2025 BMW iX Full Review: Vicki Butler-Henderson Finds Out if It’s Still the One to Beat
The BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport delivers 544 horsepower and 426 miles of range in BMW's flagship electric SUV. Reaching 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds, this updated 2025 facelift combines dual motors with xDrive all-wheel drive for effortless performance. The facelift brings sharper styling, illuminated kidney grille, and refined interior tech including the curved digital display and crystal-style controls.
Prices range from £75,000 to £114,000 across the lineup. The xDrive60 M Sport tested here costs £93,000 plus options, totalling around £108,000 as tested. With 500 litres of boot space (expanding to 1,750 litres with seats folded) and 2,500kg towing capacity, the iX balances luxury with practicality. This review is based on first-hand testing by professional racing driver and automotive presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson.
Vicki Butler-Henderson is a professional racing driver and established automotive presenter with extensive experience testing and evaluating high-performance vehicles. Her motorsport background and years of automotive journalism provide the technical knowledge and practical driving experience required to accurately assess BMW's electric vehicle characteristics and driving dynamics.
What is the BMW iX xDrive60?
The BMW iX xDrive60 is BMW's flagship electric SUV, updated for 2025 with styling refinements and enhanced technology. Sitting above the iX xDrive40 but below the range-topping M60 variant, the xDrive60 balances performance with impressive range capabilities. BMW describes it as an electric sports activity vehicle.
Key specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | £75,000–£114,000 (xDrive60: £93,000) |
| Body style | Electric SUV |
| Range | 426 miles (WLTP) |
| Boot capacity | 500-1,750 litres |
| Drive | Dual motor xDrive AWD |
| Towing capacity | 2,500kg (optional electric tow bar) |
| Wheel sizes | 21-23 inches (test car: 22-inch) |
Source: BMW official specifications
What are the BMW iX's design features?
When the iX launched in 2021, it looked like it was sent from the future. This 2025 facelift refines that polarising design with subtle but meaningful updates. As Vicki notes, opinions on the iX's styling remain divided – the distinctive kidney grille and otherworldly proportions aren't for everyone.
Front design updates:
The kidney grille has been redesigned and can now be illuminated to ensure it's fully appreciated. The headlights feature city light technology, projecting light onto the pavement in urban areas as well as the road ahead. The front bumper is more sculpted with increased body-coloured sections on the lower portions.
Rear design:
The rear diffuser features high-gloss black finish with vertical reflectors. The test model includes the £1,350 M Sport Pro package, which darkens the light inlays and adds colour to the brake callipers.
Colour and size:
Seven new exterior colours are available, including Arctic Race Blue on the test vehicle. The iX is wider, taller, and longer than the Polestar 3 rival. For the first time, 23-inch alloys are available, alongside 21-inch options.
Boot space:
The boot offers 500 litres with rear seats up, with more when you fold them. An optional electric tow bar allows towing up to 2,500kg – 300kg more than the Polestar 3 rival.
Wheels & Tyres
BMW offers alloys ranging from 21 to 23 inches for the iX. The test vehicle features 22-inch wheels wrapped in Hankook iON Evo SUV tyres, developed in close collaboration with BMW.
A star marking on the tyre sidewall indicates BMW-specific fitment. This original equipment marking confirms the tyre was designed and approved by BMW for the iX specifically. The Hankook iON Evo SUV has achieved 4.1 out of 5 stars from drivers on DriverReviews. During testing, these tyres delivered excellent grip and comfort with minimal noise, perfectly matching the iX's serene character.
What's the BMW iX interior like?
The iX's otherworldly exterior design continues inside. The cockpit is very much designed around the driver, featuring the long curved digital dashboard first introduced on the previous iX when it launched. As Vicki observes, there's an interesting mix of materials and reflective surfaces throughout, along with discrete air vents.
Digital displays:
The curved digital dashboard combines driver instruments and central infotainment in one seamless display. There's a haptic unit on top of the double-decker central section, whilst the iDrive control provides a gateway to your connected world through physical interaction.
