BMW's highly anticipated iNext electric vehicle (EV) is slated to arrive in 2021 with an impressive driving range.
During the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last week, BMW announced that the iNext will feature autonomous driving capabilities and a range of up to 435 miles.
To compare, the Tesla Model S — which has the longest range out of all the electric vehicles that are currently available in the market— has a range of 335 miles. This would mean that the upcoming iNext could easily outperform the electric sedan. Tesla is also slated to release the Model Y, an electric crossover that would likely be a close competitor of the iNext.
Meanwhile, in a recent interview with AutoExpress, head of product management at BMW's i brand Alexander Kotouc revealed that they will be unveiling an SUV concept later this year. It will provide a sneak peek of the iNext EV ahead of its official launch in 2021.
"I can promise you that this year you will see something and touch something — you need to let people experience what is coming," he said.
The executive added that the iNext will have a shape and size that is similar to BMW's midsize luxury SUV, the X5. However, the five-passenger EV will have a completely different interior.
Kotouc also revealed that BMW is already in the process of finalizing the iNext's design. He did not reveal specific details but did say that the upcoming EV will have an impressive and bold appearance. As such, the iNext will be appealing even for consumers who are not interested in an electric car.
As for autonomous driving, the iNext is said to be capable of Level 3 autonomy upon launch. This will allow the vehicle to operate on its own with the driver only taking over when necessary. BMW will also provide upgrades for Level 4 and 5 autonomy as soon as the technology is ready to be released.
