It’s hard to believe, but BMW’s distinctive iX sports activity vehicle turned four this year, and received its mid-life facelift. We’ve already had the chance to drive the M70 xDrive range-topper, which impressed. With these updated models now available in the UK, we’ve now had the chance to sample what BMW believes will be the most popular for fleet, the xDrive 45 M Sport.
Design and interior
Outside, the iX is one of the models that started BMW’s current large kidney grille look. This remains a key feature of the facelifted car, and these grilles can now be optionally lit!
Another change for the facelifted iX at the front is the high-set headlamp units, which now have new vertical elements for the daytime running lights and indicators. These are darkened, along with other M Shadow Line highlights, which are part of the revised M Sport package. Other iX M Sport facelift changes centre on the new, sculpted front bumper, plus a gloss black rear diffuser.
Move to the side, and the range-topping iX also gets black exterior mirror caps, and 21in M light alloy wheels. These, along with the unusual flaring to the wheel arches, plus the frameless windows, and no door handles, just solenoids, means you won’t mistake the iX for any other car, which we think is a good thing. It is a design that’s very colour sensitive; we still think this BMW looks best in dark colours and weren’t a fan of our test car’s lighter Dune Grey metallic finish.
The iX remains as radical on the inside as it is on the outside, almost shrugging off its four years on sale. BMW obviously agree, as the only obvious facelift changes here are fitted as part of the revised M Sport equipment grade we’ve already mentioned and tone things down a bit. There’s now a three-spoke M leather steering wheel, rather than the polygonal as BMW calls it – or quartic – steering wheel. Other changes centre on the supportive M multi-function seats, anthracite headlining, M-specific pedals and a high-gloss version of the tall centre console, housing the controls for the iDrive.
The good news is the iDrive is simple and intuitive to use, although it’s disappointing that there are no separate buttons for the climate control, plus the digital instruments are sometimes hard to read.
With all the surfaces covered in Alcantara and metal details finished in Dark Silver for the M Sport grade, it gives the iX’s spacious interior a sporty feel it’s not had before.
Performance and drive
The range starts with this xDrive 45, which gets a bigger battery, resulting in a combined output of 408hp and a range of up to 374 miles, or 367 miles for this M Sport model, and this is expected to be the key fleet choice. If 408hp isn’t impressive enough, this iX boasts a colossal 700Nm of torque, and an irrelevant 124mph top speed. Like the rest of the range, the xDrive 45 is equipped with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The facelifted iX’s extra range is complemented by a charging capacity of up to 175kW.
On the road, like the M70 we drove previously, the xDrive 45 amazes with its precise steering, and tight handling, which are at odds with its considerable weight and its tall SUV body. The new M Sport steering wheel is an improvement, but more feel would still be welcome.
Our test car had standard 21in wheels, yet it still rode in a comfortable and controlled way. Despite the weight and big wheels, this BMW remains a refined companion – even at higher speeds.
The iX’s exterior styling is still controversial but doesn’t stand out so much after four-years. If you can get past the styling (we could!), this facelifted, big BMW EV is an impressive car. The interior feels special, spacious and beautifully detailed, it drives well, has enough performance, yet remains superbly refined, and few rivals can match the substantial range.
Positive: Good to drive, attractive interior design, interior practicality, space, quality feel.
Negative: Styling still divisive, expensive, lack of physical infotainment controls.
Standard equipment: Aerodynamic wheels, LED head and taillights, BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Curved Display, Harman Kardon surround sound system, power adjustable front seats, heated front seats, automatic air conditioning.
Engines: Electric: 408hp
Equipment grades: Sport, M Sport, M70
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | BMW iX xDrive 45 M Sport |
| P11D | £78,340 |
| Residual value | 41.9% |
| Depreciation | £45,565 |
| Fuel | £3,988 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £4,058 |
| Cost per mile | 89.35p |
| Range | 367 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £39/£78 |
| Luggage capacity | 500 litres |
| Battery size/power | 94kWh/408hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
