BMW iX facelift adds power and range

The top BMW iX EV update has launched overseas, with a new glow-in-the-dark double kidney grille. 

Other updates to the Q8 e-tron and EX90 rival include new styling tweaks, and added range and power. 

Check out our review of the BMW iX M60.

Due to myriad small efficiency improvements, BMW claims an eight per cent reduction in energy use for the facelifted iX. There’s a new ‘Max Range’ drive mode. 

The xDrive45 is now the entry-level iX. It comes with a new 95kWh (usable) battery, up from 71kWh in the former xDrive40. The result is more than 160km of added range, the xDrive45 out to almost 600km. It can recharge at up to 175kW. 

There’s also a power bump for the dual-motor, AWD powertrain to 300kW and 700Nm, shaving a second off the sprint time (5.1sec). 

The xDrive60 comes with a slightly larger 109kWh battery pack so range increases to 682km. With 400kW and 765Nm on hand, it makes it to 100km/h in 4.6sec.

At the top of the range is the iX M70. It also has the 109kWh battery for 586km of range and 3.8sec sprint time thanks to output of 485kW and 1100Nm. The xDrive60 and M70 can recharge at up to 195kW. 

Other changes include optimised pre-conditioning for the battery, better charging performance and a release button for the charging cable by the port.

BMW has also finetuned the chassis and suspension on each variant. There’s a new hydraulic rear axle bearing to maintain the car’s vaunted balance of ride comfort and agility. 

Sport mode is stroppier too. The M70 comes in for an upgraded M Sport braking system, available as an option for the other models.

It is still bold on the styling front, the lit grille featuring a new diagonal pattern, and headlamps taking on a Neue Klasse look. 

Fresh bumpers and wheels are part of the update, while tyres have foam absorbers to improve noise insulation. Fresh paints round out the exterior changes. 

The interior isn’t much different, with similar screens and still with the rotary controller that BMW is set to drop.

Standard fit items include a Harman Kardon surround sound system, heated front seats and steering wheel, adaptive LED headlights and adaptive cruise control. 

Those with M Sport trim add M Sport multifunction seats for additional support. An M Sport leather steering wheel and pedals are new too. 

Expect level 2 automated driving capability, meaning steering on the motorway can be handled at speeds up to 140km/h.

Prices rise slightly with the increased spec and battery sizes, except for the top model which now costs less than before, at least in the UK. Expect them here midyear.