Introduced in 2021, the BMW iX cars were the first purpose built SUVs from the company.
Now, the latest evolution sees a more assertive sporting look along with increased system power and improved range.
These updated models were launched in the Spring of 2025 with the major markets being the US, UK and Germany.
The exterior is characterised by strong vertical accents at the front dominated by the dark grille and angular running lights within the narrow light strips.
Neat in-panel recessed door pulls maintain a smooth surface with rear light units repeating the slim banding of those at the front.
Review model is the 120 iX xDrive 45 M Sport, rated at 408hp.
This is an 82hp increase over the previous xDrive40.
With constant torque of 700Nm powering an electric motor on each axle, it returns a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds progressing to an electronically limited top speed of 124mph.
Power base sees a significant 30% increase over the earlier model to 94.8kWh.
This results in an all-important range of up to 374 miles (WLTP) on a single charge.
A short drive on a group test day revealed the appeal of this model, sitting slightly lower than a traditional SUV but with a footprint almost 5×2 metres.
The lower height gives easy access, to be greeted by the expected luxury in a cabin with the added M Sport detailing.
This includes the heated front seats with increased lateral support, M leather heated steering wheel, two-tone instrument panel with M logo, trim finishes in dark silver, anthracite headlining and M pedals.
Instruments are sensibly presented in a curved cross-cabin rectangular panel housing a 12.3 inch driver’s display and a 14.9 inch infotainment touch screen.
A rotary i-Drive control on the upper central console duplicates menu selection.
On the road, the vehicle is extremely quiet with negligible motor sound and little wind noise.
Its agility on B roads belies its size, and the slightly lower height and low centre of gravity contribute to good cornering poise.
All-wheel drive adds to cornering security.
Despite the ‘45’ being the least powerful of the iX trio, it maintains excellent pace which can be fine-tuned using the optional settings on the ‘My Modes’ button on the centre console.
In addition to adjusting vehicle characteristics, it also aligns display settings to suit.
All models have a full complement of driver support technologies including Driving Assistance Plus.
This brakes and accelerates within the maximum speed limit set by the driver while maintaining lane discipline considering the traffic situation.
Other standard features include front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, Hill Descent Control and the option to deactivate Dynamic Stability Control.
For the passengers, the optional panoramic glass sunroof at £3,200 adds to the feeling of space in what is already a very roomy cabin.
Luggage storage extends to 500 litres accessed via a powered tailgate, and is extendable to 1,750 litres with the rear seats folded.
The model driven costs £77,400, while extra equipment brings the total to £88,550.
This includes the Technology Pack at £3,250 and Comfort Pack at £1,650.
It is covered by BMW’s three year warranty with no mileage limit, and can be extended at cost to up to 100,000 miles.
Motoring editor for Derry Journal Newspapers
