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BMW Thailand takes the lead to electrified future on Thai roads with the official launch of BMW iX and BMW iX3 – all-electric SAVS

After the global online launch of BMW iX and BMW iX3 recently, BMW Thailand reinforces its pioneer in premium electric mobility in Thailand, introducing BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and BMW iX3 M Sport for Thai customers to experience the highly anticipated all-electric Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs).

Alexander Baraka, President, BMW Group Thailand, said, “Technology is the key to the future and the future is here today. For the BMW Group Thailand, the new electric era has arrived with the launch of BMW iX and BMW iX3 all-electric SAVs. Both models will reinforce BMW’s vision in premium electric mobility and lead the way for innovation in luxury vehicles in Thailand, while help driving the adoption of e-mobility as the foundation for BMW in the country. The two new luxury vehicles are to surely stand out on the urban road with the vast potential for innovation and digital services, yet still retains all the advantages of an SAV as it delivers emissions-free driving pleasure under our sustainability concept. The arrival of these two models will help chart a new course for Thailand’s electric future and open up even more possibilities to realize the future that we have always envisioned.”

The BMW iX and BMW iX3 all-electric SAVs will redefine the new purely electric driving experiences in Thailand. The BMW iX xDrive50 Sport brings with it locally emissions-free driving pleasure, sporting agility and a trailblazing design dedicated squarely to sustainability. With the newly developed BMW eDrive and latest battery cell technology, the iX can drive with zero emissions for up to 630 kilometers. Meanwhile, the BMW iX3 M Sport combines the best of both worlds: the driving dynamics and premium quality of the BMW X3 and the increased performance and efficiency of the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

The BMW iX xDrive50 Sport
Price: Bt5,999,000
(VAT incl. with 4-year unlimited mileage BSI Standard Package) 

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The BMW iX harnesses the latest innovations in the fields of electrification, automated driving and connectivity to deliver a mobility experience which puts people more than ever at its heart.

It is equipped with efficient BMW eDrive technology and fully electric all-wheel drive which work together to achieve an exceptional range and deliver powerful acceleration from a standstill. The BMW iX xDrive50 Sport has a combined output of 385 kW/523 hp. The fifth-generation BMW eDrive – paired to the very latest battery cell technology – results in WLTP-calculated ranges of up to 630 kilometres and combined torque at the maximum of 765 Nm. Meanwhile, the near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology fitted in tandem with all-wheel drive for the first time brings further improvement in traction and handling stability, sending the iX xDrive50 Sport from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.

The high-voltage battery in the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport contains a net energy content of 105.2 kWh and a gross energy content of 111.5 kWh. 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 200 kW. This allows the battery’s state of charge to be increased from 0 to 80 per cent in 39 minutes. What is more, range can be increased by up to 100 kilometres in just 21 minutes when plugged into a DC fast-charging station.

The first-ever BMW iX xDrive50 Sport also comes with adaptive recuperation which gives a further boost to the efficiency and range. 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, in order 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 fully configurable for the driver with high, medium, and low settings for any driving situation, while driving position B engages high adaptive recuperation to achieve a one-pedal feeling on the road.

The 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 optimized 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 more nimble. Thanks to its well-balanced driving characteristics, the BMW iX feels solid and comfortable out on the road, yet also exudes fleet-footed agility.

The standard chassis technology for the BMW iX comprises a doublewishbone 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, Integral Active Steering and Sport brakes are fitted as standard, along with 22-inch aerodynamic wheels in bicolour 3D polished buff with noise-reduced tyres, which have a layer of foam on their inner surface to improve acoustic comfort.

The pioneering character of the BMW iX also clearly shines through in its exterior design. The clearly structured, reduced design language, the body’s imposing styling with muscular SAV proportions and the precisely crafted details create an aura of progressive luxury. Standout exterior features include the almost completely blanked-off BMW kidney grille, whose surface is the product of innovative manufacturing techniques and incorporates camera and radar sensors. The exterior design highlights of the BMW iX also include the slimmest headlight units ever to feature on a series-produced model from BMW, the flush-fitted door openers (operated at the press of a button), the frameless side windows, the tailgate – which has no separation joints and extends across the whole of the rear – and the likewise extremely slim rear lights.

