BMW AUSTRALIA WILL INTRODUCE the enhanced BMW iX, which had its world premiere last month, by the middle of 2025.
It will introduce one variant at that time, the iX xDrive45 M Sport, which supersedes the iX xDrive40 Sport.
Extensive changes have been applied to elevate the aesthetics and performance of the new iX, including development of performance electronics, fine-tuning of the wheel bearings and tyres and revised styling for both the interior and exterior.
Major updates to key components result in a power increase of 25 percent, a 30 percent greater energy content for the high voltage battery, a 38 percent increase in driving range and a 17 percent faster charging rate.
The BMW iX will continue to be produced at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing. The BMW Group’s largest production plant in Europe is the company’s centre of competence for production of electric drives and at the same time the lead plant for premium and luxury class models.
Exterior: Striking presence with M Sport package as standard for Australia
The exterior of the new BMW iX has an expressive presence and monolithic appearance with characteristic Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) proportions.
The striking front design is characterised by the redesigned BMW radiator grille with a filigree frame and a structure of vertical and diagonal lines in its interior. The BMW Kidney Iconic Glow grille with contour lighting is new for the model and will be standard on Australian-delivered iX xDrive45 M Sport variants.
The headlights have also been redesigned with vertical elements for the daytime running lights and turn indicators. Standard equipment of the new BMW iX now includes adaptive LED headlights with cornering light function and new city lights. The structure of the BMW kidney grille is echoed in the diagonal lines of the headlight covers.
The M Sport package – which also makes its debut on the BMW iX – emphasises the dynamic character of the vehicle with powerful lines, striking air intakes at the front and vertical reflectors at the rear.
New exterior finishes are available to complement the exterior styling updates, including Arctic Race Blue metallic, Tanzanite Blue metallic, Dune Grey metallic and BMW Individual Frozen Deep Grey metallic. Expanding the offer further, BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic and Space Silver metallic will be available from Q4 this year.
Performance enhancement for iX xDrive45
The dual motor drive system of the new iX has been fine-tuned and the power electronics further developed to deliver noticeably more power for the iX xDrive45 M Sport.
Its system output and torque have been increased by 60kW and 30Nm over the outgoing variant, with the final figures registering 300kW and 700Nm. The increases lead to a substantial one second improvement in acceleration, with the new model capable of accelerating from rest to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds.
Energy content increased; range extended
New battery cell technology has increased the energy content of the high-voltage battery for the BMW iX xDrive45 by approximately 30 percent, to 94.8kWh.
In addition, the new iX is the first BMW electric vehicle to integrate silicon carbide semiconductor components (SiC inverters). These ensure significantly more efficient energy conversion in the drive train. Semiconductors made of silicon carbide are more efficient, more powerful and significantly more temperature resistant than semiconductors made of conventional silicon.
Driving range for the iX xDrive45, according to the WLTP cycle, is now rated at up to 602 kilometres.
Adaptive recuperation contributes to increased efficiency, while the MAX RANGE function can also increase the range remaining before the next charging stop by up to 25 per cent.
New levels of efficiency when charging the high-voltage battery
The Combined Charging Unit of the new BMW iX xDrive45 now enables direct current (DC) charging with an output of 175kW, which is up from 150kW of its predecessor. Optimised pre-conditioning of the high-voltage battery and heating of the storage system using the heat pump from the vehicle’s air-conditioning system ensure particularly efficient charging times.
In addition, the charging current control has been further improved to make the best possible use of the high charging capacities. The charging socket outlet of the new BMW iX also now has a release button.
Alternating current (AC) meanwhile can be charged with a maximum power of 22kW.
Optimised chassis and suspension set-up; new M light-alloy wheels
The new chassis and suspension set-up for the new BMW iX is based on the increased performance of the drive system and the revised weight balance thanks to optimised battery technology.
In addition, a hydraulic rear axle support bearing ensures an optimised balance between sporty dynamics and ride comfort. Weight- and friction-optimised wheel bearings and tyres with reduced rolling resistance and the highest efficiency label A+ also contribute to increased efficiency.
The suspension technology of the BMW iX includes a double-wishbone front axle, five-link rear axle and electric steering with Servotronic function and variable ratio. Adaptive two-axle ride level control with electronically controlled shock absorbers along with the Integral Active Steering function is available as an option. Hill Descent Control (HDC) is fitted as standard equipment.
New aerodynamically optimised alloy wheel designs are offered, ranging in size from 21- to 23-inch, all of which are fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Wide variety of systems for automated driving and parking
The driver assistance systems available in the new BMW iX xDrive45 set new standards in functionality and reliability.
Standard equipment includes Driving Assistant Professional including Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function that can be used up to the maximum speed of the vehicle, front collision warning with brake intervention and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant and Reversing Assist Camera. Locally-delivered models also feature Parking Assistant Professional, which enables control of parking and manoeuvring via a smartphone.
