2025 BMW iX electric car facelift revealed with 700km claimed driving range
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BMW’s flagship electric SUV has been updated with driving ranges of up to 700km, accompanied by more power and higher-power charging.
The 2025 BMW iX electric vehicle (EV) has been given an overhaul – with new styling, updated technology and up to 701km of claimed driving range – ahead of Australian arrivals expected later this year.
The iX – BMW’s largest electric SUV – is already four years old, in which time competition in the EV market has grown much hotter with longer ranges, faster charging and new technology in the latest models.
Visual changes to the updated X5-sized, five-seat iX are minimal, the updates instead focusing on improvements under the skin.
Australian showroom arrivals are expected to commence later this year, after its European launch between March and May.
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A BMW Australia spokesperson said the updated line-up for the local market will be announced by the end of March.
Prices are likely to rise over the current line-up, which ranges from $136,900 plus on-road costs for the xDrive 40 Sport, to $233,400 for the M60.
There remains three model variants in the line-up, but their numbered designations have increased to match higher power outputs – from xDrive 40 to xDrive 45, xDrive 50 to xDrive 60, and M60 to M70 – all with dual-motor all-wheel drive.
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New battery cells see energy capacities rise across the range – from 71kWh to 94.8kWh in the entry-level grade, from 105.2kWh to 109.1kWh in the mid-range variant, and 105.2kWh to 108.9kWh in the flagship M-badged performance trim.
The larger batteries, a new inverter for the power electronics system and “other efficiency-enhancing measures” have boosted rated driving ranges by up to 40 per cent.
The xDrive 60 is rated for between 563km and 701km depending on wheel size and options – based on European WLTP testing – up from 550-631km in the xDrive 50.
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Range in the xDrive 45 is rated at 490-602km, up from 372-425km in the outgoing xDrive 40, while the M70 quotes 521-600km, up from 502-561km in the M60.
Power outputs have increased in all models, now 300kW/700Nm in the xDrive 45 (up 60kW/70Nm), 400kW/765Nm in the xDrive 60 (up 15kW), and 485kW/1100Nm (up 30kW) in the M70 when in launch-control mode.
BMW claims 0-100km/h times for the three models of 5.1, 4.6 and 3.8 seconds respectively, though only the cheapest model is quicker than before, down one second.
Top speeds of 200km/h are claimed for the two cheaper models, rising to 250km/h for the M70.
The updated iX xDrive 45 can accept energy at up to 175kW DC – up from 150kW – though the larger battery means it now takes a claimed 34 minutes to boost from 10 to 80 per cent charge.
The same metric takes the xDrive 60 and M70 a claimed 35 minutes to complete at an unchanged peak of 195kW DC.
BMW says an “optimised” battery pre-conditioning system, and revised charging software allow the 2025 iX to “make the best possible use” of incoming energy. There is also now a manual release button next to the charging socket.
Exterior changes are mild, with restyled front and rear bumpers, a new grille available with Iconic Glow illumination, and new adaptive LED headlight signatures with vertical elements.
An M Sport package is available on the iX for the first time, with different bumpers, wheels and trim, while a further M Sport Package Pro adds extra black highlights.
There are also new paint colours – including Arctic Race Blue and Dune Grey – and updated 21-, 22- and 23-inch wheel options.
Inside, changes include updated iDrive 8.5 infotainment software, and revised trip planning functionality in the satellite navigation system.
The new M Sport pack adds front sports seats trimmed in microfibre/synthetic leather-look combination or natural leather upholstery, an M steering wheel, unique instrument graphics, sports pedals, and black and silver interior highlights.
Available features across the range include a panoramic glass roof, heated and ventilated seats, Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins premium audio systems, and soft-close doors.
BMW has revised the suspension to account for the different masses of the new battery packs, and added components such as a hydraulic rear axle support bearing, and lighter wheel bearings to improve comfort and handling.
Standard on the M70 is rear-wheel steering, M-specific adaptive suspension, retuned anti-roll bars, and performance brakes with red calipers.
Safety updates include a Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving system, claimed to “relieve the driver of the steering task on dual carriageways with physically separated lanes” at up to 130km/h.
The system also includes an automatic lane change function activated when the driver looks in one of the side mirrors.
The 2025 BMW iX is expected in Australian showrooms later this year.
The post 2025 BMW iX electric car facelift revealed with 700km claimed driving range appeared first on Drive.
