BMW has been talking about its 2021 iNext for well
over 18 months but so far failed to confirm what the production model will be
called. A recent press release issued by the
company celebrating its EV sales success in 2017, confirms that BMW has secured
the naming rights for BMW i1 to i9 and BMW iX1 to iX9, confirming recent
reports.
Furthermore, the statement confirms that the iNext
will act as the “brand’s new technology flagship.” Put two and two together and
there’s a very real possibility the brand will affix the i9 name to the vehicle
because of this. Alternatively, if the iNext turns out to be an SUV, it could
be dubbed the iX9.
When the BMW iNext launches, it will establish the
carmaker’s electro-mobility future and lead the way with Level 4 self-driving
functions. Included in the iNext’s bespoke interior will be a host of advanced
connectivity functions seen for the first time in a series-production model,
BMW claims.
Powering the iNext will be an all-electric
powertrain using the marque’s upcoming fifth-generation batteries. A range in
excess of 643 km is on the cards.
