BMW’s large kidney grilles appear to be the norm now, and the latest 4 Series/i4 proves this look can work very well. Freshly facelifted, the grilles (which can now be optionally lit!) remains one of the key opinion dividers of the iX SUV.
Another identifier of the iX at the front is the high-set headlamp units, which have new vertical elements for the daytime running lights and indicators. These are darkened, along with other M Shadow Line highlights, which are part of the revised M Sport package, and the M70 xDrive model that we drove. Other iX M Sport facelift changes centre on the new, sculpted front bumper, plus a gloss black rear diffuser.
Move to the side, and the range-topping iX also gets black exterior mirror caps, and exclusive 22in M light alloy wheels. These, along with the unusual flaring to the wheel arches, plus the frameless windows, and no door handles, just solenoids, means you won’t mistake the iX for any other car, which we think is a good thing. It is a design that’s very colour sensitive, but we thought it looked stunning in the Tanzanite Blue of our test car.
Interior and technology
Even four years on, the iX remains as radical on the inside as it is on the outside. However, the only facelift changes here, are fitted as part of the revised M Sport equipment grade we’ve already mentioned and tone things down a bit. For buyers that weren’t fans of the quartic or, as BMW calls it, polygonal steering wheel, there’s now a three-spoke M leather steering wheel. Other changes centre on the supportive M multifunction seats, anthracite headlining, M-specific pedals and a high-gloss version of the tall centre console housing the controls for the iDrive.
The good news is the iDrive is simple and intuitive to use, although it’s disappointing that there are no separate buttons for the climate control, plus the digital instruments are sometimes hard to read.
With all the surfaces covered in Alcantara and metal details finished in Dark Silver for the M70 model, it gives the iX’s spacious interior a sporty feel it’s not had before.
Performance and drive
iX models also benefit from increased range thanks to revised electronics, battery technology, and changes to efficiency. The range starts with the xDrive 45, which gets a bigger battery, resulting in a combined output of 408hp and a range of up to 374 miles (up to 367 miles for M Sport models), and this is expected to be the key fleet choice. Plus, there’s the xDrive 60, producing 544hp, which can cover 426 miles on a single charge. Then there’s the range-topping iX M70 xDrive, with BMW claiming a maximum output over 659hp, 1,015Nm of torque, and an irrelevant 155mph top speed. All iX versions are equipped with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system.
The facelifted iX’s extra range is complemented on the xDrive 60 and M70 models by an increased charging output of 195kW, while the xDrive 45 is still capable of up to 175kW. Optimised pre-condition of the high-voltage battery and heating of the stowage system, via the heat pump from the air-conditioning, equal the efficiencies.
On the road, the iX’s precise steering and tight handling are at odds with the M70’s 2.6 tonne weight and its tall SUV body. The new steering wheel is welcome, but a touch more feel would be handy with all the performance.
Another highlight is the comfortable and controlled ride. Even on the standard 22in wheels and despite its weight, this BMW remains a refined companion – even at higher speeds.
Some of the newness has faded, but the facelifted BMW iX continues to impress. The interior is spacious and beautifully detailed, it drives well, remains superbly refined, and few rivals can match the substantial range.
Positive: Good to drive, attractive interior design, interior practicality, space, quality feel
Negative: Styling still divisive, expensive, lack of physical infotainment controls
Standard equipment: Aerodynamic wheels, LED head and tail lights, BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Curved Display, Harman Kardon surround sound system, power adjustable front seats, heated front seats, automatic air conditioning.
Engines: Electric: 408hp, 544hp, 659hp
Equipment grades: Sport, M Sport, M70
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | BMW iX M70 |
| P11D | £113,245 |
| Residual value | 40% |
| Depreciation | £68,288 |
| Fuel | £4,165 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £4,553 |
| Cost per mile | 128.34p |
| Range | 367 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £38/£76 |
| Luggage capacity | 500 litres |
| Battery size/power | 108.9kWh/659hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
