Throughout an Worldwide Media occasion in South Carolina, I had the possibility to get behind the wheel of the up to date 2025 BMW iX Facelift. This wasn’t your typical take a look at drive—the automobile continues to be a pre-production prototype, full with camouflage, so there’s lots BMW hasn’t revealed but. However even with its secrets and techniques partially hidden, the iX facelift gave us a good suggestion of what to anticipate from this up to date all-electric SUV. Right here’s what I realized.
Design Tweaks: A Camouflaged Tease
BMW saved the iX facelift principally beneath wraps, so recognizing the adjustments took some consideration to element. The up to date headlights stood out, now extra environment friendly and sure that includes new LED tech. The kidney grille can be new with comparable graphics just like the not too long ago unveiled BMW X3. The entrance bumper can be completely different than on the present iX fashions with a bit extra aggressiveness in it. The taillights stay unchanged although and that’s okay for the reason that slim lights had been already a favourite of ours. Aside from that, the camouflage made it onerous to pin down all the outside updates, however the general form and proportions stay acquainted.
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The pop-out door handles are nonetheless right here, and whereas the aerodynamic profile appears largely unchanged, the ultimate design tweaks must look ahead to the official reveal. What we do know is that BMW didn’t reinvent the wheel right here, however as a substitute refined the iX’s design to maintain it contemporary.
Inside: Small Modifications, Massive Influence
Hop inside, and also you’ll instantly discover the updates to the seats. BMW clearly listened to suggestions as a result of these new seats are a sport changer. The bolsters are extra supportive, and the seat size has been elevated, which was one among my major gripes with the earlier iX. The second I sat down, it was instantly clear the seats had been prolonged. How may I inform? BMW requested themselves the identical query. Let’s simply say, as a fast take a look at, I may match my iPhone snugly between my legs (don’t ask), and it didn’t slide out. The added size isn’t the one enchancment—the seat edges now curve barely upward, offering further assist and a safer really feel.
One other considerate change is the cutout within the headrest. On earlier fashions, shorter passengers usually discovered themselves awkwardly bumping their heads towards it. This redesign addresses that problem, making the seats extra accommodating for everybody. Whether or not you’re navigating metropolis streets or settling in for an extended street journey, these upgraded seats ship glorious consolation and noticeably improved assist, particularly when tackling corners. BMW clearly paid consideration to suggestions, and it reveals.
The remainder of the cabin feels largely acquainted—minimalist but luxurious. The devoted EV platform nonetheless shines, offering ample inside house, particularly within the again. Rear passengers will recognize how roomy it feels, rivaling even the bigger X7 when it comes to legroom and general consolation. The steering wheel on this take a look at automobile featured the standard spherical design, however BMW confirmed that the unique form continues to be accessible as an possibility for individuals who want it.
On the Highway: Driving the Up to date iX
BMW hasn’t made huge adjustments to the general package deal, however the small tweaks add as much as enhance effectivity. The inverters within the electrical motor have been upgraded, enhancing effectivity by a powerful 4%. Rolling resistance has additionally been lowered, due to the inclusion of A+ rated tires, which not solely improve effectivity but in addition contribute to a smoother experience. Wheel choices go up to an enormous 23 inches, offering each type and efficiency flexibility.
In the meantime, the bearings within the electrical motor—crucial for supporting the motor’s shaft and rotor and facilitating energy transmission—had been modified. These modifications improve the general effectivity of this refreshed iX as effectively. Moreover, BMW has added the power to set the utmost vary because the default mode, making it simpler for drivers to prioritize effectivity with out fidgeting with settings every time they begin the automobile.
Whereas official energy figures stay beneath wraps, the facelifted iX gives the look of being barely faster than the outgoing iX 50. After all, and not using a direct back-to-back comparability, that feeling might be subjective—but it surely’s a promising trace of what’s to come back. Promising can be the vary. On this drive, I began with round 80% cost and over 300 miles of vary. Sooner or later, the battery pack confirmed 78% with 293 miles to go.
The prototype I drove was outfitted with the usual suspension, not the optionally available air suspension. Even so, the experience felt extra refined due to reworked damper settings. On the freeway, the automobile stayed composed and planted, providing a clean and cozy expertise. Consolation mode does precisely what it says on the tin—smooth steering, relaxed dampers, and an general laid-back vibe. My spouse would adore it; she’s not a fan of overly stiff steering or sporty setups.
Swap to Sport mode, and issues get a bit extra thrilling. The dampers stiffen, the steering weights up, and the iX begins to really feel extra responsive. It’s not a sports activities automobile, however the instantaneous torque from the electrical motors nonetheless makes it plenty of enjoyable to drive. For every day use, although, I’d persist with Consolation mode—it’s the place the iX feels most at house. Until you get the air suspension (normal on the present iX M60) after which you may play within the stiffer settings.
Closing Ideas
The 2025 BMW iX Facelift doesn’t attempt to repair what isn’t damaged. As a substitute, it builds on the strengths of the unique with higher effectivity, extra comfy seats, and delicate suspension tweaks. For anybody taking a look at an all-electric luxurious SUV, the iX stays a high contender, particularly in the event you go for upgrades just like the air suspension.
If there’s one factor BMW nailed with the iX, it’s how usable it’s. The spacious inside, clean experience, and quiet cabin make it a implausible every day driver. And whereas the iX has been a bit polarizing when it comes to its design, its measurement and luxurious put it squarely in X5/X7 territory. Personally, I feel calling it the “iX5” would’ve helped it click on with extra folks.
