Throughout an Worldwide Media occasion in South Carolina, I had the prospect to get behind the wheel of the up to date 2025 BMW iX Facelift. This wasn’t your typical check drive—the automobile remains to be a pre-production prototype, full with camouflage, so there’s loads 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 stored the iX facelift largely 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 totally different than on the present iX fashions with a bit extra aggressiveness in it. The taillights stay unchanged although and that’s okay because the slim lights have been already a favourite of ours. Other than that, the camouflage made it exhausting 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 to be like largely unchanged, the ultimate design tweaks must anticipate the official reveal. What we do know is that BMW didn’t reinvent the wheel right here, however as an alternative refined the iX’s design to maintain it contemporary.
Inside: Small Modifications, Huge Impression
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 in all my essential 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 check, 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 typically discovered themselves awkwardly bumping their heads towards it. This redesign addresses that challenge, making the seats extra accommodating for everybody. Whether or not you’re navigating metropolis streets or settling in for a protracted highway journey, these upgraded seats ship glorious consolation and noticeably improved assist, particularly when tackling corners. BMW clearly paid consideration to suggestions, and it exhibits.
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 admire how roomy it feels, rivaling even the bigger X7 when it comes to legroom and general consolation. The steering wheel on this check automobile featured the normal spherical design, however BMW confirmed that the unique form remains to be accessible as an possibility for many who choose it.
On the Highway: Driving the Up to date iX
BMW hasn’t made huge adjustments to the general bundle, however the small tweaks add as much as improve effectivity. The inverters within the electrical motor have been upgraded, bettering effectivity by a formidable 4%. Rolling resistance has additionally been lowered, because of the inclusion of A+ rated tires, which not solely improve effectivity but additionally contribute to a smoother trip. Wheel choices go up to an enormous 23 inches, offering each model and efficiency flexibility.
In the meantime, the bearings within the electrical motor—vital for supporting the motor’s shaft and rotor and facilitating energy transmission—have been modified. These modifications improve the general effectivity of this refreshed iX as properly. Moreover, BMW has added the flexibility 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. In fact, and not using a direct back-to-back comparability, that feeling could possibly be subjective—however it’s a promising trace of what’s to return. 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 geared up with the usual suspension, not the non-compulsory air suspension. Even so, the trip felt extra refined because of reworked damper settings. On the freeway, the automobile stayed composed and planted, providing a easy and comfy expertise. Consolation mode does precisely what it says on the tin—comfortable steering, relaxed dampers, and an general laid-back vibe. My spouse would like it; she’s not a fan of overly stiff steering or sporty setups.
Change 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 each day use, although, I’d persist with Consolation mode—it’s the place the iX feels most at residence. Except you get the air suspension (customary on the present iX M60) after which you possibly can play within the stiffer settings.
Remaining 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 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, easy trip, and quiet cabin make it a improbable each day driver. And whereas the iX has been a bit polarizing when it comes to its design, its dimension 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.
