Spot the difference! BMW iX update retains the big chompers, but there are important improvements under the luxury EV’s skin

February 3, 2025February 2, 2025 John Mahoney 1064 Views 0 Comments bmw, iX, luxury SUV

The 2025 BMW iX luxury SUV has been unwrapped ahead of its Australian arrival later this year.

Along with new styling and fresh tech, all models get bigger batteries that boosts the range to 701km for the most efficient version.

Coinciding with the BMW EV flagship’s fourth year on-sale, the X5-sized all-electric SUV keeps its controversial front grille that now lights up with the optional BMW Iconic Glow function.

But there’s more body colour for the bumper, less aggressive intakes and different LED headlamps that tone down the outgoing car’s visual drama.

In Europe BMW has introduced three variants – the xDrive 45 (that replaces the xDrive40), the xDrive 60 (supersedes the XDrive50) and the flagship M70 (M60 replacement).

All come with dual motors and new batteries, with the xDrive 45 coming with a 94.8kWh battery (in exchange for the 71kWh) that provides for a range from 490-602km (up from 372-452km).

The xDrive 60 gets an even larger 109.1kWh battery (was 105.2kWh) that sees the mid-range iX cover between 563km to the maximum 701km (up from 550-631km).

Finally, the M70 gets the still-big 108.9kWh (versus 105.2kWh) that sees the quickest luxury SUV travel between 521-600km (502-561km) before it needs plugging in.

Power increases in all models, the xDrive 45 now pumps out 300kW/700km (up 60kW/70Nm), the xDrive 60 a more muscular 400kW/765Nm (+15kW), while the flagship M70 dishes out up to 485kW/1100Nm (+30kW) during launch control mode.

With that level of might the M70 now takes just 3.8 seconds to launch from 0-100km/h, with top speed rising to 250km/h (+50km/h).

Charging also improves with the base model now capable of a 175kW (+25kW) top-up, with 10-80 per cent charge taking 34 minutes.

The M70, meanwhile, takes 35 minutes for the same top-up with its rate capped at 195kW. That’s the same as the XDrive 60 and unchanged from before.

However, optimised battery pre-conditioning is said to improve charging speeds in the real world.

Other changes include a new manual release button for the charging socket.

New options bundled with the M Sport pack adds different bumpers, new wheels, trim and gloss back details, but only if you tick the box for the M Sport Package Pro.

New paint also comes on line with the facelifted model that includes Artic Race Blue and Dune Grey, plus new designs for the 21-, 22- and 23-inch rims.

The infotainment now runs BMW’s iDrive 8.5 operating system that introduces a more sophisticated sat-nav.

The M Sport also chucks in sport seats trimmed in new microfibre synthetic leather, or provides the options of natural hides, plus an M Steering wheel, different graphics for the instrument cluster and sports pedals.

Options for the BMW iX include a large panoramic glass roof, heated and ventilated seats, premium Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins sound systems and soft-close doors.

All variants come with a revised suspension tune that is said to improve both comfort and handling.

The sportiest M70 gets rear-wheel steering, adaptive suspension, retuned anti-roll bars and more powerful performance brakes.

Drive assist tech now includes a Level 2+ semi-autonomous cruise control that incorporates an automatic lane change function activated when the driver looks in one of the side mirrors.

On sale in Europe from this March, BMW Australia says the refreshed 2025 BMW iX will arrive in Australian dealers later this year.

Current pricing for the iX in Australia spreads from $130,900 to $233,400 before on-road costs.