BMW Reworks iX Flagship Electric VehicleBMW Reworks iX Flagship Electric Vehicle

Driveline and battery revisions sharpen performance and range of BMW’s electric SUV.

Greg Kable, Contributor

February 3, 2025

3 Min Read
iX's range increases to 435 miles.

BMW unveils an updated version of the iX, its flagship electric SUV that debuted in 2021.

Produced at the automaker’s Dingolfing, Germany, plant, the distinctively styled competitor to the likes of the Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQS has been re-engineered with upgrades to its dual electric-motor drivetrain, bringing added power.

Combined with new battery-cell chemistry, the iX’s maximum range has been extended by 44 miles (70 km) to a new high of 435 miles (701 km) on the WLTP test cycle.

The depth of the changes is reflected in the ’25 iX’s revised model designations. As before, there are three versions in the updated lineup, though the earlier iX xDrive40, iX xDrive50 and iX xDrive60 now are replaced by new iX xDrive45, iX xDrive60 and M70 xDrive models.

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Among other yet-to-be-detailed modifications, each new iX model benefits from upgraded power electronics and inverter components. Together, these are said to improve power density and energy transfer from the battery to the electric motors, providing added responsiveness and efficiency.

The new xDrive45 delivers 402 hp, an increase of 80 hp over its predecessor, reducing its 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time by 1.0 seconds to 5.1 seconds. The xDrive60 sees a more modest increase of 20 hp over the earlier xDrive50, bringing its peak power to 536 hp without any change in its 4.6-second 0-62 mph time.

The range-topping M70 xDrive, with an added 40 hp over the older xDrive60, now produces 650 hp while maintaining the same 3.8-second 0-62 mph time, thanks to the addition of a launch-control function.

BMW credits the range improvements to advancements in battery-cell technology, which have increased the energy density of the iX’s new range of lithium-ion batteries by up to 30%.

The capacity of the xDrive45’s battery increases by 23.8 kWh to 94.8 kWh, giving it a significant 111 miles (177 km) boost in range compared with the old xDrive40, which registered 374 miles (602 km) on the WLTP test cycle.

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The xDrive60’s battery capacity has increased by 3.9 kWh to 109.1 kWh, adding 40 miles (64 km) of range, now officially at 436 miles (701 km). The new M70 xDrive’s battery gets a smaller 3.7 kWh increase to 108.9 kWh, with its range extending by 24 miles (39 km) to 373 miles (600 km).

The maximum charging rate of the xDrive45 is boosted by 25 kW over the xDrive40, now at 175 kW, while the xDrive60 and M70 xDrive retain the same 195-kW peak charging rate as their predecessors.

The exterior builds on the iX’s established monolithic styling, with subtle updates. A redesigned kidney grille features a finer surround and new-look inserts, with grille illumination now standard on the M70 xDrive. The headlights also feature new vertical daytime running lights, while the taillamps now offer an M Shadow Line option.

Inside, a revised M Sport package introduces seats with added lateral support, an anthracite headliner and a two-tone instrument panel. Standard features now include heated seats, a Harman Kardon surround-sound system and BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional, powered by BMW OS8.5 operating system, with a curved touchscreen display, improved conversational voice command compatibility and new in-car services such as gaming and video streaming.

BMW also has expanded the iX’s driver-assistance capabilities, adding the Level 2+ Highway Assistant function from other recent BMW models, allowing hands-free driving on two-lane roads at speeds up to 81 mph (130 km/h). Other highlights include Active Lane Change, which uses eye activation, and the smartphone-controlled Parking Assistant Professional.

North American sales of the updated iX are planned to begin during second-quarter 2025. Pricing has yet to be announced.

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About the Author

Greg Kable

Contributor

Greg Kable has reported about the global automotive industry for over 35 years, providing in-depth coverage of its products and evolving technologies. Based in Germany, he is an award-winning journalist known for his extensive insider access and a contact book that includes the names of some of the most influential figures in the automotive world.

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