Video: BMW assembling the iNEXT

BMW has released a video teaser offering a behind-the-scenes view at the manufacturing process of its upcoming all-electric SUV, the iNEXT. The company says it is currently using a dedicated assembly line for the crossover vehicle, but will ultimately switch to using unified lines for its gas-powered, hybrid and electric models.

According to the press service of the Bavarian company, preparing the production facilities for the new EV is ‘an exciting but challenging task’. At first, BMW plans to piece together only 100 iNEXT prototypes to test an innovative method of welding together high-tensile steel and aluminum (rotational welding). Once finished, every part gets scanned with a 3D scanner and compared against a reference sample to determine the quality and precision of production.

There is little known about the impending BMW iNEXT to date. It is going to be comparable with the X5 in terms of dimensions, pack an SAE Level 3 self-driving system, and offer more than 600 kilometers (375 miles) of WLTP-rated range.

The official reveal is scheduled for 2021.