BMW iX overhaul adds power and range to restyled EV flagship

While the styling tweaks are subtle, much has changed behind the scenes for iX. From improved efficiency to a new range-topping spec, find out if the facelift has the edge over key rivals.

If one car epitomises BMW’s recent, polarising design language, it has to be the iX. And, like anything that’s willing to go against the grain, it’s been met with mixed reviews. For some, it’s a technical masterpiece hamstrung by awkward styling. For others, it represents an exciting new era for the Bavarian brand — much like the controversial Bangle-era 5 and 7 Series of two decades prior.

Who’s right? You decide. However, BMW were clearly confident with their first take: very little has changed in the looks department for this mid-life facelift. Look closely and you will spot some tweaks, though. A new illuminated grille is the most obvious improvement, while redesigned headlights, a sportier front and rear apron, and ‘aerodynamically optimised’ M-Light alloys, also feature.

The real news starts where the styling stops. Under the skin, both performance and efficiency have improved thanks to some very technical sounding tweaks — there’s much talk of silicone carbide inverters and special wheel bearings in BMW’s promotional literature. For the base model car (iX xDrive45) power has shot up by 80 bhp for a total of 402 bhp and a 0-60 mph time that’s a whole second quicker than before. Moving up the range, the iX xDrive60 gains a useful 20 ponies, enabling a 0-62 mph acceleration of 4.6 seconds. Finally, a new high-performance iX M70 xDrive caps the lineup with a formidable 659 bhp and 3.8 second 0-60 mph sprint — that’s quicker than an M2 coupe.

Realistically, though, the iX was already pretty nippy. It’s the boost to the model’s driving range that will likely win more buyers over. As standard, a larger battery pack than before buys an extra 100 miles of range, up to 374 miles per charge. Then, if you need to do some serious motorway mile munching, the iX xDrive60 receives a further 44 miles to offer a very impressive 426 miles of non-stop driving. Both figures place the new iX leagues ahead of Audi’s Q8 e-tron, and roughly on-par with the longest-range variant of Mercedes’ EQE.

Inside, little has changed — which is a good thing, given the sumptuous cabin was the old iX’s trump card. However, minor revisions include new M multifunction seats finished in Alcantara/Sensatec for M Sport models. Plus, there’s also a three-spoke M leather steering wheel, Dark Silver trim finishers, an anthracite headlining, M-specific pedals, and even a high-gloss black centre console. 

That all sounds very tempting but, as we’re sure you know, there’s no such thing as a free lunch when it comes to cars. Those healthy increases in performance, range, and equipment, come attached with an equally healthy bump in price. The cheapest iX in the fleet now commands a £74,400 asking price (£3,500 more than before). That said, those willing to stretch to the range-topping M70, will get more for less — at £113,300, it’s around £10,000 cheaper than the outgoing flagship — but you’ll forgive us for not calling it a bargain. If those sound like numbers you could stomach, the first facelifted examples should hit UK shores in May of 2025. 

Do you think BMW’s revisions to the iX have given it the leg up over other premium e-SUVs? Tell us what you think about the revised look and feel.

Hero image credit: BMW