BMW iX gets glow-in-the-dark kidney grilles and 650bhp for 2025
BMW has given its opinion-splitting all-electric iX SUV a facelift for 2025, as well as an increased range and more power on top-tier models.
The iX launched in 2021 and immediately proved divisive with its styling, notably its aggressive front-end dominated by two enormous kidney grilles, equally huge airscoops on the bumper, and narrow LED headlights.
The Bavarian manufacturer’s latest updates give its flagship EV SUV a softer appearance, courtesy of smaller air intakes, wider headlights, and more body colour on the bumpers. BMW has also introduced a narrower version of the controversial kidney grille.
Despite having smaller dimensions than before, BMW offers the grille with its light-up ‘BMW Iconic Glow’ feature as an option on all models bar the range-topping iX M70 xDrive, where it’s standard.
The iX M70 xDrive replaces the M60 xDrive and starts at £113,300. With Sport mode engaged, this performance model produces 650bhp (40bhp more than its successor), a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds, and a 155mph top speed. Thanks to a twin motor set up paired with a 108.9kWh battery, the iX M70 xDrive makes 811lb ft of torque.
BMW has updated the rest of the iX range names to reflect its jump in performance. The entry-level, £74,400 xDrive 40 has been renamed the xDrive 45, which returns 402bhp and a 374-mile range from a 94.8kWh battery. The mid-tier xDrive60 M Sport – previously the xDrive 50 – costs £92,200, and comes with a 109.1kWh battery capable of returning up to 426 miles.
The xDrive 45 can charge at up to 175kW, while the xDrive60 M Sport and M70 xDrive are capable of operating at up to 195kW.
These efficiency improvements have come about as a result of BMW making several changes to the iX’s battery infrastructure including new inverter technology that reduces losses while the energy is transferred from battery to electric motors.
Further changes under the skin include a hydraulic rear axle support bearing to support the increased power and weight from the updated iX’s bigger batteries. The M70 also features adaptive air suspension with ride level control, M-specific suspension tuning, electronically controlled shock absorbers, updated anti-roll bars, bigger brakes all-round, and rear-wheel steering.
The M70 benefits from a standard M Sport Pro package featuring sportier-looking bumpers front and rear, gloss black trim exterior trim, larger air intakes, M-spec sports seats, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, M-specific pedals, and a gloss black centre console.
Meanwhile, the xDrive 45 and xDrive60 M Sport come with the M Sport Pro package as standard featuring darkened front and rear headlights, along with 22-inch wheels. The M Sport Pro pack and 23-inch wheels are available as options, along with seven new exterior colours. Inside, the BMW iX is largely the same as before, but has undergone a software update to run the latest version of BMW’s OS, BMW Operating System 8.5.
The updated BMW iX is set for delivery as of May 2025.
