2025 BMW iX Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
Don’t turn away yet—the BMW iX drives a lot better than it looks. This luxury EV SUV was introduced for 2022, an avant-garde foray in BMW’s endeavor to electrify its lineup. Similar in size to the well-known BMW X5, the iX likewise emphasizes luxury, performance, and tech. Rivals to the 2025 iX include the Cadillac Lyriq, Polestar 3, and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.
What’s New
- Cellular 5G hotspot connectivity added as standard equipment
- Circular steering wheel available on xDrive50 model by adding Sport and Interior Design packages
What We Think
BMW says the iX design process started with the interior, and it shows. The gorgeous cabin displays a restrained, modern approach that emphasizes opulent materials and digital features. Details such as the crystal glass controls, pillowy upholstery, and tinted metal trim indicate BMW’s attention to detail. Some may find the hexagonal steering wheel awkward to hold, even if it does suit the interior aesthetic—don’t worry, a conventional circular steering wheel can be equipped. BMW’s infotainment system works well, but a few more real buttons would make things much easier.
That interior design focus is further evinced by the iX’s exterior—yikes. From certain angles, under ideal lighting, the iX looks decent, but overall, it’s far from pretty. That garish grille is largely to blame, disappointing given this EV doesn’t need a grille in the first place.
Yet BMW’s design indiscretions are easy to forgive from behind the wheel—the iX drives fantastically. Refinement is very high, from the suspension tuning, to the steering feel, to the accelerator’s excellent one-pedal driving functionality. Like the best BMW models, the iX feels equal parts luxurious and sporty.
With enough range for road trips and a charging capacity that reduces time spent plugged in, the iX mitigates common EV concerns, too. If you can accept its divisive exterior and have the means to make it yours, the 2025 BMW iX is very compelling.
Range, Charging, and Performance
Every 2025 iX draws electrons from a 105-kWh battery pack to power a dual-motor AWD powertrain. The iX can recharge at up to 195 kW on a DC fast charger, replenishing 90 miles of range in 10 minutes under ideal conditions.
In the iX xDrive50, those dual motors combine to produce 516 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque. With all that power available, the 0–60-mph sprint takes a scant 4.0 seconds. Range depends on wheel size but comes in at slightly above 300 miles regardless of whether 20-, 21-, or 22-inch rims are equipped.
For even more power and speed, BMW offers the iX M60. It has 610 hp and 749 lb-ft, which cuts the 0–60-mph launch to just 3.2 seconds. Driving range is a bit more than 280 miles on the standard 21-inch or available 22-inch wheels.
BMW’s Next EV SUV
The iX is only the start for BMW’s electric SUV lineup. Next, the automaker will likely go smaller, introducing a compact crossover previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse X concept. Like the iX, that concept vehicle has an innovative, luxurious interior, along with exterior styling that’s sure to divide opinions. A production model based on the Vision Neue Klasse X may arrive for model year 2026, likely with a lower starting price than the iX but potentially longer range and faster charging. No matter how it looks or how far it can go, we’ll be happy if it drives like the iX.
Safety Features
As standard, the 2025 iX comes equipped with front automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, side cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Choose the $2,700 Driving Assistance Professional package to add adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a hands-free highway driving assist system.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Given it’s on the larger end of the midsize SUV spectrum, the iX provides plenty of cargo space. Some rivals have more room for passengers, but the iX feels plenty spacious inside.
Technology
Big screens are as much a design element as anything else in the iX’s cabin. Combined under a single pane of glass is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. That touchscreen runs BMW’s iDrive 8 user interface, which operates with smartphone quickness and is easy to use. Voice command functionality can help reduce distraction while driving, such as for entering a destination into the built-in GPS system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. There’s a wireless charging pad in the front row, and USB-C ports in both rows of seats. Above the standard audio system, 18-speaker Harman Kardon and 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium arrangements are offered. Other tech options include a head-up display, 360-degree camera, augmented reality for the navigation, and even a camera built into the cabin for remote monitoring or selfies on the move.
Which iX Trim Level Is Best?
Powerful, sporty, feature-filled, and luxurious, the iX xDrive50 is the version to get—upgrading to the M60 is superfluous. The “base” model can hardly be considered as such, given how it is equipped with or offers essentially every feature the M60 does. Additionally, the xDrive50 is more than quick enough and goes slightly farther on a charge than the M60. Perhaps the M60 has tighter handling, but the xDrive50 is plenty agile. Consider, too, that the M60 costs nearly $25,000 more than the 2025 iX xDrive50’s starting price of about $88,500—BMW made the regular iX so good, going with the M-ified version just isn’t worth it.
