BMW Malaysia today presented the First-Ever BMW iX1, which combines the athletic flair of a BMW SAV with an all-electric motor intended to explore. The new all-electric edition of the best-selling BMW X1 will be available exclusively in M Sport trim.
Exterior
The First-Ever BMW iX1 has an expressive design with an upright front that exudes confidence. The road ahead is illuminated by slim wrap-around adaptive LED headlights with high beam help and new daytime running lights. The rear gets 3D taillights in a stylised L-shape with full-LED technology.
Throughout its history of over 100 years, the Morgan Motor Company has produced cars with unique classic designs, with the 3-wheeler model being perhaps the only unusual one. All the cars have been designed for road use although Morgan has a well documented history of competing in all-terrain endurance trials as far back as 1911.
Joint project with Rally Raid UK
Now the company has unveiled the Plus Four CX-T, which is capability never before associated with the brand. It will enable owners to travel on routes normally inaccessible by Morgan cars. It is the second of two special projects by Morgan in 2021, with the first being the Plus 8 GTR. For this project, Morgan partnered with Rally Raid UK, well known for building vehicles for the Dakar Rally.
Even in the early days of Morgan’s history of over 100 years, its cars were entered in cross-country events. The Plus Four CX-T (below) is intended to provide such experiences for eight owners.
Demonstrating new CX-Generation platform
One of the aims of the joint project is to demonstrate the capability and durability of Morgan’s new CX-Generation platform, along with the Plus Four upon which the CX-T is based. Just 8 vehicles will be built, each priced at £170,000 (almost 1 million ringgit) at Morgan’s factory with final preparation and set-up at Rally Raid own workshop facilities, both in the UK. Each customer will have the opportunity to work alongside Morgan’s design team to personalise their own CX-T, which will be delivered by the end of this year.
The exterior of the Plus Four CX-T is designed to maximise luggage and equipment carrying capacity, as well as provide the occupants protection necessary for extreme environments. Most prominently, the rear panel of the vehicle has been replaced with an equipment rack, with unique side body panels designed to be reminiscent of the classic 4-seater Morgan.
Features for off-road adventuures
The rack houses two ruggedised and waterproof Pelican luggage cases, a Zarges aluminium tool/storage box, two Rotopax 11-litre containers and two spare wheel/tyre assemblies. Additionally, for those who venture further off the beaten track, recovery equipment is mounted on the bodywork. All exterior mounting systems for storage and equipment have been engineered to be tough and easy to access when needed.
The external protective exoskeleton can also be adapted to carry leisure equipment such as bikes and surf boards, to complement the lifestyle activities of the owner. Removable side screens can be mounted onto the roof, allowing them to be carried unobtrusively in case of a change in weather conditions.
Conversion from Plus Four
In the initial stage of the project, Rally Raid UK undertook a complete study of the standard Plus Four vehicle with durability assessments of the platform, drivetrain, and suspension systems. The suspension has been designed to be expedition ready, tough and fit for purpose. Durability, and a drive-over obstacle clearance of 230 mm, has been achieved using modified Plus Six wishbones. These widen the track and allow for the extra arc of movement required to achieve the desired suspension performance. The wheel arch apertures have also been modified, allowing the suspension to compress deep into the wheel well, providing maximum traction and stability.
In addition to the main suspension hardware, the lower suspension arms contain bespoke bushes which further increase durability. The combined suspension package is optimised to undertake journeys never before attempted in a Morgan sportscar, while ensuring composure and comfort during any excursion into remote areas.
BMW xDrive differential
A 5-piece underbody protection system helps to protect the chassis and important components from damage when driving in extreme conditions. The car is also fitted with a full bespoke exhaust system with rear side-exit that improves the departure angle and contributes to the higher ground clearance. The Plus Four CX-T is fitted with a BMW xDrive electronic differential with 3 modes to vary the degree of differential lock depending on conditions.
In the cabin, features have been added for occupant comfort and usability in remote environments. The cabin is enclosed within a composite hardtop which is unique to the Plus Four CX-T and has been intricately engineered to fit between the internal and external roll cages.
A RAM mount track is built into to the dashboard to allow the secure fixing of a variety of devices such as smartphones or cameras. A flexible map light, pencil and notebook holder have also been integrated, all designed to withstand operation in harsh driving environments.
Cabin stowage has also been optimised with the addition of a removable map/document holder and insulated cool bag, both located in the passenger footwell. A custom-made first aid kit is mounted to the internal roll cage behind the seats.