The BMW iX has been rigorously designed from the inside out. Its interior has been created to provide quality of life and personal well-being. Vast amounts of room and newly developed seats with integral head restraints set the tone for the luxurious ambience. The absence of a centre tunnel creates extra legroom and sufficient space for storage facilities and a centre console designed in the style of a high-quality piece of furniture. The control panel with feeler bars and active haptic input as well as a rocker switch for gear selection adds some very modern flourishes. Besides the BMW Curved Display, the hexagonal steering wheel and frameless projector integration for the Head-Up Display further add to the focused driving experience.

The automatic climate control system in the BMW iX comes with a nanofibre filter to purify the air and new touchscreen controls. The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with speakers integrated out of sight in the head restraints and a 4D Audio function using bass shakers in the front seats promises the ultimate sound experience.

The BMW iX also features a specially composed drive sound, which adds to the thrill of the driving experience by providing authentic feedback in response to accelerator movements and speed. The BMW IconicSounds Electric function which can be purchased through the BMW Shop allows new sound variants from a collaboration with film score composer Hans Zimmer to be added to the acoustic repertoire.

Also making its debut for the first time in the BMW iX is the new generation of the iDrive display and operating system which expands the interaction between driver and vehicle and turns it into a natural dialogue. It is based on the new BMW Operating System 8 and was designed with a clear focus on the touchscreen operation of the BMW Curved Display and on verbal communication with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which has also undergone an extensive upgrade. The BMW Curved Display is a fully digital display grouping formed by 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, thereby creating an all-encompassing driving experience.

The BMW iX also comes equipped with the most extensive set of standard driver assistance systems ever seen on a BMW along with a wealth of innovations. 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 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 Remote Theft Recorder are both new features. Also to be found on the standard equipment list for the BMW iX is the Parking Assistant Plus including Surround View Camera and Remote 3D. 

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.

Customers can style their BMW iX xDrive50 Sport in 5 paint variants including Aventurin Red, Black Sapphire, Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, Sophisto Grey and Storm Bay

The BMW iX3 M Sport
Price: Bt3,399,000
(VAT incl. with 4-year unlimited mileage BSI Standard Package)  

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The new BMW iX3 M Sport owes its forward-looking character to the unique combination of its electric motor’s efficiency, the optimised energy density of its high-voltage battery and its high charging capacity. The latest versions of the electric motor, power electronics, charging technology and high-voltage battery have enabled clear progress in the areas of performance characteristics, electric power consumption and range. Similar to the iX, the electric motor, transmission and power electronics in the iX3 are now arranged in a single housing, giving extra boost to the power density and efficiency.

The new drive system unit generates a maximum output of 210 kW/286 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm which, unlike with many other electric motors, is sustained at high revs. The new BMW iX3 M Sport sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h. Sending power to the rear wheels creates a classic BMW driving experience combined with supreme traction – thanks to ARB – and outstanding efficiency. The storage capacity of the battery, relative to the installation space required and its weight, has been substantially increased. A gross energy content of 80 kWh – of which 74 kWh is utilised – and the high efficiency of the drive systems allow the new BMW iX3 to offer a range of up to 460 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle and up to 470 kilometres in the NEDC test cycle.

 An innovative charging unit sends power to both the 400V battery and the 12V on-board power supply. When using alternating current terminals, it enables both single-phase and three-phase charging at up to 11 kW. Plugging the vehicle into a direct current fast-charging station facilitates charging outputs of up to 150 kW. The high-voltage battery in the new BMW iX3 can therefore be charged from 0 to 80 per cent of its full capacity in 34 minutes. 

Adaptive recuperation is also geared to enhance efficiency and driving comfort during a journey. The intensity of the Brake Energy Regeneration is adapted to the road situation described by data from the navigation system and the driver assistance system sensors. As an alternative to adaptive recuperation, in driving position D the driver can choose a high, medium or low Brake Energy Regeneration setting. Also, using the selector lever in the centre console to engage driving position B generates the signature one-pedal feeling of the BMW Group’s electric vehicles by providing particularly strong recuperation. 

