Brand New BMW iX 300kW xDrive45 M Sport 101kWh 5dr Auto

BMW re-set the standard for large, luxury EV Crossovers with this iX. Jonathan Crouch looks at the improved version.

Ten Second Review

BMW has revitalised its large electric luxury SUV, the iX. A smarter look is matched by bigger batteries with greater EV range, plus there's sharper handling and more power too. In short, this car now makes more of a statement - in more ways than one.

Background

Back in 2021, BMW's iX large luxury SUV was claimed to represent everything the brand knew about EV technology, which turned out to be quite a lot. This was the brand's first 4WD EV and it used the fifth generation of the Bavarian maker's e-motor and battery technology, bolted into a carbonfibre-rich structure that was more innovative than anything we'd seen from the company since the i3. In other areas, the iX looked less advanced - with its combustion model-influenced CLAR platform and relatively old-tech 400V electrical infrastructure. Fast-forward four years and the competition was starting to make this Bavarian model look a little dated, for all its futuristic looks. Hence the importance of the mid-term update we look at here, which arrived in early 2025. Key rivals like the Mercedes EQE SUV, the Audi Q8 e-tron, the Polestar 3 and the Volvo EX90 now need to fear this BMW just that little bit more.

Driving Experience

Lots of engineering work's gone on as part of this update, with greater EV range and what BMW calls 'a major focus on driving dynamics'. As before, there's a choice of three iX variants, all using the same twin-motor four wheel drive configuration - and they all get bigger batteries. Things kick off with the iX xDrive45, which now has a 94.8kWh battery (up from 71kWh with the previous xDrive40), 408hp and a 374 mile range (up from 257 miles), with 62mph in 5.1s. Next up is the xDrive60 which has a 109.1kWh battery (up from 105.2kWh for the old xDrive50), 544hp and a 426 mile range (up 34 miles on the previous model), with 62mph in 4.5s. Both versions top out at 124mph. As before, the summit of the iX range is marked by an M version, but it's now called M70 rather than M60. This flagship variant's battery is much the same unit as that of the xDrive60 (though is slightly tweaked to 108.9kWh), but the 668hp dual motor set-up (up from 619hp with the old M60) is considerably more powerful, taking this range-topper to 62mph in just 3.8s en route to 155mph. Range is up to 366 miles and this ultimate iX gets active rear steering and M Sport brakes. As before, across the range bolted to the aluminium-intensive chassis is a suspension set-up featuring double wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) springs, but there's still no air suspension system on mainstream models, though Adaptive two-axle Air Suspension features on the M70. Across the range, BMW says it's worked on the dampers for extra cornering stability. The engineers have also worked on the chassis to allow for the extra power - and subtly altered the weight balance. Otherwise, it's much as before. There are 'High', 'Moderate' or 'Low' Brake Energy Regeneration settings. Plus activating driving position B with the selector lever generates so much off-throttle retardation that you'll virtually never have to use the brake pedal except when coming to a standstill. Using the alternative 'Adaptive' regen setting, the iX can also manage its own levels of brake recuperate to charge its battery on the move. When approaching a junction for example, the degree of recuperation will be increased. On the open road meanwhile, the coasting function sees the car 'freewheeling' with no drive power whenever the driver takes their foot off the accelerator.

Design and Build

If you know the iX, then you'll be aware from a glance that there have been some visual changes to this updated model - though you might struggle initially to pinpoint what they are. The key changes have taken place at the front, which moves closer into line with the brand's latest 'Neue Klasse' design language. To that end, the LED headlights are narrower and there's a revamped version of the large central kidney grille, which for extroverts can now be specified with optional frame illumination (standard on the top M70). There's a choice of 21,22 or 23-inch wheels. Otherwise, it's as before, with external dimensions that are pretty similar to those of a BMW X5. Clever EV drivetrain packaging and a long wheelbase though, mean that interior cabin space is closer to that of an X7, though for the iX there's still no third row seating option. As previously, the shape is characterised by the lack of profile panelwork creases, plus there are frameless doors, a tapered glasshouse with an angled rear D-pillar and a fixed clamshell bonnet you can't open. Because there's no need for a radiator, the front grille houses the drive assistance system's cameras, radars and sensors. Under the skin, there's a unique-to-the-iX all-aluminium spaceframe chassis that's also fashioned from 'CFRP' 'Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic'. Very little has changed inside, though 'M Sport'-spec cars gain revised multifunction seats and a restyled steering wheel. This remains an airy, futuristic-feeling cabin characterised by a flat floor and wide use of recycled materials. The instruments and infotainment functions are grouped together in a curved digital display. And there's no centre console, the main controls instead (a rocker to select the drive and an iDrive infotainment dial) set within the forward part of the high-set central armrest. Space in the back is generous, with lots of head and leg room. Boot space is rated at 500-litres, similar to the baseline capacity you get in an X5.

