The BMW iX – one of the German brand’s most divisively designed current models – has been given a facelift, alongside mechanical upgrades that increase the power output and driving range of BMW’s flagship electric SUV.
Unveiled overnight, the updated iX continues to wear its tall kidney ‘grilles’, though everything around them has been tweaked by BMW.
This includes new side air curtains, revised lower air intakes and a new signature for the adaptive LED headlights, all of which tones down the earlier aggressiveness of the large electric SUV.
The kidney grille design itself has also been changed, with the previous honeycomb graphics substituted for a diagonal light pattern.
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Overseas, buyers can option BMW’s Iconic Glow contour lighting for the grille on all variants except the flagship iX M70 xDrive, for which the feature is standard.
There are no changes at the back of the SUV, save for the addition of a new M Sport package – a first for the iX – which brings sportier bumpers, wheels and exterior trim.
Interior tweaks are also minimal, with the iX now running BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 infotainment operating system, while the aforementioned M Sport package brings thicker-bolstered seats, an M steering wheel, bespoke digital instrument cluster graphics and other minor equipment enhancements.
The greatest upgrades have been made under the skin, which has been reflected in the new naming structure for the iX lineup.
The entry-level xDrive40 is now the xDrive45, the xDrive50 becomes the xDrive60, and the flagship M60 is now the M70.
All variants have received increases in power outputs, battery capacities and driving range, as detailed in the table below.
| BMW iX xDrive45 | BMW iX xDrive60 | BMW iX M70 xDrive | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 300kW (up 60kW) | 400kW (up 15kW) | 485kW (up 30kW) |
| Torque | 700Nm (up 70Nm) | 765Nm | 1100Nm |
| 0-100km/h time | 5.1 seconds (down 1.0 second) | 4.6 seconds | 3.8 seconds |
| Top speed | 200km/h | 200km/h | 250km/h |
| Battery capacity | 94.8kWh (up 23.8kWh) | 109.1kWh (up 3.9kWh) | 108.9kWh (up 3.7kWh) |
| Driving range (claimed, WLTP) | 490-602km (up 118km-172km) | 563-701km (up 13-70km) | 521-600km (up 20-39km) |
| Maximum DC charging rate | 175kW (up 25kW) | 195kW | 195kW |
According to BMW, it made “efficiency-enhancing measures for all variants” of the iX, resulting in significant driving range increases across the board.
The carmaker also claims to have made chassis and suspension upgrades based around the new battery packs, which included the fitment of a hydraulic rear axle support bearing, revised wheel bearings and lower rolling resistance tyres.
BMW’s updated iX is due to launch in Europe in the coming months. BMW Australia has been contacted for a local arrival timeline.
It’s expected that prices will increase above those of the current iX lineup, which is priced from $136,900 for the xDrive40, $185,400 for the xDrive50 and $223,400 for the M60, all excluding on-road costs.
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