Connectivity features:
In-car gaming keeps you entertained whilst charging, whilst video streaming is available. BMW's intelligent personal assistant provides information from current tyre pressures to nearby restaurants. The digital key function allows phone pairing with the car – you can share the key with up to 18 people and limit acceleration, power, and speed for learner drivers.
Front seats:
The new sports seats adjust electrically, with controls unusually located by the door handle rather than on the seat side. Vicki finds them slightly unsightly in this new position. The Harman Kardon surround sound system delivers excellent audio quality.
Optional extras:
The panoramic sunroof costs just over £3,000 and features electronic frosting at the touch of a button. The technology pack, at a similar price, includes 22kW high-speed charging (tripling home wallbox rates) plus Parking Assistant Pro, allowing remote manoeuvring via your phone.
Rear seats:
The iX offers substantial rear space thanks to the flat floor – no transmission tunnel needed in an electric car. Heated seats, USB-C ports, and iPad mounts provide creature comforts. The middle armrest folds down revealing two cup holders. As Vicki confirms, the rear is a genuinely nice place to sit.
What is the BMW iX's performance?
Even the entry-level iX xDrive40 delivers over 400 horsepower. The xDrive60 features dual electric motors producing 544 horsepower and 700Nm of torque. BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system distributes power between both axles, providing maximum grip when called upon.
Performance specifications:
| Performance | Figure |
|---|---|
| Power | 544hp |
| Torque | 700Nm |
| 0-62mph | 5.1 seconds |
| Weight | 2,500kg |
| Range (WLTP) | 426 miles |
| Range (urban) | 492 miles |
The 544 horsepower and 700Nm torque propel this 2,500kg-plus machine to 62mph in 5.1 seconds – hot hatch territory. For ultimate performance, the range-topping M60 delivers 659 horsepower and over 1,000Nm torque, achieving 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds with launch control – remarkable for a 2.5-tonne vehicle.
How does the BMW iX drive?
As Vicki notes, whilst you might want all that power, you definitely don't need it because one of the great things about this car is its serene character. The chassis and suspension have been updated to cope with the extra power throughout the range.
Driving modes:
Sport mode lights the dash red and sharpens steering, throttle response, and suspension whilst adding a futuristic noise. There's also an expressive mode with what Vicki describes as a sound that "could almost be a theme tune for a horror movie." Silent mode turns the dash purple and eliminates cabin noise – though as Vicki admits, "this mode suits this car really well, but it doesn't suit me."
Braking and regeneration:
The brakes do a great job with strong pedal response. The regenerative braking system can bring the car to a complete stop simply by lifting off the throttle, allowing one-pedal driving if desired. Vicki notes she's not a huge fan of regenerative braking and knocks it off as much as possible.
Steering and handling:
The three-spoke sports wheel differs from the multi-angled wheel in the entry-level iX. Vicki wholeheartedly approves of it being round but finds it too chunky – fashionable for BMWs at the moment. It's not quite sensitive enough to give you the feeling that the tyre tread is in the palm of your hands, though it remains super accurate thanks partly to the £1,400 rear-wheel steering option. This provides a tight turning circle for town driving and stability on faster country lanes.
Road character:
All this is done with very little fanfare – you can't really hear the tyres, there's very little wind noise, and it's such a calm place to be. As Vicki observes: "In certain modes, sometimes it's more like you're floating along the road rather than driving on it. It is a very tranquil machine." Hill descent control works as slow cruise control when descending steep hills, useful if you live at the bottom of a steep hill.
How long does the BMW iX take to charge?
New battery technology has improved efficiency, enabling this mid-spec xDrive60 to achieve that headline-grabbing figure of 426 miles between charges. If you stay in town or villages, you could eke it out to 492 miles before needing to charge.
DC rapid charging takes just over half an hour from 10-80%, which is competitive. If you've only got time for a quick stop, 10 minutes will top things up by around 80 miles.
