“Driving the BMW iX xDrive40 Sport – Impressions from Labuan Bajo, the Official Car for the 2023 ASEAN Summit”

Jakarta –

The BMW iX xDrive40 Sport electric car was chosen as the official vehicle for heads of state at the 2023 ASEAN Summit (High Level Conference) in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara. The BMW iX xDrive40 Sport accompanied the heads of state during the ASEAN Summit activities which took place last May 9-11.

Before being used by heads of state, the detikOto team had the opportunity to try this environmentally friendly SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) from BMW directly in Labuan Bajo for two consecutive days. We took advantage of this opportunity to explore several tourist attractions in Labuan Bajo such as Sylvia Hill, Waecicu Beach, to the Melo Traditional Village.

In Labuan Bajo, most of the streets are asphalted. But most of the path is quite snaking. Especially when we visited Kampung Melo which is located in Liang-Ndara Village, Sano Nggoang District, West Manggarai Regency. To get to the Melo Traditional Village, it takes about 40 minutes from the city center. However, the road to which they are headed is quite challenging. The road is narrow, uphill, and bends quite sharply.

But apparently, the uphill winding road is not a significant problem for the BMW iX xDrive. We easily devour the road even with enormous energy when entering the incline. The BMW iX xDrive40 Sport is equipped with a specially designed electric motor which has a positive effect on the performance characteristics of the motor. The electric motor has a power of 326 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque. It’s no wonder that acceleration from 0-100 km/h can be reached in 6.1 seconds. We also had time to try out the acceleration of the BMW iX xDrive40 Sport on empty streets and it was proven that in a matter of seconds a speed of 100 km/hour can be reached.

The precisely controlled excitation of the rotor by means of electric power allows the peak torque to be fully suppressed as soon as it is pulled. In contrast to conventionally designed electric motors, the torque is maintained over a very wide rotation band. This is also a characteristic of the BMW iX which has a large and consistent pull of power. Hence, even a steep incline can be easily devoured by this luxury SAV.

The electric motor is also supported by fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology with electric all-wheel drive. When we crossed the muddy roads and potholes, the car had no trouble at all.

The electric motor, transmission and power electronics of the BMW iX come together as a highly integrated package under one roof. This compact construction benefits the efficiency of the drive system. As well as being driven by optimized aerodynamics and a smart lightweight design, the BMW iX delivers efficiency that stands out for its segment. The average power consumption of the BMWWiXxDrive40 in the WLTP cycle is below 20 kWh per 100 kilometers.

The battery cells are manufactured according to the specifications of the BMW Group. Therefore, the BMWiXxDrive40 battery unit has an energy content (gross) of more than 70 kWh resulting in a WLTP calculated range of up to 420 kilometers. Hence, with a considerable distance, we are not too worried about the condition of the battery. Even when used around Labuan Bajo, the battery is quite efficient. From the 80% position and walking around all day in Labuan Bajo, we still have around 40% battery left.

Apart from enjoying the beautiful scenery in Labuan Bajo, we are also facilitated by BMW iDrive which can act as an assistant to control the car only through voice commands throughout the trip. Just need to say ‘Hey, BMW’ we can ask the car to carry out commands in quick time.

The trip was also not boring thanks to the presence of an entertainment system in the form of a 14.9-inch touch screen which was equipped with the BMW Operating System 8. We also easily connected to Apple CarPlay to help navigate while in Labuan Bajo.

That was my brief impression of driving the luxury electric SAV BMW iX xDrive40 Sport in Labuan Bajo. It’s no wonder that the variety of luxury, performance, and features offered made the BMW iX xDrive40 Sport chosen to be the vehicle for heads of state during the recent ASEAN Labuan Bajo Summit.

(dry/din)