We Took a Sneak Peek at the Updated BMW iX
During a recent visit to the BMW Performance Center in Greenville, South Carolina, we got the opportunity to drive a number of new vehicles including the 2025 BMW X3 and M5 both on the road and the track. The company also allowed us to take a sneak peek at the updated BMW iX.
The electric SUV was dressed in special camo so we couldn’t get a clear picture of its redesigned exterior. What we can tell you is that the lines are mostly unchanged. The large grille up front also appears to be carried over from the current model. On the other hand, the rear end looks cleaner with a lower bumper that doesn’t protrude as much.
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Inside, the dashboard and centre console were both hidden under thick black fabric, making it impossible to see the changes that BMW has in store for the iX. We don’t expect the updated model to be significantly different, mind you. The curved display, in particular, is pretty much the same. Meanwhile, the front seats felt more supportive with larger side bolsters for the lower body.
Before we hit the road, the BMW engineer riding shotgun with us said the model was a long-range iX xDrive60. There is no such thing in the lineup at the moment, only an xDrive50. Could this be a new addition or simply a revision to the iX nomenclature? The company wouldn’t say. Still, we anticipate battery capacity to increase, resulting in longer range.
Improved Performance
Our time on the road with the updated iX was way too short—we drove for no more than 5 km—but a hard jab at the throttle upon leaving the BMW Performance Center revealed slightly better acceleration than what we’re used to.
In terms of performance and handling, the new model lands somewhere between the xDrive50 and top-line M60. The more supportive buckets also improve the cornering experience. The engineer sitting next to us confirmed that new chassis tuning and more advanced driver assistance features are part of the package, too. We’ll have to take his word for it until we can get more details.
There’s plenty we don’t know yet, but from what we can tell, the updated BMW iX will look and feel largely familiar. Driving dynamics will also continue to please existing owners. An official debut is likely going to take place in the coming weeks since the vehicle will go on sale in the first half of 2025. We’ll keep you posted.