The latest-generation high-voltage battery is positioned low down in the car’s underbody, lowering the centre of gravity by around 7.5 centimetres compared with its conventionally powered X3 siblings. The standard adaptive suspension includes electronically controlled dampers, whose characteristics adapt to the road surface and situation at hand.

The exterior design of the new BMW iX3 M Sport displays the typical proportions of a Sports Activity Vehicle, which means it provides a visual showcase for the robust premium character and all-round talents espoused by BMW X models. Model-specific design features optimise the car’s aerodynamic properties while lending visual expression to its sustainability-focused drive concept at the same time. The front apron and BMW kidney grille have a largely enclosed design, while the rear end has also been sculpted in order to reduce air resistance.The back of a car with the trunk open  Description automatically generated with low confidenceThe inside of a car  Description automatically generated

The iX3’s hallmark also lies in its versatility which is reflected in spaciousness on a par with that of conventionally powered BMW X3 model variants. Thanks to the 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear seat backrest, load capacity can be increased from 510 to a maximum of 1,560 litres, as required. BMW IconicSounds Electric which comes as standard, provides acoustic feedback by Hans Zimmer when pressing start/stop. The vehicle also comes with 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels in bicolour in the new aerodynamically optimised design and Adaptive LED headlights, while also adding acoustic glazing for the front door windows, Comfort Access, Vernasca leather trim and front sports seats. The BMW Head-Up Display, High Beam Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus including Surround View camera are also on hand to enhance both comfort and safety. And for an even more exclusive flair and driving comfort, BMW gesture control, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant are included as standard.

The BMW iX M Sport is available in 5 color variants: Carbon Black, Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, Piemont Red and Sophisto Grey. 

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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 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 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.    

BMW Group Thailand    

BMW Group Thailand, a subsidiary of BMW AG, Germany, was established on the 3rd October 1998. The four entities of BMW Group Thailand are BMW (Thailand) Co., Ltd. with responsibility for wholesales & marketing of BMW Group products, BMW Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. with responsibility for BMW and BMW Motorrad local production, and BMW Leasing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. with responsibility for financial services offerings to both wholesale and retail customers, and BMW Parts Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. with responsibility for automotive components supply for the assembly of BMW Motorrad vehicles at BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand’s Plant Rayong. 

In 2020, BMW Group Thailand recorded a stable performance with 12,426 BMW and MINI deliveries. A total of 11,242 BMW vehicles were delivered to Thai customers, a slight 4.3% decrease from 2019, while a total 1,184 MINI vehicles were delivered in Thailand, reflecting a small dip of only 1.7% drop year-on-year. BMW Motorrad Thailand maintained its performance despite difficult conditions in 2020 with 1,224 motorcycles delivered.  

On the production side, the BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand plant was founded on BMW Group’s strong belief in  the growth potential of Asian markets and Thailand in particular with its unique location, strong manufacturing base, and ready supply of skilled automotive labor, being an automotive hub for ASEAN. On-going investment has been put into the expansion of plant Rayong in terms of assembling processes, aiming to meet growing customer demand. In addition, with approximately 4 billion Thai Baht representing the amount of annual purchasing in Thailand, the BMW Global Purchasing office has been established in Thailand. This is to source various components from local suppliers in Thailand and the broader ASEAN region, in order to supply the entire BMW production network of 31 production and assembly facilities, located in 15 countries worldwide.    

BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand produces the following 17 models: BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series, BMW X1, BMW X3, BMW X5, and BMW X7. For BMW Motorrad, the BMW F 900 R, BMW F 900 XR, BMW F 750 GS, BMW F 850 GS, BMW F 850 GS Adventure, BMW R 1250 GS, BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, BMW S 1000 R and BMW S 1000 RR are also locally assembled at the plant.

In addition, BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand now assembles five BMW plug-in hybrid models; BMW 330e, BMW 530e, BMW X3 xDrive30e, BMW X5 xDrive45e and BMW 745Le xDrive.  

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