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

Vicki Butler-Henderson drives the 2025 BMW iX xDrive 60 M Sport, the updated electric SUV that combines 544hp, 426 miles of range, and BMW luxury in one refined package.

This facelift brings sharper looks, new lighting, and updated tech inside - including the curved digital display and crystal-style controls. On the road, dual motors and xDrive all-wheel drive make it effortlessly quick, reaching 0 - 62mph in just 5.1 seconds while remaining calm and composed.

Riding on Hankook iON Evo SUV tyres, it delivers grip and comfort with minimal noise, matching the car’s serene character.
So, has BMW finally created the perfect luxury electric SUV? Vicki takes it for a full drive to find out.

Specifications
• Maximum Range: 426 miles
• Maximum Luggage Capacity: 1,750 litres
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 4.6s
• Power: 544hp
• Torque: 765Nm
• Minimum Charging Time: 10-80% in 35 minutes (DC)

Exterior Design & Facelift Changes

Vicki says that, when it comes to the looks of the BMW iX, it might be hard to believe that it needs any styling tweaks, given that the original model looked like it was sent from the future when it was launched in 2021. There's no denying that the iX is a polarising car, and we'd love to know what you think — let us know in the comments section of our YouTube video! The kidney grille at the front has been redesigned and given some lighting to make it illuminated. The lights have been redesigned and now feature city light technology, meaning the headlights will shine on the pavement as well as the road ahead in urban areas.

The front bumper is more sculpted, with more body-coloured parts on the lower sections. Around the back, the diffuser shines in high-gloss black with vertical reflectors. The model in the video has the £1,350 M Sport Pro package, which darkens the light inlays and adds a splash of colour to the callipers. The boot offers a competitive 500 litres of space, and of course you get more when you fold the rear seats. If you want to tow, an optional electric tow bar is available, allowing you to pull 2,500 kg — 300 kg more than the Polestar 3 rival.

Wheel & Tyre Talk

BMW offers a fairly wide range of alloys for the iX, with sizes ranging from 21 to 23 inches. The model you see in the video has 22-inch wheels. These are wrapped in a set of Hankook iON Evo SUV tyres, developed in close collaboration with BMW.

There is a star marking on the sidewall of the tyre to indicate that it is a BMW-specific fitment. This isn't limited to BMW; there are original equipment (OE) markings for a wide range of vehicle manufacturers. These symbols tell us that the tyre was designed and approved by a specific vehicle manufacturer for a particular vehicle.

The Hankook iON Evo SUV has achieved an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from drivers on DriverReviews.

Interior Design

News from inside the car is that it has been designed with the driver in mind. There's a long, curved digital dashboard, a feature first introduced on the previous iX model. Vicki tells us that there is an interesting mix of materials and reflective surfaces, which might explain why the attention is diverted from those discrete air vents. In terms of interacting with the car, there are physical buttons to press, which some people may appreciate. Let us know in the comments section of our video whether you prefer physical or haptic buttons.

It has all the connectivity features you would expect from a brand-new car in 2025. The perhaps unexpected addition here, though, is in-car gaming, which will keep you entertained while the car is charging. You can also stream videos and access BMW's intelligent personal assistant, which can provide information ranging from your current tyre pressures to nearby restaurants. The connectivity doesn't end there though, as there's also a digital key function that allows you to pair your phone with the car. You can even share the key with up to 18 other people you trust!

There isn't much to entertain the immediate passenger, but Vicki tells us not to worry, as they can relax in the new sports seats. These seats can be adjusted electrically and, unusually for BMW, the controls are located by the door handle rather than on the side of the seat. Do you enjoy listening to music on your drives? Then you'll love the Harman Kardon surround sound system. The model in our video has a few interior options, including a panoramic sunroof costing just over £3,000. With the touch of a button, it will frost over, and with another touch, it will clear again. For a similar price, you can get the technology pack, which includes 22-kilowatt high-speed charging that triples the charging rate compared to the average home wall box. It also adds Parking Assistant Pro, allowing you to manoeuvre the iX into or out of a tight space while standing outside and controlling the process via your phone.

The iX has a lot of space at the back, which is largely due to the flat floor, as there is no need for a transmission tunnel since it is an electric car. There are also a few creature comforts, such as heated seats, USB-C ports, and a mount for an iPad or similar device. The middle seat armrest folds down to reveal two cup holders. Overall, Vicki says that the rear of the iX is a nice place to sit.

On the Road: Performance & Driving Modes

In terms of power, even the entry-level iX has more than enough, with just over 400 horsepower. However, this has a bit more, with 544 horsepower and 700 Newton metres of torque, which combine to propel this 2,500-kilogramme machine to 62 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds. There are a variety of driving modes to choose from, and Vicki naturally opts for Sport in our video. This makes the dash light up red and sharpens the steering and throttle response. At the other end of the scale is silent mode, which turns the dash purple and eliminates all noise in the cabin. But what's a fast car without good brakes? Vicki tells us that the iX's brakes do a great job, providing strong pedal response, but if you want more from the regenerative braking system, it's possible. Simply lift off the throttle and the car will come to an actual stop.

If performance is your priority, we suggest looking at the range-topping model, which has 659 horsepower and over a thousand Newton metres of torque, giving it a 0–62 mph time of 3.8 seconds with launch control — a staggering feat given its 2.5-tonne weight. That said, while you might want all that power, you definitely don't need it, because one of the great things about this car, according to Vicki, is its serene character. The updated chassis can cope with the extra power throughout the range, and the dual motors, as well as the BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system, provide maximum grip when needed.

The three-spoke sports steering wheel differs from the multi-angle steering wheel found in the entry-level iX. Although Vicki approves of the wheel being round, she finds it too chunky, which seems to be in fashion for BMW at the moment. She goes on to tell us that it isn't sensitive enough to make you feel as though the tyre tread is in the palm of your hand. That said, it is accurate, partly thanks to the rear-wheel steering, which is part of a £1,400 optional extra. This gives you a really tight turning circle, which is fantastic for driving around town, and provides extra stability on faster country lanes. In certain modes, it sometimes feels as though you're floating along the road rather than driving on it, which lends itself to the tranquil character of the vehicle. If you need assistance going downhill, the iX's hill descent control can help. It essentially functions as a slow cruise control, allowing you to focus on steering while descending a hill, which could be useful if you live at the top of a steep hill.

Battery Charging & Range

Improvements in battery technology have increased efficiency, enabling this mid-spec model to achieve the impressive figure of 462 miles between charges. If you only drive in towns and villages, you could extend this to 492 miles before needing to charge it. It takes around half an hour to charge from 10 to 80%, and if you only have time for a short break, 10 minutes will give you around 80 miles of range. If you miscalculate, there's no need to worry put the car into efficient mode and activate maximum range to limit power, speed, air conditioning and seat heating and prioritise range, helping you to get home.

Vicki’s Verdict

“In certain modes, it sometimes feels as though you're floating along the road rather than driving on it” – Vicki Butler-Henderson

If you're looking for a competitor, we suggest you investigate the Polestar 3, which will save you at least £5,000 and offer a few more miles (if you want to read our review of the 3 then click here). However, this mid-spec iX, with its impressive range of 426 miles, is a cut above thanks to its blend of luxury and well-rounded electric performance.

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