Market and Model

From the launch of this updated iX, prices started at £74,400 for the entry-level xDrive45 'Sport'-spec variant - though you're probably going to want to find the extra £3,000 BMW wants to have this model with more dynamic-looking 'M Sport' trim. The bigger 109kWh battery xDrive60 comes only with 'M Sport' trim and from launch, cost £92,200, while the top M70 xDrive requires £113,300 from you (around £9,000 less than its M60 predecessor). You do at least get plenty of kit for these sums. All models come with Adaptive LED headlights, big wheels of at least 21-inches in size, Comfort Access keyless entry, heated seats for driver and front passenger, a heated steering wheel and the brand's 'Driving Assistant Plus' camera features. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Head-up Display and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System are also available with the standard model. Upgrading to the revised 'M Sport' trim gets you Alcantara/Sensatec-upholstered M multifunction seats, a three-spoke M leather steering wheel, Dark Silver trim finishers, an anthracite headlining, M-specific pedals and a high-gloss black centre console. Customers choosing the iX M70 xDrive also get Integral Active Steering, Adaptive two-axle Air Suspension, an 'Iconic Glow' kidney grille, the 'M Sport Pro' package and sun-protection glass.

Cost of Ownership

We'll re-state the range figures we gave you in our 'Driving Experience' section. The iX xDrive45 delivers a claimed WLTP-rated range of up to 374 miles per charge from its 94.8kWh-plus battery pack. The iX xDrive60 model meanwhile, has a bigger 109kWh battery pack that boosts range up to 426 miles. With the M70, it's up to 366 miles. Lots of tweaks feature with this updated model to improve efficiency. The electric motors have been revamped with an improved silicon-carbide inverter to minimise power losses, plus BMW has re-tuned the drive system and worked on the electronics to enhance drive range. In addition there's a new 'Max Range' drive mode that optimises the vehicle's settings for greater efficiency and can apparently increase range by up to 25%. Those bigger batteries now feature a new cell technology that's supposed to offer 30% more usable energy content. Plus there's a redesigned heat pump. And the brand has optimised battery pre-conditioning so that peak charging speeds can be reached faster. The base xDrive45 variant charges at up to 175kW (up from 150kW for the old xDrive40), while the xDrive60 and M70 both charge at up to 195kW. At home, the iX xDrive45 can be AC charged at 22kW on an AC connection - which if you can do that would mean five hours for a full charge (it'd be 9 hours 45 minutes with an 11kW supply). The iX xDrive60 and M70 models can be AC charged at 22kW in five hours 45 minutes for a full charge (it'd be 11 hours with an 11kW supply). All iX variants DC charge from 10-80% in about 35 minutes. Over an ownership period of 125,000 miles, BMW claims that the iX xDrive45 will have a 45%-lower global warming potential than that of a comparable diesel model. And the brand is seeking to enhance the sustainability of its supply chain and increase its use of recycled materials for the iX. All of which will help to cut production emissions by 18%.

Summary

The game moves on quickly at the top of the EV segment, as BMW has found in the need to so thoroughly update this iX. The sharper looks will be a matter of taste, but all potential owners will appreciate the extra power, the greater efficiency and the larger, longer-ranging batteries. As before, the slightly compromised combustion-derived CLAR chassis means greater weight and smaller boot capacity than we'd ideally like in a car of this class. But the dramatic cabin still feels like a step into the future, with enough of a quality feel to justify the prodigious pricing. Much more's to come of course in terms of technology in this era and in half a century, we'll still look back at cars like this as dinosaurs. But right here, right now, the extremely well-heeled family EV fanatic might still feel that this is where it's at.