The BMW iX is coming in for its midlife update in 2025 (called ‘LCI’ - or Life Cycle Impulse - by BMW) and though it’s significantly upgraded in some ways, those that don’t like the divisive design of the original won’t find much solace in the mildly tweaked exterior style of the new one. The front lights look a little different, there are new colours to choose from, two new M Sport packages, a new rear bumper and fresh designs of alloy wheel - up to 23 inches in diameter - but the contentious, upright ‘grille’ remains, and buyers can draw even more attention to it by adding the optional ‘Iconic Glow’ lighting.
So this isn’t a good news story?
Thankfully, there’s a lot more to the revised iX under its skin, most notably when it comes to the electric powertrain. As before, all versions use two motors for xDrive all-wheel drive, but a comprehensive overhaul of the electrics has resulted in better efficiency, more range and more performance.
The headline-grabbing range champ is the iX xDrive60, featuring a lithium-ion battery of 109.1kWh usable energy capacity. With an official energy consumption figure of 21kWh/100km, this car can in theory travel up to 685km between charges. Peak charging rates are quoted as 22kW on certain AC outlets and 195kW on DC rapid chargers. When both electric motors give their all, there’s up to 544hp and 765Nm of torque available, helping achieve a rapid 4.6-second 0-100km/h time.
If uncomfortable acceleration is your thing, the range-topping iX M70 might be more your cup of tea. Its electric motors produce up to 659hp and 1,105Nm of torque for 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Though its usable battery energy capacity is more or less the same as that of the xDrive60, it’s not as efficient a car, so the official range tops out at 589km.
Coincidentally, the entry-level model - badged iX xDrive45 - manages about the same range, though with a smaller battery pack (94.8kWh usable capacity) and a lower maximum charging rate (175kW on DC). Its performance is more modest of course, but it’s hardly a slouch with 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds and maximum outputs of 408hp and 700Nm of torque.
Enough with the data, does the M70 drive like an M car?
We’ll find out later in the year, but we do know that it gets a specification upgrade that’s only optional for the other models. This includes adaptive air suspension, electronically controlled dampers and rear-wheel steering (or ‘Integral Active Steering’ if you speak BMW).
Buyers of the lesser models can make theirs look more like the range-topping version than ever before thanks to the new M Sport and M Sport Pro option packages. These include exterior and interior updates to give the iX a sportier look, including a set of fabulous ‘M multifunction’ sports seats. We’re also very happy to see a normal round steering wheel as part of the package, though the very strange hexagonal wheel is fitted as standard.
How much is the new BMW iX in Ireland?
Irish pricing starts at €91,590 for the iX xDrive45 Sport. The M Sport version with that powertrain costs €95,280 and initial details suggest that the iX xDrive60 will only be available in M Sport guise, at €113,500. The iX M70 is €139,470 and the first Irish deliveries are scheduled for May 2025.