2025 BMW iX review: Big, bold…brilliant?

July 18, 2025 Matt Allan

The BMW iX was a groundbreaking EV when it launched in 2021 but do new powertrains and design help keep it ahead of the pack?

BMW’s approach to electric cars can’t be called understated.

It exploded onto the EV scene with the groundbreaking i3, backed that up with the radical i8 (okay it was a hybrid), and then released the iX onto the world.

Yes, it’s been a bit more subdued recently, with the excellent but sensible i4 and i5, but the BMW iX remains a radical machine even four years after its launch.

That said, time marches on and rivals catch up, so for 2025 BMW has revisited its first all-electric “sports activity vehicle” to give it more power, improved range and efficiency, and some interior and exterior upgrades.

BMW iX design, interior and technology

People weren’t very kind about the iX’s design when it launched. It’s a pretty substantial and very angular SUV that certainly gets attention, not always for the right reasons. For 2025 BMW has updated the exterior slightly but it remains very sensitive to colour and viewing angles, and is still an opinion-splitter.

The problematic kidney grille has been subtly redesigned and you can choose to illuminate it if you’re worried people aren’t already staring enough. The slimline headlights have also been retooled and all versions get additional body coloured elements in the lower body. The M Sport trim brings additional gloss black sculpted bumpers and diffuser, as well as larger alloy wheels.

However, tinkering at the edges, plus seven new exterior colours and six new wheel designs still can’t disguise the fact this is one pig ugly car.

The light-up grille doesn’t do anything to help the iX’s awkward looks

The good thing about owning an iX is that you can climb inside and not have to look at the exterior. And the interior is a far, far nicer proposition. The iX’s interior design was new and striking when it came out and it still feels smart and clean now. The screen sitting out from the dash on buttresses helps make it feel airy, with a deep and broad alcantara-clad dash that’s almost entirely clear from clutter.

The roomy mutli-level centre console offers plenty of storage and houses a combination of haptic and proper physical controls, including a rotary dial for the somewhat complicated infotainment system. Every control and touchpoint feels high-quality – there’s no evidence of Audi-style cost-cutting in this cabin. The tested M Sport trim featured a heated sports steering wheel thicker than my wrist, M Sport upholstery in Alcantara and Sensatec synthetic leather, and a head-up display.

As mentioned the dashboard is dominated by a huge panoramic screen array with twin configurable instruments and infotainment displays. The on-board system has everything you would expect, from smart EV route planning to games that can be controlled via your phone, but isn’t as intuitive or easy to use as Audi’s equally packed setup.

Smart simple design and high-quality materials work in the iX’s favour

Special mention has to go to the various interior ambiences offered in the iX and, in particular Expression mode, featuring the sonic noodlings of Hans Zimmer. I don’t know how much BMW paid him to provide this soundscape but it was a waste of money because people will activate it once, think “God, that’s awful” and switch it off.

It alters depending on throttle position but is constantly there and sounds, variously, like a load of wasps stuck in a biscuit tin, the distant blaring of car horns and a squeaky brake disc, with a bit of electronic farting chucked in to remind you of his overbearing movie scores.

Battery, motor and performance

The latest iX brings some significant improvements in motor and battery performance, signified by a revised naming structure. The entry level model is now designated xDrive45 and is 81bhp more powerful, with 110 more miles of range courtesy of a new 94.8kWh battery.

The xDrive60 I tested replaces the xDrive 50. It gets a marginally bigger battery – 109.1kWh usable v 105kWh – and that and technical revisions mean it now offers up to a class-leading 426 miles. Seriously impressive for such a big, well-equipped car. It also gets an extra 21bhp, taking it to 536bhp, with 564lb ft of torque.

That translates to a 0-62mph time of just 4.6 seconds and is shockingly quick in what feels like a big car. It’s hard to imagine how rapid the 650bhp M70 must feel. You can sense the power under your right foot and you’re able to access it instantly whatever the situation.

The iX is quick but not particularly dynamic

While the iX has the speed of a rocketship it has the agility of an ocean-going liner. There’s just no getting away from the sheer size of this thing. It doesn’t feel particularly heavy, in fact the steering is oddly light even in sport mode. However, you’re always aware of the height and width, and the handling is no match for the power.

Accept that and get the iX into its more natural habitat on big, wide roads and you won’t care about its lack of dynamism. On faster, straighter roads this feels like a car in which to cross continents. The instant overtaking pace, impeccable noise insulation and ability to smooth out all but the most appalling of road surfaces, define the iX’s position as a real luxury car.

BMW iX price and specification

The iX range starts at £75,315 for the xDrive45 Sport and rises to £114,215 for the M70.

Every car gets adaptive LED headlights, a powered tailgate, head-up display and Harman Kadron stereo to go with its heated seats and steering wheel, wireless phone charging, driver assist plus and parking assist. The M Sport trim brings all the aesthetic upgrades inside and out, including 21-inch alloy wheels and painted brake callipers and, plus “multifunctional” seats in the unique M Sport design.

The tested xDrive60 M Sport starts at £92,200 but by the time the options fairies had finished our test car was bang on £107,000. Options piled on at added expense ranged from the £500 light-up grille to the £1,400 four-wheel steering, £2,000 adaptive air suspension and £3,200 panoramic sunroof.

Verdict

In the region of £100k is getting into proper luxury car territory but that’s okay because the iX feels like a luxury proposition. From its near-silent high-tech cabin to its continent-crossing range and pace, it is cosseting, convenient and capable.

Yes, it’s got a face only a mother could love, but if you can get past that then the latest updates mean the BMW iX remains a deeply impressive high-end EV.