New BMW iX revealed with 426-mile range, still just as polarising

• First major update for the BMW iX
• Up to 426 miles of range
• Prices start from £74,400

The new BMW iX has arrived, and it’s seen some big updates under the skin. There are new batteries across the lineup with more range, plus some performance improvements, too, but you’ll notice the styling changes are pretty minimal. That big faux grille that proved so polarising when the iX launched is still there – in fact, it now illuminates.

But it’s that headline range figure of 426 miles that will matter most to electric SUV buyers. It puts the iX at the forefront of the competition, with only the Polestar 3 achieving around 10 miles of range more than the BMW. That will be one of the iX’s key rivals when it goes on sale later this year, although the BMW is the more expensive of the pair, costing from £74,400.

What’s changed for the new BMW iX?

It might not look all that different from the outside, but BMW has done plenty of tinkering to the iX’s batteries and motors. So much so that BMW has renamed the different iX models, starting with the new entry-level xDrive45. The old 71kWh battery has been replaced by a 95kWh unit, which has allowed range to grow to 374 miles – over 100 more than before.

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It’s quicker, too, thanks to a healthy power bump to 402bhp. It’s still four-wheel drive, but a whole second has been shaved off its 0-62mph acceleration time, which now takes 5.1 seconds. The maximum charging speed for the iX xDrive45 is 175kW, so a recharge should be faster than the old car, which topped out at 150kW.

The iX xDrive50 has been replaced by the xDrive60, getting a slightly bigger battery but a much longer range. You’ve now got up to 426 miles in the tank, which is more than any other electric BMW. There’s 537bhp at your disposal, too, helping it launch from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds.

At the top of the hierarchy sits the iX xDrive M70, replacing the outgoing M60 as the quickest and most expensive model. It’s now got 650bhp – up from 611bhp – and can launch to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds, or nearly as quick as the BMW M4. Go easy on the accelerator pedal and it will still return up to 366 miles of range.

What about the styling and interior?

Ah yes, the styling. Let’s just say that the BMW iX divided opinion somewhat when it launched in 2021 with that big faux kidney grille. But BMW hasn’t tried to appease the haters with this update – instead, it’s doubled down and fitted that grille with a new illuminating outline to give it even more presence in the dark.

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There are few subtle updates to the styling elsewhere, including new headlights with a daytime-running light pattern inspired by its latest ‘Neue Klasse’ design language. The front and rear bumpers are different, too, while the biggest 23-inch wheels use integrated foam absorbers to reduce road noise.

The interior is essentially the same as before – there’s no Panoramic iDrive here, yet. Instead, you get BMW’s excellent dual screen setup with the rotary controller on the centre console. There’s some extra standard equipment, as well, including heated seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and a Harman Kardon sound system.

How much does the new BMW iX cost?

Given the bigger batteries across the lineup, it’s no surprise that BMW has raised the price of the iX. The entry-level xDrive45 Sport model costs £74,400, up from £71,000 before. M Sport trim brings more kit and a sportier exterior design and costs an extra £3,000.

The iX xDrive60 is only available in M Sport trim costing £92,200, while the range-topping iX M70 is pricier still, at £113,300. The first UK cars are scheduled to arrive in dealerships from May this year.

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