If you ever find your mileage calculations could fall short, put it into efficient mode and activate maximum range. The car will limit power, speed, air conditioning, and seat heating, prioritising range to do its best to get you home.
The optional technology pack includes 22kW high-speed charging, tripling the charging rate compared to average home wallboxes. This transforms home charging from overnight convenience to genuinely practical top-ups between journeys.
How does the BMW iX compare with competitors?
The Polestar 3 represents the iX's closest rival, offering at least £5,000 in savings and a few more miles of range. The Polestar emphasises Scandinavian minimalism with strong performance and sustainability credentials.
However, this mid-spec iX xDrive60, with its still-impressive 426-mile range, is a cut above thanks to the mix of luxury and well-rounded electric manners. The refined driving experience, superior interior quality, and advanced technology justify the premium. As Vicki concludes, it remains the one to beat in the class.
Final thoughts
The BMW iX xDrive60 represents BMW's most accomplished electric SUV to date. With 544 horsepower, 426 miles of range, and dual-motor xDrive all-wheel drive, it combines impressive performance with practical capabilities.
From a driving perspective, the iX delivers a uniquely serene experience. As Vicki observes: "In certain modes, sometimes it's more like you're floating along the road rather than driving on it. It is a very tranquil machine." The updated chassis manages the substantial power beautifully, whilst the xDrive system provides confidence-inspiring grip exactly when needed.
At £93,000 for the xDrive60 (around £108,000 as tested), the iX positions itself as BMW's flagship electric SUV offering. The combination of 500-1,750 litres of luggage space, 2,500kg towing capacity, and advanced technology creates a compelling package for buyers seeking luxury electric motoring. Whilst the Polestar 3 saves money and offers slightly more range, the iX's blend of refinement, performance, and traditional BMW quality justifies the premium for those who value the complete package.
BMW iX FAQ
How much does the BMW iX cost?
Prices range from £75,000 to £114,000 across the lineup. The xDrive60 M Sport starts at £93,000, whilst the entry-level xDrive40 begins lower and the range-topping M60 costs more.
What is the real-world range of the BMW iX?
Official WLTP range is 426 miles for the xDrive60. Real-world mixed driving maintains this figure, whilst urban-only driving can extend range to 492 miles between charges.
How long does the BMW iX take to charge?
DC rapid charging delivers 10-80% in just over half an hour. A 10-minute stop adds approximately 80 miles of range. The optional 22kW home charging triples standard wallbox speeds.
Is the BMW iX reliable?
The 2025 facelift builds on the proven platform introduced in 2021. BMW's electric powertrain technology has demonstrated dependability across their EV range, and the iX benefits from comprehensive warranty coverage and regular over-the-air software updates.
How does the BMW iX compare to the Mercedes EQS SUV?
The EQS SUV offers more interior space and slightly more range, whilst the iX provides sharper handling and more engaging driving dynamics. The iX also costs less whilst delivering comparable luxury and technology.
What are the running costs of the BMW iX?
Home charging costs approximately £8-10 for a full charge. Company car tax is favorable at 2% benefit-in-kind. Servicing costs are lower than combustion equivalents with no oil changes or timing belt replacements required.
About DriverReviews
DriverReviews is a platform focused on providing real-world insight into performance and enthusiast vehicles. Our content is created by experienced automotive journalists and professional racing drivers who test vehicles under real-world conditions. All reviews are based on first-hand driving experience and aim to provide authoritative, trustworthy information for car enthusiasts and prospective buyers.
DriverReviews is AFNOR-accredited and holds certification to the NF522 and NF ISO 20488 standards for collecting, moderating, and publishing customer reviews. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to quality and reliability, reaffirming our dedication to meeting internationally recognized standards to ensure transparency and trust throughout our review processes.
In addition to our written content, DriverReviews operates one of the largest automotive YouTube channels in the United Kingdom with over 700,000 subscribers. Our channel features in-depth video reviews of vehicles from leading manufacturers such as Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, BMW, Land Rover, and many more, delivering engaging, honest, and expert-led content to a global audience.
Source: DriverReviews