BMW’s iX has always been a polarising statement-piece, and the updated xDrive45 M Sport only amplifies that opinion: more power, more range, a subtle visual tidy-up and a cabin that feels like a modern living room on wheels. If you want a luxury EV that announces itself without shouting, this is it, and it makes a strong case for long-distance electric touring as a genuinely civilised pursuit.
Exterior – divisive, distinctive, deliberate
The iX’s styling still divides opinion. That oversized kidney grille remains a dominant cue, now refined with a new pattern, tidier detailing and optional illumination that turns the front end into a deliberate design moment rather than an afterthought. It’s an acquired taste, but the update brings a touch more cohesion thanks to slimmer adaptive LED headlights and cleaner surfacing.
Viewed from the flank, the iX sticks with its smooth, aerodynamic surfacing, flush door handles and very large wheels (22-inch in my review model) that fill the arches, especially in M Sport guise where the stance is undeniably muscular. The rear is neat, slim light signatures, subtle sculpting and gloss-black trims that underscore the performance intent without resorting to loud theatrics. It’s not pretty in the conventional sense, but it’s purposeful, a rare move in a market that often prefers anonymous elegance.
Interior – a lounge rather than a cockpit
Step inside and the iX’s exterior controversies melt away. BMW has, intentionally, made the cabin feel like a contemporary lounge: airy, minimalist and quietly luxurious. Materials are a highlight, soft-touch surfaces, open-pore wood and even carbon-fibre-reinforced structural elements appear to be used not for show, but to reduce weight and increase rigidity. The overall effect is thoughtful, restrained and undeniably premium.
Seats are wide and supportive, tuned for long-distance comfort rather than track-day bolstering. Rear passengers enjoy a flat floor (thanks to the dedicated EV platform), generous legroom and modern conveniences such as heated seats and USB-C ports that underline the car’s family-friendly credentials. Boot volume sits at roughly 500 litres (competitive for the class) although there’s no frunk; clever underfloor storage helps mitigate that omission.
Infotainment – slick, cinematic, but touch-first compromises
Dominating the fascia is BMW’s curved display, a 12.3-inch driver cluster fused with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen running the latest iDrive. Visually it’s a triumph: crisp graphics, elegant animations and a futuristic layout that feels contemporary without being gimmicky. Over-the-air updates, built-in nav, streaming and smartphone mirroring (wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) mean the iX will keep evolving long after you’ve driven it off the lot.
But BMW’s move toward touch-driven controls is a double-edged sword. Climate controls and some frequently used functions live inside menus, which can be fiddly on the move. Thankfully, the iDrive rotary controller remains, and when you use it the centre stack becomes far less distracting, a small, practical detail that matters on long drives. Audiophile options such as the Bowers & Wilkins system can turn the cabin into a genuine concert hall, and features like the electrochromic panoramic roof add a theatrical, premium flourish.
Powertrain and efficiency – more range, credible fast-charging
The xDrive45 replaces the previous base model with meaningful upgrades: around 300 kW and 700 Nm deliver brisk acceleration (0–100 km/h in about 5.1 seconds) while the WLTP range climbs to roughly 522 km, a headline figure that positions the iX firmly among the range leaders in the luxury EV market. Real-world usability is the story here: fewer range worries and a credible fast-charging capability (up to 175 kW DC) that will take you from 10–80% in about 35 minutes in ideal conditions.
Efficiency is respectable for the size and mass of the car, with consumption figures around the low 20 kWh/100 km mark, an impressive number for a near-2.5-tonne flagship SUV and testament to BMW’s work on battery chemistry and power electronics. Regenerative braking is adjustable and includes an adaptive mode that smartly responds to traffic and road conditions, making one-pedal driving feel natural rather than forced. That adaptiveness pays dividends in urban traffic and on longer trips where topology and traffic density vary.
On the road – refined pace over raw edge
When it comes to driving dynamics the iX doubles down on its role as a luxury cruiser with sporting potential rather than a hardcore sport-SUV. Acceleration is immediate and linear with electric torque available on demand; it’s quick without being aggressive, the sort of performance that feels grown-up and usable in everyday life. The package is exceptionally refined, motorway speeds bring almost nothing in the way of exterior noise, thanks to heavy insulation and smart engineering choices.
Ride quality is a standout. Even on standard suspension the iX absorbs the kinds of imperfections that can rattle lesser SUVs; with optional air suspension the experience approaches ‘magic carpet’ territory, smoothing long runs into something restful and remaining composed when pushed. Handling is better than many will expect for a 2.5-tonne vehicle: precise steering, commendable body control and confidence through bends. It’s not a Porsche Macan in terms of sharpness, but BMW has tuned the iX to deliver composed stability and effortless pace rather than steering theatrics.
Tarmac Takeaway – a five-star electric cruiser with attitude
Sure, the updated iX xDrive45 M Sport doesn’t rewrite the electric luxury textbook, instead, it refines and nudges it forward. You get outstanding range, effortless performance, superb refinement and an interior that genuinely feels special. The styling will never be a neutral choice; it demands opinion. But beneath the polarising sheetmetal is one of the most complete luxury EVs on sale: comfortable, technologically rich and very much aimed at buyers who prioritise long-distance ability, refinement and cabin quality over the last shred of driver-focused sharpness.
If you value comfort, technology and real-world range (and if you enjoy a cabin that feels like a well-appointed living space on wheels) the iX xDrive45 M Sport makes a compelling case. It’s not about shouting the loudest; it’s about how you feel behind the wheel. In the iX, you feel like you’re already driving the future.
