The BMW iX, the Munich firm’s tech-laden electric flagship, has received a major update with substantial power upgrades and an increase in efficiency that boosts its range to 426 miles.
Due to reach the UK in May, with pricing starting from £74,400, the new version of the Audi Q8 E-tron and Volvo EX90 rival has received only a minor styling makeover, but the changes under the skin are more significant. Product manager Marisa Hammersen said BMW has “worked hard to really optimise the efficiency in every area we could”. As an example of that, she cited the use of new headlights that require less energy when illuminated.
The German marque has revamped the electric motors with an improved silicon-carbide inverter to reduce power losses, while retuning the drive system and working on the electronics to boost efficiency. There are also new drive modes, including settings that offer extra performance and help to maximise efficiency.
As before, the iX will be offered in three variants, each with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain. To highlight the promised performance improvements, the iX 40 and iX 50 have been succeeded by the 45 and 60, while the hot M60 has spawned an even more potent M70. Those new designations bring the iX in line with the i5 electric saloon.
The entry-level iX 45 produces 402bhp – an increase of 80bhp – and 516lb ft of torque. Using a new 94.8kWh battery, it offers a range of up to 374 miles with an official efficiency of 2.97mpkWh. Offered in Sport and M Sport trim, the iX 45's £74,400 price marks a small increase from its predecessor.
The iX 60 is offered only in M Sport trim, priced from £92,200, and produces 536bhp and 564lb ft. It features a new 109.1kWh battery that boosts its range in UK trim to that 426-mile headline figure – a chunky increase of up to 34 miles on its predecessor, depending on specification. Both the 45 and 60 have a limited top speed of 124mph.
The M70 offers 659bhp and up to 811lb ft when launch control mode is deployed. It is powered by a bespoke performance-honed 108.9kWh battery featuring different cells and chemistry, giving it a range of 366 miles. With a top speed of 155mph, it is priced at £113,300 – a significant reduction from the £124,605 price of the outgoing iX M60.
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Fugly?!, they're selling , I see two or three regularly,no , not the same three,and, if you like owning one, then that's fine,maybe others should remember others might diss your daily ride.
I know everyone hates the looks, but these are available for under 40 thousand used, and are a lot of car for the money. You can't see it when you're behind the wheel!
As dumpy as ever, not a vehicle you look back at with pride as you walk away from it.