BMW has revealed the global facelift of their flagship electric SUV, the iX. The facelifted version is supposed to set the benchmark for luxury SUVs and make people understand that cars can offer a maximum level of luxury whilst being electric. The iX facelift is expected to begin production in March in the brand’s Dingolfing Plant so let’s take a closer look.
The BMW iX will be offered in three variants:
- iX 45
- iX 60
- iX M70
Previously, the models were named iX 40, 50 and M70. It is important to note that the M Sport Package will be offered on every variant, with the range-topping M70 available with an M Sport Pro Package.
Design Changes
There aren’t a lot of stylistic changes, but there are some factors through which you can make out that it is the iX facelift. The kidney grilles get horizontally opposed diagonal lines, and illumination glows for these grilles as an optional extra. The front bumper houses larger air dams, and vertical air intakes get slimmer. The diagonal LED headlight design is similar to the M4 CS!
The side profile also receives minor changes and the most noticeable of them is the new design for 20-inch alloy wheels and a silver insert for the side skirts. The option to upsize the wheels to 21-inch at the front and 22-inch at the rear will be offered with the help of the M Sport Package. In the range-topping M70 variant, there will also be the option of 23-inch wheels! The rear gets a revised bumper design and an integrated diffuser.
Interior Changes
The interior is also similar to the outgoing model with simple but effective changes. The steering wheel gets a 3-spoke design as compared to the two-spoke design. The most noticeable change in the interior has to be the M Multi-Function Seats, which would be standard on the iX M70 and part of the M Sport Package with the iX 45 and 60 variants. The new seats offer better lumbar support, contouring, backrest width and ventilation. These seats will be offered with diamond quilting and available in materials such as Castanea or Amido Natural Leather, or microfibre/sensatec in Atlas Grey/Black with M-specific contrast stitching.
Powertrain Options & Range
The BMW iX is powered by a dual-motor battery pack with AWD in all variants. The iX 45 has a 94.8 kWh battery pack which produces 402 HP and 700 Nm of torque. This is an increase of 80 HP and 70 Nm of torque over the iX40 outgoing model. The iX 60 is powered by a larger 109.1 kWh battery pack which would produce 530 HP and 765 Nm of torque. This gives it a 13 HP increase over the iX 50 model. Surprisingly, the iX M70 is powered by a smaller 108.9 kWh but the most power at 658 HP and 1100 Nm of torque.
The range in the iX 60 gets the most range at 701 Km. The base iX 45 gives a range of 602 Km and the range-topping M70 variant offers a range of 600 km. The charging speeds are extremely good as well with the iX 45 and 60 variants allowing for up to 195 kW, whilst the iX 45 has to make do with 175 kW.
Outlook
The BMW iX is expected to launch in India at the end of the year. Currently, the BMW iX is offered in only the iX50 variant. This is where it will be interesting to see whether BMW launches all of the models or not. The price for the iX is Rs. 1.39 crores (ex-showroom) which makes it a competent flagship electric luxury SUV with the likes of Mercedes EQS.
