BMW’s flagship iX EV gets a facelift – but keeps the controversial grille – and boasts a big range boost
BMW’s 2025 iteration of the iX EV platform represents a comprehensive technical evolution of its electric SUV architecture, with significant advances in powertrain efficiency, battery management, and chassis dynamics. The engineering team has achieved an 8% reduction in energy consumption through a combination of technical improvements. These include new drive units, enhanced battery technology, more efficient inverter systems, lower rolling-resistance tires, and friction-optimized wheel bearings.
The battery system architecture shows marked advancement across the range. The entry-level xDrive45 variant now features a significant 30% increase in net energy storage capacity, jumping from 71kWh to 94.8kWh. The xDrive60, which replaces the xDrive50, sees its usable capacity increase from 105.2kWh to 109.1kWh, while the M70 xDrive employs a 108.9kWh system. The thermal management system integrates a heat pump from the vehicle’s air conditioning system for battery pre-conditioning, enhancing charging efficiency. Engineers have also implemented a new physical release button for the charging cable, addressing practical usage considerations.
The platform offers three distinct powertrain configurations, each showing substantial improvements over their predecessors. The xDrive45 increases output from 322bhp to 402bhp, with torque rising from 630Nm to 700Nm. This enhanced power reduces the 0-62mph time from 6.1 to 5.1 seconds. The xDrive60 generates 536bhp with 765Nm of torque, achieving 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds while maintaining impressive efficiency at 21.0 kWh/62 miles. The performance-focused M70 xDrive, replacing the M60, produces 650bhp with 1,100Nm of torque during Launch Control, enabling a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 155mph.
Remake remodel
Charging capabilities have seen notable improvements across the range. The xDrive60 and M70 xDrive variants support DC fast charging at up to 195kW, while the xDrive45 manages up to 175kW. All versions maintain AC charging capability at up to 22kW. The charging system’s optimization includes enhanced pre-conditioning functions and improved current control, maximizing charging efficiency across different environmental conditions.
The chassis engineering has required significant recalibration to handle the changed weight distribution from the new battery technology. Each variant receives individual suspension tuning, with a new hydraulic rear axle bearing designed specifically to maintain the platform’s dynamic characteristics. The system employs a double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle configuration, with electric steering providing variable ratio control. Sport mode calibration has been enhanced, with engineers enabling dynamic stability control activation for more engaging driving dynamics.
The M70 xDrive variant includes several performance-focused upgrades, including an enhanced M Sport braking system, adaptive two-axle ride level control, electronically controlled shock absorbers, M-specific anti-roll bars, and Integral Active Steering with rear-wheel steering. This braking system is also available as an option on other variants. The chassis improvements extend to the wheel design, with sizes ranging from 20 to 23 inches. The largest wheels feature innovative tire technology with integrated foam absorbers to enhance noise insulation.
Energy management systems have also been comprehensively updated. The platform achieves impressive WLTP ranges: 374 miles for the xDrive45 (over 100 miles more than its predecessor), 426 miles for the xDrive60 (up from 380 miles), and 366 miles for the M70 xDrive. These improvements result from refined power electronics and enhanced battery management systems. The platform includes an advanced energy recovery system and a max range function that can extend range by up to 25% when needed.
The driver assistance architecture includes Level 2 automated driving capability through the Highway Assistant system, which can handle steering at speeds up to 81mph and includes eye-activated lane change assistance. The system operates on BMW Operating System 8.5, retaining the established 12.3-inch driver’s display and 14.9-inch central touchscreen configuration rather than adopting the newer Panoramic iDrive setup. This system supports enhanced route planning with charging stop optimization, providing real-time information about charging station availability and charging costs.
Evolution
The platform’s aerodynamic development focuses on efficiency without compromising performance. New wheel designs and body modifications, including a revised front bumper with enhanced air intake design and a rear diffuser, contribute to improved airflow management. The M Sport variants receive additional aerodynamic elements including vertical reflectors for enhanced air guidance.
Standard equipment across all variants includes adaptive LED headlights with new City Light technology for improved urban visibility, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features including Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality and advanced parking assistance systems. The Parking Assistant Professional feature enables remote control of parking maneuvers via smartphone integration.
Production continues at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, with the facility adapted to accommodate the new battery technology and powertrain configurations. The manufacturing process incorporates specific quality control protocols for the high-voltage components and enhanced testing procedures for the new power electronics systems.
These engineering advances come with corresponding price adjustments, with the xDrive45 starting at £74,400, the xDrive60 at £92,200, and the M70 xDrive at £113,300, reflecting the substantial technical upgrades across the range. The pricing structure acknowledges the significant improvements in battery capacity, performance capabilities, and technical sophistication of each variant.
The 2025 BMW iX platform demonstrates how electric vehicle architecture can evolve to deliver enhanced performance while improving efficiency. The combination of increased power output, extended range capabilities, and sophisticated energy management systems represents a significant step forward in BMW’s EV engineering, which the company hopes will set new benchmarks for technical capability in the premium electric SUV segment.
