BMW unveils facelifted iX with extra power and range

More than four years after showcasing it to the world in its original form, BMW has pulled the covers off its updated technology flagship: The new BMW iX.

The largest all-electric SUV in the brand's stable lands not just with updated styling that brings it in line with more recent BMW designs, but also crucial upgrades to its electric motors and battery that give it more power and range. Taken altogether, the refresh promises to keep the iX competitive, as the battle among mid-size to large electric SUVs continues to heat up.

The facelifted iX comes more than four years after the original iX was showcased globally, and carries not just styling tweaks, but crucial upgrades in performance and electric range

Given that the shape and structure of the iX have been left untouched, a passing glance may arguably not set the new car apart immediately from its predecessor.

But a closer look - especially at the front end - should reveal a more modern visual, courtesy of new head lights with redesigned vertical elements, and a new kidney grille incorporating the diagonal lines first seen on the latest-generation X3 and 1 Series. The latter can now be opted with the Iconic Glow contour lighting too.

Key styling tweaks include new vertical elements in the car's head lights - to bring it up to date with its more recently-launched or refreshed siblings - and a new kidney grille design that now also gives customers the option of the Iconic Glow contour lighting 

The iX's rear, on the other hand, is exactly the same as before with the exception of its bumper reflectors - which are now vertical rather than horizontal in a bid to emphasise the car's width. 

But a new option promises to give the car extra visual aggression overall: The M Sport package is now being extended to the SUV for the first time, giving it racier bits (such as its front air intakes and lower bumper) in gloss black.

The iX is now also offered for the first time with the M Sport package and M Sport package Pro as options - giving it racier styling bits on its exterior, and slight upgrades in cabin equipment (such as these more supportive M Multifunction seats)

With the M Sport package Pro equipped, the car gets M Shadow Line head lights and rear lights, while the top-of-the-line iX M70 xDrive gets design features from both, including a specific kidney grille with an M logo, black exterior mirror caps, and 22-inch M light-alloy wheels. Correspondingly, the iX can now be fitted with more supportive M Multifunction seats and an M leather steering wheel on the inside. And while the interior is otherwise the same, the Curved Display that the car helped to introduce now runs on BMW OS 8.5.

New paint finishes are now also on offer, including Arctic Race Blue metallic, Dune Grey metallic, Carbon Black metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Deep Grey metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic, Tanzanite Blue metallic and Space Silver metallic.

Upgrades to the iX's drive system, new inverter technology, and mechanical upgrades, have helped to optimise its power and range 

Still, the more significant updates go beyond the surface.

Firstly, BMW states that it has fine-tuned the drive system of the new iX, as well as further developed its power electronics to deliver more power.

Separately, a new inverter technology for the power electronics across all model variants is now said to optimise the drive system's power density. And on a mechanical level, fine-tuning of the iX's wheel bearings and tyres, as well as the reshaping of its head lamps, have all contributed to more efficient energy-consumption.

The combined result? Significant improvements in range and power across all variants.

The new iX xDrive45 has received a 30kW power bump, and now boasts a peak output of 300kW and 700Nm of torque, allowing it to complete the century sprint in just 5.1 seconds

In typical BMW fashion, it's worth noting that the facelifted iX arrives with slight adjustments in naming convention as a result. Succeeding the previous xDrive40 is the xDrive45, whose two motors develop a system output of 300kW - a massive 60kW increase from the previous xDrive40 - and 700Nm of torque. Consequently, the car's century sprint timing has been shaved by a full second too, to now stand at 5.1 seconds.

Unique to the xDrive45 too is the incorporation of new battery cell technology, which has helped increase the energy content of its battery by 30% to a usable 94.8kWh. In tandem, the car's WLTP-rated range has risen to 601km - from 425km on the outgoing xDrive40.

The iX xDrive60's 109.1kWh battery can allow it to travel up to 701km on a full charge

On the other hand, the xDrive60 - which succeeds the xDrive50 - has seen its power increase by 15kW, to now stand at 400kW. The efficiency and technology gains mentioned earlier now also mean that its 109.1kWh battery gives it a maximum eye-watering range of 701km on a full charge.

Finally, residing at the top of the lineup as the performance flagship is the new M70 xDrive, whose peak output has risen by 30kW to now stand at 485kW, and 1,100Nm of torque.

Show-stopping power aside, the new iX M70 xDrive sets itself apart from the less manic variants with specific exterior touches, such as a kidney grille with horizontal slats, and M light-alloy wheels

For such a heavy SUV, its acceleration timing is still ludicrous; the 0 to 100km/h sprint is obliterated in just 3.8 seconds when Launch Control is activated, before it goes on to reach a top speed of 250km/h. Given its M Performance badging, the M70 xDrive is also fitted with high-level wizardry: Adaptive two-axle ride level control electronically controlled shock absorbers, M specific anti-roll bars, Integral Active Steering and stronger brakes.

But BMW believes even the xDrive45 and xDrive60 should be slightly more pleasant behind the wheel now, since the new iX has gotten a revised chassis and suspension setup by default. The tweaks to its drive system and battery tech have apparently changed the weight balance of the car, while a new hydraulic rear axle support aims for a sweeter middle ground between sportiness and comfort.

Production for the facelifted BMW iX will continue at Plant Dingolfing, with sales set to start globally within the first half of 2025

And across the board, the iX also benefits from higher DC charging rates (up to 175kW for the xDrive45, and up to 195kW for the xDrive60 and M70 xDrive), and a new MAX RANGE function, which can increase the car's remaining range by up to 25% when activated.

The updated BMW iX is expected to go on sale worldwide in the first half of 2025, and is scheduled to arrive in Singapore in the second quarter of 2025 latest. It will continue to be produced at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing - which remains the brand's production for cornerstone for its fully electric models, and premium and luxury class models.