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BMW has refreshed its iX electric SUV with more power, improved efficiency, and a longer range of up to 426 miles. Due in the UK from May with prices starting at £74,400, the revised Audi Q8 e-tron and Volvo EX90 rival gains subtle design tweaks but more substantial changes under the skin.
The iX continues to be offered in three all-wheel-drive variants, but BMW has rebranded the range in line with its i5 saloon. The iX 40 and 50 have been replaced by the iX 45 and 60, while the M60 has been succeeded by a more powerful M70.
The entry-level iX 45 now produces 402bhp, an 80bhp increase, with 700Nm of torque. A new 94.8kWh battery delivers up to 374 miles of range and an official efficiency of 2.97mpkWh. Available in Sport and M Sport trims, it starts from £74,400 – a slight increase over its predecessor.
The iX 60, priced from £92,200, is available exclusively in M Sport trim. Power is up to 536bhp, with 564lb ft of torque, while a 109.1kWh battery extends range to 426 miles – an improvement of up to 34 miles. Both the iX 45 and 60 have a 124mph top speed.
The M70 is the most potent version, producing 659bhp and up to 1,100Nm with launch control. It uses a bespoke 108.9kWh battery, featuring a different cell chemistry, to offer 366 miles of range. The top speed rises to 155mph, while the price drops significantly from its predecessor’s £124,605 to £113,300.
Charging speeds vary across the range, with the iX 45 capable of 175kW, while the iX 60 and M70 can charge at 195kW. All three versions use new battery cell technology that BMW claims delivers 30% more usable energy content. The firm has also improved the battery pre-conditioning system to help achieve peak charging speeds more quickly.
AC charging remains at 22kW, while a new heat pump has been introduced to improve overall efficiency. A new Max Range driving mode optimises vehicle settings for efficiency, potentially adding up to 25% more range.
BMW has refined the chassis and suspension across the iX range to improve ride and handling, with each model tuned to suit its power output. Unlike some rivals, the iX continues to use steel rather than air suspension, but revised dampers enhance cornering stability. Buyers can choose between 21-inch and 23-inch alloy wheels.
The M70 gets extra dynamic enhancements, including active rear steering, improved ride control and M Sport brakes as standard.
Visually, the updated iX is distinguished by a revised front grille, which now incorporates vertical line elements that flow into the LED headlights. This design tweak, according to BMW, was aimed at reducing the grille’s dominance. Inside, the M Sport package adds multifunction seats, an M steering wheel, and other design upgrades.
Production of the refreshed iX continues at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany, with UK deliveries set to begin in the first half of the year.
