BMW’s iX is getting a mid-cycle refresh, and this time, the US is finally getting the entry-level model it never had. The xDrive45 joins the lineup, sitting below the xDrive60 and the high-performance M70 xDrive. That means buyers now have a more affordable way into BMW’s electric SUV—something European customers have had for a while. The xDrive45 isn’t slow, either. It makes 402 horsepower and can go an estimated 312 miles on a charge. The xDrive60 bumps that up to 536 hp with a longer 340-mile range. And if power is the priority, the M70 xDrive packs 650 hp, though its estimated 302 miles per charge means you’ll be stopping more often. None of these are official EPA numbers yet, but they give a good idea of what to expect. Production starts in March 2025, with deliveries rolling out in Q2. The SUV itself hasn’t changed much, but under the skin, there are real updates—new trim names, better efficiency, and more choices for buyers who wanted the iX but didn’t want to stretch for the pricier models. Now, they don’t have to. Read More BMW M3 Touring Teased as First Track-Ready Wagon with CS Badge BMW iX Exterior Gets Subtle Tweaks BMW gave the iX a few tweaks, but you’d have to look closely to spot them. The kidney grille is still huge, but now it comes with optional surround lighting. Inside, diagonal feature lines add a bit of texture. The headlights also get a redesign, swapping the old horizontal DRLs for vertical light strips that double as turn signals. At the back, body-colored panels replace some of the contrasting trim, giving the iX a cleaner look. The xDrive60 and M70 keep things subtle, but the xDrive45 adds deep grooves to the front fascia. Not everyone’s a fan—it’s a bold choice, and some might think it looks a little odd. BMW is also rolling out new paint options, including Arctic Race Blue, Dune Grey, and a matte Frozen Deep Grey. Tanzanite Blue is coming later for those who don’t mind waiting. Lower trims get the option of a Titanium Bronze package, which adds a bit more flash. Wheel choices go all the way up to 23 inches, with new metal inserts designed to improve aerodynamics. The M Sport Professional Package—standard on the M70 xDrive—brings darkened headlights, a blacked-out M grille, and 21-inch wheels. In other words, plenty of ways to make the iX stand out—or blend in, depending on how you spec it. Smarter Upgrades for More Comfortable Cabin BMW has put extra focus on making the iX more comfortable, especially for longer drives. The M Multi-Function Seats, now standard on the M70 and optional on lower trims, fix a major issue from the previous model. The old seats weren’t long enough for taller drivers, leaving them with little thigh support. That’s been addressed, and the new seats also offer adjustable backrest width, lumbar support, and extra contouring for a more tailored fit. They even come with a redesigned headrest to avoid the awkward gaps that shorter passengers found uncomfortable. For a bit more warmth, the Climate Comfort Package brings heated surfaces beyond just the seats. It’s standard on the M70 and optional elsewhere. If you like the feeling of open space, the Panoramic Eclipsing Roof is standard on the xDrive60 and M70. The xDrive45 gets it as an option, and it comes with electrochromatic shading, meaning you can darken the glass with the touch of a button. Music lovers might want to look at the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System. It’s included with the M70 but optional on other trims. Read More Porsche Claims Back-to-Back Wins at Daytona 24H The M Sport Package adds a sharper design inside the cabin, whether you go for the M70 (where it comes standard) or add it to lower trims. It includes M leather steering wheel, two-tone instrument panel with an M logo, dark Silver trim accents, anthracite headlining, M pedals, and high-gloss black center console. Even without the optional add-ons, the iX comes well-equipped. Every trim gets adaptive LED headlights, Comfort Access (keyless entry), heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional system. A Harman Kardon surround sound system is also standard, so you’re not missing out on decent audio if you skip the upgrade. If you go for the M70 xDrive, you’ll get even more, including Integral Active Steering, adaptive two-axle ride level control, and BMW’s Iconic Glow radiator grille. The BMW Operating System 8.5 controls everything through touchscreen and voice commands, with in-car gaming and video streaming built in. 5G connectivity makes sure everything stays fast, and BMW Digital Key lets you use your phone to unlock and start the car. More Power, Faster Charging, and Smarter Efficiency With 650 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque, the BMW iX M70 xDrive is the most powerful iX yet. Launch control brings its 0-60 mph time to just 3.6 seconds, making it one of the quickest electric SUVs on the road. But power comes at a price—the M70 tops out at 302 miles of range. The xDrive60 stretches that to about 340 miles, while the xDrive45 hasn’t been officially rated for the US yet. If you’re after handling upgrades, the Dynamic Handling Package is already built into the M70 and can be added to the lower trims. It brings adaptive two-axle air suspension, M-tuned shock absorbers, and bright red M Sport brakes—because why not make stopping look good too? The xDrive45 comes with a 100.1 kWh battery, while the xDrive60 and M70 xDrive pack 113.4 kWh and 112.8 kWh respectively. But what really matters is charging speed. The xDrive45 can hit 175 kW at a DC fast charger, while the xDrive60 and M70 push that to 195 kW. Find the right charger, and you can add roughly 90 miles of range in just 10 minutes—enough time for a coffee stop. BMW’s also making the iX more efficient. The new silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors improve energy transfer, cutting power loss. BMW says this accounts for about a third of the iX’s total efficiency gains. Even the headlights are 10% more efficient than before. Production, Pricing, and What’s Next BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany will start building the refreshed iX in March 2026, with US deliveries arriving in Q2. It’s also the beginning of the end—the iX will be replaced in the coming years by the all-electric iX5, based on the next-gen X5 (G65). For now, pricing starts at $76,325 for the xDrive45, which is $12,100 cheaper than the outgoing xDrive50. The xDrive60 costs $89,675, and the M70 xDrive sits at $112,625. Need to tow something? A 3,500-lb tow hitch option is coming in summer 2025. Source: BMW
