BMW iX facelift: Technically equipped – and soon behind it
BMW is revamping the large iX e-SUV. Even after the facelift, it will have a hard time competing internally with the upcoming "New Class" from BMW.
(Image: BMW)
BMW is currently preparing intensively for the launch of models based on the "New Class". Among other things, it is intended to set standards in terms of charging performance and efficiency. The previous models will soon be less glamorous in these respects. Those interested in the iX1 and iX2 will be able to get over this, as these cars are financially below what BMW envisages for the large iX. It is likely to come under pressure over the next few years, and the small model update, which changes more technically than visually, will hardly help.
"Expressive presence"
Externally, BMW has only tweaked a few details without massively changing the colossus. Whether it now comes closer to the average European taste, has found its way to a "monolithic appearance with an expressive presence" (BMW's own words) or is simply still quite a lump is left to the reader to decide. The iX has already polarized before and will continue to do so. Such cars have a global fan base that BMW believes is large enough to participate in this lucrative segment.
Getting further than before
There have been major changes in the drive area. The xDrive45 base model in particular has benefited, with its battery growing to 94.8 kWh net. The others remain at around 109 kWh. Thanks to technical refinements such as optimized wheel bearings and improved adaptive recuperation, consumption is said to have fallen slightly. In the best-case scenario, according to BMW, the range will increase by up to eight percent. This means that all models have a range of at least 600 km in the cycle, provided the customer opts for the most favorable tires. The xDrive60 even narrowly cracks the 700 km mark – as written under the conditions of the WLTP.
At 175 kW, the maximum charging power of the xDrive45 remains only slightly below that of the more expensive models, which remain at 195 kW peak power. Only the New Class will offer significantly more in this respect. It is based on a different platform with a voltage level of 800 volts. The charging capacity there is likely to be at least 250 kW, and by no means just in a narrow window. Audi, among others, led the way in this respect last year with the Q6 e-tron, and BMW will hardly be far behind.
As before, only an 11 kW AC charger comes as standard in the two slightly less powerful drive systems. BMW only offers a charger with 22 kW in the top model at no extra charge. This is a pity for those who want or even have to charge at the widespread 22 kW AC points and had an inattentive salesperson. At 1200 euros, this extra is bravely priced separately, but is included in the 3800 euro innovation package, which many iX customers will probably order anyway.
BMW iX 2025 (17 Bilder)
BMW
)Even more power
All variants have been given more power, and here too the least expensive model has been upgraded the most. A system output of 300 kW now means an increase of 60 kW. This should be more noticeable in everyday driving than an increase of 15 and 30 kW in xDrive60 and M70 xDrive respectively, which provide up to 400 and 485 kW after the facelift. The forces at work here only become apparent when you consider the driving performance of the sports car against the background of the masses that are set in motion here. No iX weighs less than 2.5 tons. I have put the technical data in a table for you.
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Infotainment OS8.5
BMW is not upgrading the infotainment system to the latest software platform. It remains with OS8.5, which does not change the interface for the time being. With OS9, which has been installed in some models since November 2023, a different basis is being introduced, which means, among other things, a larger selection in the app store for customers. At CES, BMW showed where the interior design is heading in the foreseeable future. Within a year, the iX will be not one, but two generations behind. Head-up display, augmented reality and a sound system from harman/kardon are always standard. If you like, you can sink extra money into things like a fixed glass roof or a sound system with more power and 30 speakers.
Level 2+
It is also clear in other areas that BMW did not want to make a huge effort with the iX revision. In some BMW models, customers have been able to order highly automated driving at Level 3 since last year. They must then be able to take over control of the vehicle within a certain period of time, but until then – they can leave the driving to the car in a precisely defined scenario. Within the set limits, an appropriately equipped model can handle all situations on its own, and the manufacturer is liable for this. The iX cannot do this, even at extra cost. The driver is always responsible.
What the iX is capable of is assisted lane changes on the highway by recognizing the driver's gaze. If the driver looks into one of the wing mirrors after the car has recognized the need to change lanes, the system does the rest. The driver does not have to indicate or hold the steering wheel, but always remains in charge. We have tried this out in several test cars and can attest to the progress made by BMW: In a 530e that we had in the editorial office in the fall of 2024, it worked a little better than in an i5 that was with us a year earlier. The iX will presumably do a pretty good job of this and thus come at least a little closer to autonomous driving.
Prices
The entry-level xDrive45 model costs 83,500 euros and already comes with a wealth of standard equipment. With a little thought, at least this version remains under 95,000 euros. This was planned as the upper limit for the 0.25 percent regulation, which could no longer be enforced after the premature end of the current federal government. Perhaps the next government will also start again here, possibly even retroactively, as the first three-party alliance at federal level also intended to do.