Extra power and range: Updated BMW iX arrives in Singapore

Between the likes of the X3 and the 5 Series, BMWs have become far easier to spot at night lately. Out on the road, or in your rearview mirror, just keep a lookout for twin kidney grilles outlined with a white glow staring back at you. 

Now, Singaporean drivers can add the facelifted BMW iX to the list. The luxury electric SUV was officially launched in Singapore on Thursday evening (5 June 2025) at The Lawn at New Bahru, packing not just refreshed styling, but significant upgrades in power and driving range.

The facelifted iX arrives with lightly refreshed styling, more power, and significantly extended range

The facelifted BMW iX lands on our shores approximately three-and-a-half years after it was first introduced here.

Christened back then as the 'technology flagship' for the brand, the electric SUV helped to debut BMW OS 8 alongside the panoramic Curved Display, and came with first-ever features for the brand such as hidden door handles, an electrochromic sunroof, and a 'self-healing' front grille. Speaking of the latter, the original iX also marked quite the departure from past BMWs with its new-age design. 

Like many other latest-generation BMW models, the iX's head lights now contain diagonal DRL elements, while its kidney grilles come as standard with the Iconic Glow light contouring

On first glance, much of that futuristic outlook has been retained on the facelifted iX - although separating it from its predecessor shouldn't be too difficult. 

In place of horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) stand diagonal lines that build towards the 'four stripe' visual that has slowly become characteristic of modern BMWs. Also gaining diagonal elements is the car's kidney grille (this was previously studded with triangle/diamond shapes), which - as mentioned earlier - now also comes as standard with the Iconic Glow light contouring. 

The M Sport package can now be opted for for the first time on the iX too, which gives the car more aggressive styling, and M Sport rims 

Whereas the iX was only offered up to the Sport trim in Singapore previously, the car can now be opted for with the M Sport package for the first time.

Doing so gives the SUV chiselled air intakes in gloss black at the front, 21-inch M Sport rims and vertical rear reflectors that help emphasise its width. Otherwise, the refreshed Sport trim - which is now the entry point to the range - comes with more body-coloured surfaces that enhance the car's 'monolithic' aesthetic.

The Sport trim of the updated iX, on the other hand, comes with more body-coloured surfaces for a more monolithic look

Not a fan of the original iX's hexagonal steering wheel? Opting for the M Sport package on the updated iX also brings a three-spoke M Sport steering wheel into the cabin, alongside natural leather-upholstered M multifunction seats (with massage functions!) for more lateral support.

Peek closer at the car's panoramic Curved Display, and you'll also notice that it now runs BMW OS 8.5, which is built on a zero-layer operating principle, and introduces digital services including video streaming and in-car gaming, by way of the system's AirConsole gaming platform. 

The M Sport package also brings a three-spoke sports steering wheel, and M multifunction seats with massage functions into the cabin

Still, arguably the most significant updates on the facelifted iX go beneath what meets the naked eye.

Now billed as the xDrive45 (instead of the xDrive40 as it was previously known), the iX's twin electric motors now put out 402bhp and 700Nm of torque - or an increase of a heady 80bhp and 70Nm of torque. These enable the two-tonne SUV to shave a full second off its century sprint timing, which now stands at 5.1 seconds. Sgcarmart understands that there are no plans to bring the more powerful xDrive60 and range-topping M70 xDrive variants to Singapore.

A larger 94.8kWh battery gives the xDrive45 variant of the iX an impressive WLTP-rated range of 602km

Simultaneously, the iX xDrive45 benefits from new battery cell technology that has helped increase the energy content of its battery to 94.8kWh from just 71kWh previously - or a 30% bump. (This now also supports a higher maximum charging rate of 175kW using a DC outlet.)

Working in tandem with it is a new inverter technology for the power electronics that optimises energy transfer to the electric motors. The sum of these upgrades? A more-than 40% increase in the iX's WLTP-rated range, which now stands at an impressive 602km compared to the xDrive40's 425km. 

The car's larger battery now also supports a higher DC charging rate of 175kW

Power and range aside, the iX promises to be more pleasant behind the wheel too thanks to a new chassis and suspension setup, which better balances "sporty dynamics and ride comfort".

Within its extended range of standard equipment, too, are a broad sweep of safety and parking assistance features thanks to the Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus. The latter includes a 3D Surround View camera, and a Reversing Assistant that can help the iX “retrace its steps” exactly up to a length of 50 metres. 

The facelifted iX arrives in Singapore with the Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus offered as standard

Among the other new highlights is the new BMW Digital Key Plus, which relies on ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology that can transform your smartphone into a digital key that unlocks the iX.

For every purchase of the new BMW iX, BMW Asia is offering customers a home charging package comprising a BMW Wallbox with complimentary installation, or a public charging package in partnership with Shell Recharge. The latter includes a three-year free-charging subscription package (up to 10,000kWh) at all local Shell Recharge stations, without a monthly charging cap.

Visitors will get to give the AirConsole gaming platform on the new iX a go at New Bahru over the weekend

In the mood for a mindfulness session? The Joy Electrified event also has Sound Bath sessions on offer for visitors 

The updated BMW iX is now available for purchase in Singapore, with prices starting at $451,888 (including COE) at launch.

Additionally, the iX can be visited at The Lawn at New Bahru from now till this Sunday, 8 June 2025, as part of the Joy Electrified event, where an immersive in-car gaming experience (with exciting prizes on the line) and Sound Bath sessions await.