Interior: Progressive luxury, refined sportiness
The interior ambience of the BMW iX – characterised by generous space and progressive luxury – is now combined with the sporty design features of the M Sport package. The new M multifunction seats with natural leather upholstery offer enhanced lateral support and a striking design. The package also includes the M leather steering wheel, two-tone instrument panel, Dark Silver trim finishers, anthracite headlining, M pedals and the centre console with high-gloss black finish.
The standard equipment roster of the new BMW iX includes the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof – which was previously an option – alarm system with exterior anti-theft recorder, Welcome and Goodbye animation, adaptive LED headlights, Comfort Access, heated seats for driver and front passenger, and heated steering wheel. Other highlights include Driving Assistant Professional, BMW Live Cockpit Professional and harman/kardon surround sound system.
BMW iDrive with state-of-the-art digital services
Based on BMW Operating System 8.5, BMW iDrive offers intuitive operation using the touch function on the BMW Curved Display and voice control with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, as well as use of digital services such as video streaming and in-car gaming. Radio aerials with 5G capability deliver optimised connectivity, while the BMW ID and the My BMW App provide a personalised user experience.
Local pricing and specification
As well as delivering dramatic improvements to driving range and performance, the new BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport offers a far greater level of standard specification than the model it replaces.
Key highlights are below, with bold items denoting additional content or change versus the outgoing iX xDrive40 Sport:
- 21-inch Aerodynamic Alloy Wheels, (non-runflat tyres), incl. tyre repair kit
- M Sport Package
- Adaptive LED Headlights
- Alarm System
- Ambient Lighting
- Automatic Air Conditioning, 4-Zone
- BMW Iconic Sounds
- BMW Kidney Iconic Glow
- BMW Live Cockpit Pro, BMW Operating System 8.5
- Comfort Access
- Charging Cable – Mode 2 for domestic sockets
- Charging Cable – Mode 3 for public chargers
- Connected Package Professional, incl. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- ConnectedDrive eDrive Services
- DAB+ Digital Radio
- Driving Assistant Professional
- harman/kardon 18-speaker Surround Sound
- Metallic paint
- M leather steering wheel
- M interior highlights in Dark Silver
- M Multifunctional Seats, front incl. massage function
- Interior Design ‘Suite’ – Vegetable Tanned Leather
- Panorama glass roof ‘Sky Lounge’
- Parking Assistant Professional
- Seat Heating, front
- Steering wheel heating
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Wireless phone charging
Equipment program
The BMW iX equipment offer focuses on one core package, now known as ‘Executive’. This incorporates Soft Close Doors, Interior Applications ‘Clear & Bold’ and Active Seat Ventilation in a single package. For the first time on an entry iX model, both Adaptive 2-axle air suspension and Integral Active Steering are available.
Details of the packages are as follows:
| Executive | |
| – Soft close doors
– Interior polished crystal glass applications Clear & Bold – Interior camera – Privacy glass with sun protection glazing – Active Seat Ventilation, front seats – Heat Comfort Package, which includes:
|
$6500 |
| Optional features | |
| Integral Active Steering Features an angle-dependent steering ratio on the front axle with combined steering rear wheels for greater manoeuvrability at low speeds and improved stability at higher speeds |
$3000 |
| Adaptive 2-axle air suspension with automatic self-levelling | $4000 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System 30 speakers/1,615W with diamond tweeters, fully active speaker control for optimum 3D surround sound on all seatsNote: Must be ordered in combination with Executive Package |
$9500 |
Exterior finishes
Metallic (no cost option)
- M Carbon Black
- Black Sapphire
- Mineral White
- Arctic Race Blue
- Dune Grey
- Aventurine Red
BMW Individual Metallic Paint
- Storm Bay: $2400
- Tanzanite Blue (available from April 2025 production)
- Frozen Deep Grey: $5500
Alloy wheel program
- 21-inch M aerodynamic alloy wheels 1024 M Bicolour
Standard equipment - 22-inch M aerodynamic alloy wheels 1025 M Bicolour
$2500 - 23-inch BMW Individual aerodynamic wheels 1028 Bicolour
$5000
Seat upholstery
Interior Design Suite (M Multifunctional seats upholstered in tanned Natural Leather)
- Amido
- Castanea
Both no cost options
| Variant | xDrive45 M Sport |
| Power unit | Battery electric with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology |
| Drive | All wheel (xDrive) |
| Power (kW) | 300 |
| Torque (Nm) | 700 |
| HV battery (kWh; net) | 94.8 |
| 0-100km/h (sec) | 5.1 |
| Consumption | 21.8 |
| EV range (WLTP) | Up to 602km |
| Price | $142,900 (plus on road costs) |