The BMW 1-Series has been around for some 16 years and has been the smallest model in the BMW range. It reached its third generation (F40) last year and will be available in Malaysia from next week (July 28). Only one variant is offered by BMW Malaysia and that is the new M135i xDrive which, with the exemption of sales tax, will be priced from RM355,646.25 (without insurance).
Greater presence on the road
Compared to the second generation, this new generation has greater presence with the design language providing a fresh interpretation of iconic BMW features. Its distinctive kidney grille is finished in Cerium Grey and an exclusive mesh design replaces the classical bars. The merging of the two sides of the grille has a more unified style that suits the enlarged size.
Adaptive LED headlights, now slanting in design, flank the grille while the front and side air inlets, exterior mirror caps and the 100-mm exhaust tailpipes are all finished in the same Cerium Grey. On each corner are newly designed 19-inch 8J light alloy wheels in V-spoke Style 557 M Bicolour, fitted with broad 235/35 tyres.
At the rear, three-dimensional two-part taillights with the classic BMW L-shape emphasise the vehicle’s width. Also standard is a BMW M rear spoiler to not only enhance the sporty image but also provide extra downforce.
Customers can order their M135i xDrive in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Misano Blue, Mineral Grey or Melbourne Red. Interior choices are black Leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery with black perforations or Magma Red Leather ‘Dakota’ upholstery with grey highlight and black perforations.
With ‘M’ as part of its designation, it’s only to be expected that this new BMW model will get a powerplant worthy of ‘M’. And it does: the 2-litre M Performance TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine (B48) which puts out 306 bhp/450 Nm. With an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, the M135i xDrive is claimed to take 4.8 seconds to get to 100 km/h from zero and top out at 250 km/h which is the set limit.
More capable xDrive system
The xDrive system has front-wheel drive architecture that also features technology transferred from BMW i. The ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel-slip limitation) – as seen in the all-electric BMW i3s – improves traction and enables noticeably more sensitive and faster intervention on the driven front axle. This is made possible by the slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit, which results in a shorter signal path with engine output imperceptibly reduced as soon as threat of wheel slip on the front wheels is detected.
The all-wheel drive system also has a newly developed Torsen LSD integrated into the transmission which optimises traction by distributing power to individual wheels. It functions as a front differential and channels power to the wheel with the most traction in fast corners. Additionally, the Torsen differential has a Launch Control mode that maxes torque to 450 Nm in the first two gears.
To allow the driver to make full use of all the power and take the M135i xDrive to its high limits safely, the car is fitted with M Sport suspension and M Sport brakes. The latter offers superior fade resistance and strong stopping power.
The driving pleasure is enhanced by aural pleasure with Active Sound Design that amplifies the actual sound from the engine. The sound is modulated into a sporty soundtrack without generating increased external noise (which should keep the neighbours happy at night).
Advanced connectivity and assistance systems
To complement the driving pleasure, more advanced connectivity and driver assistance systems are installed in the car. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional is managed by the BMW Operating System 7.0 with a customisable 10.25-inch Instrument Display and high-resolution 10.25-inch touchscreen Control Display. There’s also a BMW Digital Key, Apple CarPlay, Remote Software upgrade and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
To allow the driver to focus on driving, the BMW Personal CoPilot takes over some of the safety concerns with its Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant and Reversing Assistant. The Driving Assistant includes Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning and Speed Limit Assist. It also includes Lane Departure Warning and Frontal Collision Warning with braking function.
The Parking Assistant is also available, along with the intuitive Active Park Distance Control. The Reversing Assistant recalls the last 50 metres covered and is able to manoeuvre back the same way by taking over control of the steering wheel while the driver just controls acceleration and braking.
Increased width for more comfort
While the wheelbase is shorter than before, the cabin has gained wider interior dimensions which improves comfort for not just the driver and front passenger but the rear passengers as well. And thanks to the space-saving rear-axle design, luggage capacity has increased by 20 litres to 380 litres.
The cockpit has ‘Illuminated Boston’ interior trim finishers and Leather Dakota upholstery. Electrically-adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory function, two-zone automatic air conditioning and the BMW Individual Headliner Anthracite are standard. Also included is a wireless charger along with a 16-speaker 464-watt Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Buying the new M135i xDrive
BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia can help make you the owner of the M135i xDrive with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,058 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure, terms and conditions apply).
For a complete premium ownership experience, owners will receive a 5-year warranty with free scheduled service, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card and BMW Service Online.
By the way, if you book the new car at BMW Shop Online (a deposit of just RM1,000 is required), you could also win a new BMW i8 Coupe.
Visit www.bmw.com.my for more information or to locate a nearby authorised BMW dealership.
