2025 BMW iX Full Review: Vicki Butler-Henderson Finds Out if It’s Still the One to Beat

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. It sits above the entry-level iX xDrive45 but below the range-topping M70 xDrive. The iX is built at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany.

The facelift brings a redesigned illuminated kidney grille, city light technology at the front and updated rear styling. The interior gains new sports seats and an enhanced version of the curved digital dashboard first introduced on the original iX. Updates to the battery help give the xDrive60 up to 426 miles of WLTP range.

What makes the BMW iX xDrive60 stand out:

• 544hp and 765Nm from dual electric motors with xDrive all-wheel drive, reaching 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds
• Up to 426 miles WLTP range from the 109.1kWh usable battery
• Optional illuminated kidney grille, city light technology and updated rear diffuser in high-gloss black
• Curved digital dashboard, haptic controls and iDrive physical interface
• Digital Key Plus sharing with up to 17 other people
• 2,500kg towing capacity with optional electric tow bar
• Optional 22kW AC Charging Professional through the Technology Pack
• 23-inch alloy wheels available for the first time on the iX

What Does the BMW iX xDrive60 Look Like?

When the iX launched in 2021, Vicki notes it looked like it had been sent from the future. For 2025, BMW has made a handful of changes to that polarising design. The kidney grille has been redesigned and can now be illuminated to ensure it is fully appreciated. The headlights incorporate city light technology that projects light onto the pavement as well as the road ahead in urban areas. A more sculpted front bumper features more body-coloured sections in the lower portions.

At the rear, the diffuser features a high-gloss black finish with vertical reflectors. The tested car includes the £1,350 M Sport Pro package, which darkens the light inlays and adds a colour contrast to the brake callipers. Seven new exterior colours are available, including the Arctic Race Blue of the tested car. Wheel options run from 21 to 23 inches, with 23-inch alloys available for the first time on the iX.

How Does the BMW iX xDrive60 Drive?

Performance and Power Delivery

The xDrive60 delivers 544hp and 765Nm of torque through BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. Vicki describes the 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds as hot hatch territory for a machine weighing 2,580kg. The entry-level xDrive45 produces 408hp; the range-topping M70 xDrive produces 659hp and 1,015Nm, rising to 1,100Nm with Launch Control, and reaches 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds for buyers who prioritise maximum performance.

Character and Driving Modes

Vicki describes the defining characteristic of the iX as serenity. Sport mode illuminates the dashboard red and sharpens steering, throttle response and suspension while adding a futuristic synthesised sound. Expressive mode produces what Vicki describes as a sound that could almost be a theme tune for a horror movie. Silent mode turns the dashboard purple and quietens things down, though as Vicki notes this mode suits the car very well but does not suit her, so she goes back into sport.

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, though finds it too chunky, which is fashionable for BMWs at the moment. It is not quite sensitive enough to place the tyre tread directly in the palm of the hands, though it remains super accurate, partly due to the £1,400 rear-wheel steering option. This provides a tight turning circle in town and stability on faster country lanes.

All this is delivered with very little fanfare. There is very little tyre noise, very little wind noise, and it is a calm place to be. In certain modes, Vicki describes it as feeling more like floating along the road than driving on it. It is a very tranquil machine.

Regenerative Braking

The brakes deliver strong pedal response. Lifting off the throttle fully brings the car to a complete stop through regenerative braking, enabling true one-pedal driving.

Range and Charging

The xDrive60 offers 370-426 miles of WLTP range depending on specification. DC rapid charging reaches 10-80% in 35 minutes at up to 195kW, while a 10-minute high-power charging stop can add approximately 103-135 miles. The Maximum Range mode limits power, speed, air conditioning and seat heating to prioritise range when battery levels are low.

The optional Technology Pack includes AC Charging Professional at up to 22kW, compared with 11kW AC charging as standard.

Is the BMW iX xDrive60 Practical?

Boot and Storage:

The iX offers 500 litres of boot space with seats up, expanding to 1,750 litres with rear seats folded. The optional electric tow bar enables 2,500kg towing capacity.

Rear Seats:

The flat floor, with no transmission tunnel, creates genuinely generous rear space. USB-C ports are provided, along with a hidden attachment point for an iPad or tablet. Rear seat heating is available through the optional Comfort Pack. The middle armrest folds down to reveal two cup holders. Vicki confirms the rear is a genuinely nice place to sit.

