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 automotive continues to be a pre-production prototype, full with camouflage, so there’s a lot 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 discovered.
Design Tweaks: A Camouflaged Tease
BMW stored the iX facelift largely below wraps, so recognizing the modifications 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 also be new with related graphics just like the not too long ago unveiled BMW X3. The entrance bumper can also 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 because the slim lights had been already a favourite of ours. Other than that, the camouflage made it laborious to pin down all the outside updates, however the general form and proportions stay acquainted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26B2X9yT-MQ
The pop-out door handles are nonetheless right here, and whereas the aerodynamic profile seems largely unchanged, the ultimate design tweaks must look forward 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 recent.
Inside: Small Modifications, Large 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 among my primary gripes with the earlier iX. The second I sat down, it was instantly clear the seats had been prolonged. How might I inform? BMW requested themselves the identical query. Let’s simply say, as a fast check, I might 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 help 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 concern, making the seats extra accommodating for everybody. Whether or not you’re navigating metropolis streets or settling in for an extended highway journey, these upgraded seats ship wonderful consolation and noticeably improved help, 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 area, particularly within the again. Rear passengers will recognize how roomy it feels, rivaling even the bigger X7 by way of legroom and general consolation. The steering wheel on this check automotive featured the standard spherical design, however BMW confirmed that the unique form continues to be out there as an possibility for many who choose it.
On the Street: Driving the Up to date iX
BMW hasn’t made huge modifications to the general bundle, however the small tweaks add as much as enhance effectivity. The inverters within the electrical motor have been upgraded, enhancing effectivity by a formidable 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 model 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 flexibility to set the utmost vary because the default mode, making it simpler for drivers to prioritize effectivity with out twiddling with settings every time they begin the automotive.
Whereas official energy figures stay below wraps, the facelifted iX gives the look of being barely faster than the outgoing iX 50. In fact, with no direct back-to-back comparability, that feeling might be subjective—however it’s a promising trace of what’s to come back. Promising can also be the vary. On this drive, I began with round 80% cost and over 300 miles of vary. In some unspecified time in the future, the battery pack confirmed 78% with 293 miles to go.
The prototype I drove was outfitted with the usual suspension, not the elective air suspension. Even so, the experience felt extra refined due to reworked damper settings. On the freeway, the automotive stayed composed and planted, providing a clean and cozy expertise. Consolation mode does precisely what it says on the tin—gentle 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.
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 automotive, however the instantaneous torque from the electrical motors nonetheless makes it quite a lot 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 (customary on the present iX M60) after which you’ll be able to 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 taking a look at an all-electric luxurious SUV, the iX stays a high contender, particularly when 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 unbelievable every day driver. And whereas the iX has been a bit polarizing by way of its design, its dimension and luxurious put it squarely in X5/X7 territory. Personally, I believe calling it the “iX5” would’ve helped it click on with extra folks.
