BMW iX 400kW xDrive60 M Sport 112kWh 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.

Body Glass

Front and rear electric windows

Heated windscreen washer jets

Climate comfort windscreen

Rain sensor + automatic driving lights control

Rear window wiper

Window cavity cover in black high gloss

Brakes

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Electromechanical parking brake

Brake energy regeneration

Integrated brake system

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Hill start assistant

Recuperation system

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control with extended contents

Rear brake discs with interior ventilation

Front brake discs with interior ventilation

Integrated sport braking system

Carpets/Rugs

Velour floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Double wishbone front axle

Communication

BMW Natural interaction

Driver Aids

Electric Power Steering (EPS) with Servotronic

Speed limiter

Attentiveness assist

Parking assistant with ultrasound based assistance system, reversing assistant, lateral parking aid and rear view camera

BMW Iconic sounds electric

Driver Convenience

Engine start/stop button

Electric tailgate

Driver Information

Service interval indicator

Brake pad wear indicator warning light

BMW Teleservices

Condition based service

Integrated owners handbook

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

Live Cockpit Professional with head up display including 12.3" instrument cluster and 14.9" central display

iDrive controller

Language version English

BMW Live cockpit plus with navigation function and BMW maps

On board documentation English

Great Britian/Ireland verison

Driving Mirrors

Body colour door mirrors

Frameless interior mirror

Integrated direction indicators

Mirror base in black matt

Engine

eDrive exterior sound

Electric drive unit

BMW xDrive system

High voltage 71kWh battery

Entertainment

DAB Tuner enables digital radio reception

Personal eSim

USB connections (2 x Type C in cupholder area and 2 x Type C on rear of front seats)

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements

BMW emblem on engine compartment lid and tailgate

One piece front bumper cover including towing eye cover in body colour

Licence plate panel integrated into front bumper and tailgate

Body colour roof fin

Side frame decorative moulding black high gloss

Electric integrated door handles flush with the door surface

Model logo - iX on left of tailgate and xDrive model inscription and model designation on right of tailgate

Body colour plastic front apron

Fuel filler flap - right rear in body colour

M sport specific bumpers

M Sport exterior styling

Rear side wing doors

Charging flap in rear right side panel

Automatic beam throw control

Exterior Lights

High beam assistant

LED daytime running lights

Dynamic brake lights

LED rear lights

Adaptive LED headlights with high beam assist

Welcome light carpet

Third brake light featuring LED technology

Follow me home headlight function

LED licence plate lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Stationary cooling

Interior Features

Electric adjustable steering column

Rear centre armrest

Anthracite headlining

Front and rear door pockets

Luggage compartment floor panel with integral storage tray

Storage tray and compartment with cover in centre console

Four lashing eyes in luggage compartment

Fixed luggage compartment cover

Wireless charging tray

12V - Power sockets with front centre console and luggage compartment

Four cupholders (2 front and 2 in rear centre arm rest)

Glove box with electric unlocking (button next to glove box lid)

3 spoke M sport leather multifunction steering wheel

Multifunction hooks

BMW ID

M Interior accents in dark silver

Mobile phone tray in the front centre console in good view of the driver

Storage space underneath the floor insert

Interior Lights

Ambient interior lighting

Interior door handle lighting in front and rear

Interior light - Front/rear reading light, glovebox, centre console storage, front footwell, makeup mirro, Luggage compartment and Fire place light

Dynamic function of contour lighting - welcome, goodbye, open doors, phone call

Ambient door pocket lighting in front

Area lighting in the door trim panel

Door entry lights in the front door trim panel

Packs

Connected package professional - iX

Expanded exterior mirror pack - iX

Driving assistant professional pack - iX

Safety

Side impact protection

Two tone horn

Driver and passenger side airbags

Tyre pressure sensor

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Child locks on rear doors

Crash sensor

BMW emergency call

Child seat ISOFIX attachment rear outer seats

Passive protection for pedestrians

Seat occupancy detection for driver and passenger side

Active protection

Driver and front passenger airbags

Three point seat belts for all four seats

Head airbags for 1st and 2nd seat row

Seat Piping/Additional Trimming

Diagonal stitching on seats

Seats

Split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Seat back with flap pocket

Headrests for all seats

40:20:40 split folding rear seats with backrest

Single front passenger seat

2 Integrated head restraints in the outer seats, one height-adjustable head restraint for the centre seat

Security

Engine immobiliser

Locking wheel bolts

Alarm system

Closing system with central locking

Keyless engine start

Interior centre lock switch

Interior camera

Comfort access system with BMW digital key plus

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 charging cable

DC charging up to 150kW

AC charging up to 11kW

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 3735

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 1020

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 660

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 49

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 250

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 111.5

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Low: 837

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Medium: 838

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - High: 762

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Extra High: 545

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 837

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 687

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 687

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 596

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Low: 15.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Medium: 15.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - High: 16.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Extra High: 23

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 15.2

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 18.3

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 18.3

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 21

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 4.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Extra High: 2.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - High: 3.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Low: 4.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Medium: 4.1

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Extra High: 338.6

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 520.1

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 426.9

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 370.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 426.9

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - High: 473.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Low: 520.1

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Medium: 520.7

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 109.1

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 195

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: XE2A01N1

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: M Sport

Coin Description: xDrive60

EURO NCAP Pedestrian test - Star Rating.: N

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50A

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Badge Power: 544

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.6

Top Speed: 124

Engine Power - BHP: 544

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 400

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 564

Engine Torque - NM: 765

Engine Torque - MKG: 78

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/50 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 255/50 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: Style 1024 multicolour 3D

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4965

Width: 1970

Wheelbase: 3000

Width (including mirrors): 2230

Height: 1695

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2505

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3145

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 640

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 500

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1750

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.8

Body Glass

Sun protection glass: darkened glass for rear screen and rear side windows

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive 2-axle air suspension

Driver Aids

Integral active steering

Entertainment

Bowers and wilkins diamond surround sound audio system - 30 speakers/1615W with 2 diamond tweeter

Exterior Body Features

BMW Individual Metallic paint

BMW Iconic glow kidney grille

Titanium bronze exterior trim

BMW Individual Frozen paint

M light shadow line - black headlight strips

Individual metallic paint

Metallic paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Four zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Soft close function for doors

Clear and bold interior application with polished crystal glass applied to interior switches and buttons

Leather interior design suite upholstery

Packs

Comfort pack - iX

M sport pro pack - iX

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Arctic race blue

Metallic - Mineral white

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Carbon black

Metallic - Aventurine red

Metallic - Dune grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual Frozen paint - Frozen Deep Grey

BMW Individual metallic paint - Storm bay

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

Towing

Towing bar

Trim - Alcantara Suede

M Sport interior design - Black sensatec/Atlas grey alcantara with coloured M stripes on seat backs

Trim - Leather

Leather interior design suite - Castanea

Leather interior design suite - Amdio

Vehicle Charging

Mode 2 flexible charger

Wheels - Alloy

22" Bicolour M Aero alloy wheels - Style 1027, black/jet black

22" Multicolour M Aero alloy wheels - Style 1025, midnight grey

22" Bicolour Aero alloy wheels - Style 1023, titanium bronze/black/jet black

23" Multicolour Individual Aero alloy wheels - Style 1028, black/jet black

22" Bicolour M Aero alloy wheels - Style 1027, black/jet black with M Sport Pro pack

23" Multicolour Individual Aero alloy wheels - Style 1028, black/jet black with M Sport Pro pack