BMW debuted their latest flagship EV in early November, and it’s set industry chins wagging. As covered by tech mag The Verge, the iX SUV is making waves in the auto industry through its transformative use of modern tech. The vehicle is no slouch, and much interest has been made of the sheer power of the vehicle – it boasts a 300 mile range, 500hp, and top speeds of up to 124mph, according to Autocar.co.uk – which are unprecedented for EVs in this class. Most interesting of all, perhaps, is the vehicle’s readiness for automated technology, which some suggest is a clear nod towards the future of BMW innovation.
Automated future
The specter of automation is an important one for the auto industry and the wider economy. The reasonable end-state for EV innovation and production, autonomous driving solutions are considered the future of the EV market, and there’s good evidence to suggest that uptake will be made by serious players. In early November, Walmart signaled their intent to start using autonomous deliveries for their huge grocery network; when big business is happy to get involved and to climb onboard with tech, the wider market is often not far behind.
For BMW drivers and auto enthusiasts of all types, this raises a question. Will drivers still be able to enjoy their vehicle? This is something that is clearly being considered by researchers and designers at BMW.
BMW’s innovation direction
The iX is notable, according to Wired, for its Tier-3 automation readiness. That means the vehicle will be ready to operate without any human input at some point in the future. However, BMW have not clearly deviated towards that position in a way that might prejudice the driver’s enjoyment of the vehicle. The interiors of the iX are as luxurious as you would expect from a BMW, and, crucially, there is no intention in the vehicle to completely steer away from driver control. In fact, the vehicle is designed to respond to everything from complete human control through to full computer operation. This bodes well for the future.
Prioritizing the driver
While automation is good news for the majority of motorists, and especially businesses that rely on road traffic, it isn’t necessarily what every driver wants for recreation. The beauty of BMWs comes in their driving experience, and that’s clearly something that BMW don’t want to take away from their consumer base. What the iX shows is that drivers can be reasonably confident of continued innovation that suits their needs as recreational BMW drivers and enthusiasts. While EVs may be the future of all vehicles, it doesn’t mean that the BMW experience will be taken away from future owners of newer models.
That should be reassuring for any enthusiast. EVs are getting bigger and more powerful, meaning you have a better chance at enjoying the classic driving experience. The shift in technology towards a greener future will not be leaving any Bimmer lovers behind.