power from solar energy plants.
A high proportion of secondary aluminium and reused plastic also contribute to the resource-efficient production of the BMW iX. Its interior uses FSC-certified wood, leather tanned with olive leaf extracts and other natural materials. Recycled fishing nets are among the raw materials used for the floor coverings and mats.
*All figures relating to output, charging capacity, performance, energy consumption and range are provisional.
The electric power consumption and operating range figures are determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable and as per the WLTP procedure. They refer to vehicles in the German market. Where a range is shown, WLTP figures take into account the impact of any optional extras.
All values were calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle. WLTP values are taken as the basis for determining vehicle-related taxes or other duties based (at least inter alia) on CO2 emissions as well as eligibility for any applicable vehicle-specific subsidies. Further information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures can also be found at www.bmw.de/wltp.
Further information on official fuel consumption figures and specific CO2 emission values of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: ‘Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen’ (Guide to the fuel economy, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained free of charge from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/
The BMW Group With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion As of 31 December 2020, the BMW Group had a workforce of 120,726 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
Peak efficiency: All-electric Jaguar I-PACE completes ‘Everesting Challenge’ by climbing 8,848m – the height of Mount Everest – on a single charge
Reaching new heights: Performance SUV completed 16.2 ascents of Britain’s highest surfaced road – Great Dun Fell – gaining 547m on each full climb
Race-to-road technology: I-PACE’s clever regenerative braking – developed with learnings from the Jaguar Racing Fomula E team – recovered equivalent to 58-miles (93.3km) of range under the challenge’s extreme conditions
World-class performance: British Olympic and World champion cyclist, Elinor Barker MBE, was at the wheel of Jaguar’s award-winning EV for the drive
Endurance challenge: Popularity of repeatedly ascending a climb until the total elevation gain matches the height of Everest boomed among cyclists in the last year*
Ready to go: I-PACE battery and cabin were preconditioned while charging to optimise range and comfort – ideal for temperatures of less than 2°C at the summit
Ready to go: I-PACE battery and cabin were preconditioned while charging to optimise range and comfort – ideal for temperatures of less than 2°C at the summit
Available to order now: Jaguar I-PACE is priced from £65,195 in the UK. Configure yours at: jaguar.com
The Jaguar I-PACE shrugged off the steep inclines, twisting tarmac and near freezing temperatures of the UK’s highest paved road to successfully ‘Everest’ at Great Dun Fell, in Cumbria, on a single charge of its 90kWh battery.
The award-winning all-electric performance SUV model was driven by Olympic and World champion cyclist, Elinor Barker MBE.
The concept of Everesting is simple, yet extreme: complete a series of runs up an incline until achieving an elevation gain of 8,848m – equal to an ascent of Mount Everest – and the popularity of this endurance challenge boomed among cyclists during the pandemic*.
Known by cyclists as ‘Britain’s Mont Ventoux’ – a reference to the daunting Alpine mountain stage in the Tour de France – Great Dun Fell is home to the highest surfaced road in the UK. The narrow ribbon of asphalt is defined by a series of sweeping bends and gradients of up to 20 per cent as it climbs 547m from the start point used for the challenge to a peak of 848m. Elinor completed 16.2 repeats of the 3.6-mile/5.8km climb (a 7.2-mile/11.6km loop in total) using the I-PACE’s regenerative braking technology to generate approximately 60 per cent*** of additional available energy over the total 16 descents.
Having covered 124-miles (199.6km) in total, including an eight-mile drive to the start point on the fell, the I-PACE completed its energy intensive challenge with 31 per cent battery charge remaining – enough to drive for up to 80-miles (128.7km) more.
Key to the efficient completion of the Everesting challenge was the I-PACE’s regenerative braking system. Developed using technology from Jaguar Racing’s Formula E programme, ‘regen’ is a critical enabler for success on the track. In an average race the I-TYPE 5 generates around 30 per cent*** of additional energy from regen, without it the car simply wouldn’t make it to the chequered flag.
Elinor Barker, MBE, said: “I watched with fascination as cyclists took up the Everesting challenge during lockdown – even as a professional rider, it’s a daunting feat of endurance, so I was happy to do it behind the wheel of the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE. When I found out that Jaguar Racing drivers typically need to regenerate 30 per cent of their I-TYPE’s battery capacity in a Formula E race, as a competitor I naturally wanted to beat that figure! I’m delighted to have smashed that target – all while enjoying the comfort, silent power delivery and single-pedal driving of the I-PACE.”
Elinor was supported throughout the drive by members of the Jaguar Racing and I-PACE engineering teams, on hand to monitor the vehicle’s performance.
Jack Lambert, Jaguar Racing Engineer, said: “The advanced regenerative braking system developed for the I-PACE is a defining feature of the driving experience. Lessons learned through our Formula E programme on the track ensure I-PACE customers enjoy benefits on the road in terms of optimised range. The regenerative braking also provides up to 0.4g of deceleration so Elinor would only have been using the conventional friction brakes at two or three points on each run.”
In preparation for the challenge, the I-PACE was preconditioned using the Jaguar Remote App. While the vehicle is plugged in, preconditioning automatically heats or cools the battery to reach its ideal operating temperature and establishes the desired cabin temperature –using mains power. Using the grid to do this instead of drawing current from the vehicle battery optimises the driving range – especially in cold weather.
Another feature which enhances the I-PACE’s efficiency is Smart Climate, which uses the seatbelt sensors to determine how many occupants are travelling inside, and only heating or cooling the relevant areas of the cabin, maintaining comfort while minimising energy use.
The Jaguar I-PACE delivers outstanding performance with acceleration from 0-60mph in just 4.5 (0-100km/h 4.8 seconds) seconds and up to 470km/292 miles range (WLTP).** Charging on longer journeys is made easy as the I-PACE’s Pivi Pro navigation system is able to locate suitable connections and route data within a couple of taps of the home-screen. It can even show if a charger is available or not, what it costs and how long it will take to charge: in just 15 minutes, 50kW DC and 100kW DC chargers can add up to 63km (39 miles) and 127km (78 miles) of range (WLTP) respectively. ****
* Data from Strava shows 600 per cent more successful Everesting rides were uploaded in June 2020 compared to the same period in 2019
** WLTP is the official EU test used to calculate standardised fuel consumption and CO2 figures for passenger cars. It measures fuel, energy consumption, range and emissions. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ. CO2, fuel economy, energy consumption and range figures may vary according to factors such as driving styles, environmental conditions, load, wheel fitment and accessories fitted.
*** Percentages are expressed as a share of the battery’s useable energy storage capacity
**** Charging times and capacity will vary dependent on battery age and condition, and environment
