2021 BMW iNext completes extreme heat testing, more styling revealed

BMW’s iNext SUV has completed its summer testing as the all-electric model moves closer to a slated 2021 release.

New photos released by BMW show the iNext being put through its paces in Kalahari, South Africa to ensure reliability of the electric drivetrain, safety features, exterior and interior parts in extreme heat environments.

Due to the increased cooling needed in the extreme heat, BMW has had to relieve the camouflage on the nose of the iNext, giving away detail of the front grille shape in the process.

Compared to spy shots taken in late-2019 (which completely covered the nose), it appears that the iNext will wear the new controversial, taller kidney grille design.

While not entirely-visible, the tall, narrow recessed panels in the front apron sit away from the headlights and extend to the licence plate, matching those spied on 2021 M4 and 2021 4 series that are set to see the taller grille.

Above: 2021 BMW iNext grille inlets

Above: 2021 BMW M4 Coupe

Inversely, a recently-spied 2021 M5 – which appears to not adopt the grille design – featured higher, wider cut-outs that extended closer to the headlights.

Above: 2021 BMW M5

BMW does not appear to have made any other revisions to the iNext’s camouflage for its summer testing.

Information regarding the iNext’s drivetrain and specifications remains scarce, however the marque has confirmed a battery pack with up to 600 kilometres of driving range will be available.

The 2021 iNext is set to join other models in BMW’s electric stable, including the i1 and iX3 as part of the Bavarian marque’s goal to have 25 electrified vehicles in its line-up by 2025

An i6 model has also been slated for release in 2024 and CarAdvice has previously reported a spied i7 model.

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