Hill Descent Control:

Hill Descent Control is standard and works like a very slow cruise control, managing the car's speed while the driver focuses on steering. As Vicki points out, it could be particularly useful if you live at the bottom of a steep hill.

What Is the BMW iX xDrive60 Interior Like?

Digital Dashboard:

The curved digital dashboard combines driver instruments and central infotainment in one seamless display, first introduced on the original iX and retained here. There is an interesting mix of materials and reflective surfaces throughout the cabin, alongside discrete air vents.

Controls:

The centre console combines haptic controls with BMW's familiar physical iDrive controller. BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant provides information from current tyre pressures to nearby restaurant recommendations.

Connectivity:

In-car gaming and video streaming are also available through BMW's connected services. BMW Digital Key Plus allows compatible devices to be used as vehicle keys and shared with up to 17 other people.

Seats:

The new sports seats adjust electrically, with controls located by the door handle rather than on the seat side, an unusual placement for BMW. Vicki finds them a little unsightly in this new position. A Harman Kardon surround sound system is standard.

Optional Extras:

The panoramic sunroof costs just over £3,000 and features electronic frosting at the touch of a button. The Technology Pack includes AC Charging Professional at up to 22kW and Parking Assistant Professional for remote manoeuvring via smartphone.

What Wheels and Tyres Does the BMW iX xDrive60 Have?

The iX xDrive60 M Sport is available with 21, 22 or 23-inch alloy wheels. The tested car features 22-inch wheels, while the 23-inch option is available on the iX for the first time.

The tested BMW iX xDrive60 is fitted with Hankook iON evo SUV tyres. According to Hankook, the iON evo SUV is designed for electric SUVs with a focus on rolling resistance, noise and handling the higher weight and torque associated with electric vehicles.

The Hankook iON evo SUV has received 4.1 out of 5 stars from drivers on DriverReviews.

Tyre options:

• Hankook iON evo SUV, summer EV-specific, R22 / R23
• Pirelli P ZERO E, summer EV-specific, R21 / R22 / R23
• Pirelli P ZERO (PZ4), summer high-performance, R21 / R22 / R23
• NEXEN N'FERA SPORT, summer, R21
• Bridgestone approved fitment, R22
• Goodyear approved fitment, R23

How Does the BMW iX Compare to Rivals?

BMW iX xDrive60 vs Polestar 3

Vicki notes that the Polestar 3 will save buyers at least £5,000 and give them a few more miles of range. The rear-motor version tows up to 1,500kg, while dual-motor versions can tow up to 2,200kg. Despite that, Vicki considers the iX a cut above thanks to its mix of luxury and well-rounded electric manners, while the BMW also offers a 2,500kg towing capacity.

BMW iX xDrive60 vs BMW iX M70 xDrive

For buyers who want maximum performance, the BMW iX M70 xDrive produces 659hp and 1,015Nm of torque, rising to 1,100Nm with Launch Control, and reaches 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. It costs more than the xDrive60, but delivers a significant step up in performance.

Is the BMW iX xDrive60 Worth Buying?

Vicki considers the iX xDrive60 the one to beat in its class, thanks to its mix of luxury and well-rounded electric manners. At £93,115 at UK launch it delivers up to 426 miles WLTP range, 544hp, 2,500kg towing and a cabin she describes as feeling more like floating than driving in certain modes. The Polestar 3 will save buyers at least £5,000 and offer a few more miles, but Vicki still considers the iX a cut above. Buyers who want maximum performance should step up to the iX M70 xDrive.

The case for the BMW iX xDrive60:

• Up to 426 miles WLTP range from the 109.1kWh usable battery
• 544hp and 765Nm in a package Vicki describes as uniquely serene
• 2,500kg towing capacity with optional electric tow bar
• Optional illuminated kidney grille and updated design for 2025
• 22kW AC Charging Professional available through the optional Technology Pack
• Digital Key Plus sharing with up to 17 other people

Before you buy:

• The Polestar 3 will save buyers at least £5,000 and offer a few more miles of range
• The steering wheel is too chunky for Vicki's taste and not quite sensitive enough to feel the tyre tread
• Seat adjustment controls are located by the door handle rather than on the seat side
• The panoramic roof and Technology Pack both cost over £3,000 each as extras