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Bigger numbers all round as refreshed BMW iX increases power on all models and can now go beyond 400 miles on a charge
BMW’s luxurious electric SUV gets more kit, more power and range to take you beyond 400 miles on a charge


Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 29 January 2025 | 0 min read
Hard to believe the futuristic looking BMW iX has already been on sale long enough to need a facelift (or ‘life cycle impulse’ in BMW speak) but here we are. Controversial when first launched, now the shock of the iX’s looks has mellowed it can be better appreciated for its sense of style, cool interior design and powerful drive system. The latter of which is now … even more powerful!
• All models get more muscle, the iX xDrive40 now the xDrive45, the xDrive50 now the xDrive60 while the sporty M60 becomes the M70 • Still with us at the back? Well done, but the numbers keep coming, with all models gaining range and the xDrive60 now capable of 435 miles on a full charge by official figures • Most improved of all the models is the xDrive45, which thanks to a bigger battery now does 374 miles over the 257 miles of the xDrive40 it replaces – it’s also much more powerful with 408 horsepower to the previous 326 horsepower • Losing out in 0-62mph pub bragging rights with your Tesla bro pals? Fear not, BMW has decided if you can’t beat ’em join ’em and now also quotes an acceleration figure with Tesla’s cheeky ‘rollout’ deducted to spare any embarrassment – for the record this is now 3.5 seconds for the monster M70 version, if such things matter to you • Pricing to be confirmed but the new and improved iX should be on sale from the spring
• All models get more muscle, the iX xDrive40 now the xDrive45, the xDrive50 now the xDrive60 while the sporty M60 becomes the M70 • Still with us at the back? Well done, but the numbers keep coming, with all models gaining range and the xDrive60 now capable of 435 miles on a full charge by official figures • Most improved of all the models is the xDrive45, which thanks to a bigger battery now does 374 miles over the 257 miles of the xDrive40 it replaces – it’s also much more powerful with 408 horsepower to the previous 326 horsepower • Losing out in 0-62mph pub bragging rights with your Tesla bro pals? Fear not, BMW has decided if you can’t beat ’em join ’em and now also quotes an acceleration figure with Tesla’s cheeky ‘rollout’ deducted to spare any embarrassment – for the record this is now 3.5 seconds for the monster M70 version, if such things matter to you • Pricing to be confirmed but the new and improved iX should be on sale from the spring

Design and models available
In the usual way of these updates BMW has left the metal bits of the iX alone but tweaked ‘soft’ panels like bumpers, side trims and grille. Lights and wheels have also been modified and there are some new colours but the visual updates are relatively subtle. As before there are three models, the xDrive45 getting the biggest boost thanks to a new battery. M Sport and M Sport Pro packages are now available on this and the xDrive60 with a more aggressive bodykit, different wheels and, with Pro, upgraded brakes. This is all standard on the flagship M70, which also gets air suspension, four-wheel steering and the option of 23-inch wheels for the first time.

Interior and tech
The exterior looks might have divided opinion but the iX interior has always been one of the coolest ones in the class, the added bonus being you can’t see the outside of the car once you’re aboard. Happily it’s business as usual here, then, the operating system powering the paired screens now upgraded and slicker than before. Not that it was exactly shabby before.

Batteries/range
The battery and motor tech in the iX was already ahead of most rivals but BMW hasn’t wasted the opportunity to make it even more impressive. We’re in marginal gains territory on the whole, with improvements to battery tech, the systems controlling the motors and tweaks like low-friction wheel bearings and even more efficient tyres. This and the bigger battery in the xDrive45 helps break the 400-mile threshold on range, and even if that equates to more like 350 miles real-world driving conditions should be more than enough for most trips. Charging speeds have also increased on both models.

Price and release
More when we have it but the iX has never been a cheap car so brace yourself on that score. Cars should be in dealerships from the spring, though, so you won’t have long to wait.
What other cars are from BMW are coming this year?
All eyes are on the Neu Klasse family of electric cars, which should include SUV and saloon variants and heralds a new age of BMW design and technology. Colour us excited.

What other cars that are upcoming will this compare with?
Don’t expect BMW’s German rivals to take this lying down – while Mercedes’ equivalent EQE and EQS SUVs are more up to date Audi in particular will need to improve on the aging Q8 e-tron to compete so expect something along these lines before too long. If less sporty the new EX90 is another strong rival on the all-electric luxury SUV front.
