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 check drive—the automotive remains 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 below wraps, so recognizing the adjustments took some consideration to element. The up to date headlights stood out, now extra environment friendly and certain that includes new LED tech. The kidney grille can also be new with comparable graphics just like the just lately 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 for the reason that slim lights have been already a favourite of ours. Other than that, the camouflage made it arduous 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 appears to be like largely unchanged, the ultimate design tweaks should look ahead to 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 recent.
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 considered one of my foremost 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 extra 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 in opposition to it. This redesign addresses that subject, making the seats extra accommodating for everybody. Whether or not you’re navigating metropolis streets or settling in for a protracted street journey, these upgraded seats ship wonderful 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 respect how roomy it feels, rivaling even the bigger X7 when it comes to legroom and general consolation. The steering wheel on this check automotive featured the normal spherical design, however BMW confirmed that the unique form remains to be accessible as an possibility for individuals who desire it.
On the Street: Driving the Up to date iX
BMW hasn’t made large 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 diminished, because of the inclusion of A+ rated tires, which not solely improve effectivity but additionally contribute to a smoother journey. Wheel choices go up to an enormous 23 inches, offering each fashion 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 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 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, and not using a direct back-to-back comparability, that feeling might be subjective—nevertheless 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 geared up with the usual suspension, not the non-compulsory air suspension. Even so, the journey felt extra refined because of 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 find it irresistible; 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 automotive, however the prompt torque from the electrical motors nonetheless makes it quite a lot of enjoyable to drive. For each day use, although, I’d keep on with Consolation mode—it’s the place the iX feels most at residence. Until you get the air suspension (commonplace on the present iX M60) after which you’ll be able to play within the stiffer settings.
Last 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 snug seats, and refined 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 journey, and quiet cabin make it a incredible 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 believe calling it the “iX5” would’ve helped it click on with extra individuals.
