Overview: BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport in brief
BMW has facelifted its electric iX SUV product line, giving all models more power, extended range, new looks and a subtly massaged interior. We've already reviewed the big Beemer as the M70 performance flagship, but now we're looking at the other end of the line-up in the form of the entry-level xDrive45, a replacement for the erstwhile iX xDrive40. Just as importantly, this is the first time iX buyers have had the option to add an M Sport upgrade.
Pros & Cons of the BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport
Pros: Impressive real-world range, strong performance, superb interior
Cons: Challenging looks, five seats only, expensive
What's different from the BMW iX M70 xDrive?
Very little is different in terms of styling between this M Sport base-model iX and the high-performance variant at the top of the tree, with the main giveaways being a different design of centre section for what were once the kidney 'grilles' at the front of the SUV.
In the xDrive45's case, they're diagonal lines, whereas on the M70 they're horizontal and supplemented by an M logo. Also, said grille won't light up on the xDrive45, unless you pay for such a thing as an option, although some would say that means this cheaper iX displays better taste. We couldn't possibly comment.
There are also smaller wheels as standard, the xDrive45 running on 21s from the off whereas the M70 is on 22s. Optionally, for the first time on any BMW iX, 23-inch wheels can be specified. And finally, it's then really just boot badging and body colours which give the game away, so overall the iX xDrive45 doesn't look noticeably cheap or impoverished when compared to its grander stablemates.
Also, maybe it's just us getting old and losing our eyesight, but does the BMW iX look... better these days? Some of the shock value of its angular, aggressive styling seems to have dissipated and we find ourselves more appreciative of its external form in 2025, even if we accept it's a long way from what you'd call handsome. Finally, choose the new Dune Grey colour for your SUV carefully because we wouldn't say it was 'grey' at all - we'd more likely call it 'beige'.
Performance of the BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport
• Power up 82hp, torque leaps by 70Nm
• Range also increased due to larger battery
• Drives in an all-round polished fashion
Whereas previously in the iX family there were the xDrive40, xDrive50 and M60 xDrive variants, significant powertrain improvements have seen the badges replaced with xDrive45, xDrive60 and M70 xDrive, respectively. Arguably, though, it's this base model which has had the most worthwhile updates.
Previously packing twin electric motors developing a combined 240kW and a 76.6kWh battery pack (that's the net figure), the xDrive40 produced 326hp, 630Nm and a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds, alongside a theoretical range of 414km. All fine numbers, but the new 45 takes things significantly further.
The motors are ramped up to 300kW, which equates to 408hp (+82hp) and there's a goliath 700Nm (+70Nm) of torque as well, enough to take a whole second off the BMW's 0-100km/h sprint.
Yet it's the new 94.8kWh battery pack which really bolsters the xDrive45's case, because the official range is up to a maximum of 591km - a huge 43 per cent increase in the figure from the old 40. Even the maximum DC charging rate has been enhanced by 25kW to a new 175kW peak, meaning you can in theory perform a 10-80 per cent charge of the xDrive45's battery pack in just 34 minutes.
You really don't need any more speed, agility or comfort from a 2.5-tonne electric SUV than this. The iX has a wonderful, easy-going muscularity to it and never exhibits any of that discomfiting, neck-snapping behaviour that mega-power EVs can, while the positive steering, impressive body control and supple damping add up to a big machine that is reasonably nimble considering its sheer physical size, yet conversely it is generally comfortable to travel in - with only very rare occasions where the big tyres thud through potholes and imperfections to generate any sort of discernible commotion in the passenger compartment.
Then there are the sounds, generated by the composer, Hans Zimmer, which are emitted depending on the drive mode selected. You might think these gimmicky and, by and large, they are, but there are two specific modes where we love the outlandish, sci-fi noises the BMW iX makes - the first is Expression, which makes loud and booming synth noises like the old THX ident, and the other is Relax, where what sounds like a celestial choir serenades you as you float down the road.
Interestingly, a real-world range of approaching 500km looks eminently achievable. On our test drive, the car's trip computer reported a reasonable 21.4kWh/100km and reckoned it could still do around 450km on 84 per cent of its remaining battery power. We therefore think that, even without having to 'hypermile' it or significantly alter your driving style - and even in colder weather - you should be able to get 450-500km out of the xDrive45 without any difficulty.
Interior, Practicality, Tech & Comfort of the BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport
• Beautifully built and finished
• Tech works reasonably well
• Spacious but only five seats offered
Like any other iX model, the xDrive45 has a sumptuous, spacious and wonderfully appointed cabin, even if it the SUV remains a strict five-seater despite the fact it is physically about the same size as a seven-seat BMW X5. Nevertheless, for passenger space, boot volume and the general provision of useful cubbies and stowage holes, the iX is hard to fault.
Changes for the updated M Sport car amount to a steering wheel which no longer resembles a flattened hexagon but is instead a proper circle (yet its rim is still too thick, BMW, meaning it's not the most comfortable thing to hold for long journeys), the deletion of some of the chintzier bronze-gold interior detailing and some luscious new seat upholstery featuring the M tricolour stripe in a diagonal pattern on the backrests.
Better than how good these items look, the front seats in the xDrive45 are really supportive and deeply comfortable, so they're a most welcome addition to what was already a great BMW interior.
Irish Pricing & Rivals of the BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport
• One of just two iXs which cost less than €100,000
• M Sport specification generous
• Plenty of luxury electric SUV choice out there
Although a car which costs €96,000-plus can hardly be called a bargain, the xDrive45 regardless seems like it is good value for what you get. The vastly increased range, both theoretical and real-world, and the stronger performance justify the xDrive45's robust starting price, but as an M Sport the standard specification includes 21-inch wheels, LED front and rear lights, the BMW Live Cockpit Plus infotainment system with the Curved Display and Operating System 8.5, a Harman Kardon surround-sound system, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and Parking Assistant including Active Park Distance Control and Reversing Assist Camera.
Beyond the Audi, Mercedes and Porsche alternatives mentioned elsewhere on this page, you could also consider an imported Maserati Grecale Folgore as competition in a pure-electric form, as well as the Lexus RX if you want a premium, five-seat SUV but you're not ready to go fully electric yet. Also look at the Volvo EX90 and Kia EV9, both of which are seven-seat electric SUVs, but which are in comparable price ballparks to the BMW.
Verdict - Should You Buy the BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport?
The BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport is a fine example of an entry-level car feeling anything but basic. Leaving aside the divisive exterior aesthetic, everything else about this iX is thoroughly impressive. The cabin finishing, the Beemer's level of integrated tech and equipment, its range, the improved performance of the drivetrain and the generally polished and dignified way it goes about its business makes this one of the nicest, most relaxing SUVs out there - electrically powered or otherwise.
FAQs About the BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport
Are there any single-motor versions of the BMW iX?
No, all models are dual-motor vehicles and therefore wear the 'xDrive' badge somewhere on their body, meaning they have all-wheel drive.
Is there another trim level available for the BMW iX xDrive45, besides M Sport?
Yes, the very cheapest version is the regular Sport (no 'M'), which comes in at €92,585. However, M Sport is such a desirable trim, given it brings in extra styling upgrades inside and out, that the vast majority of iX customers are expected to make the €3,690 price walk to step up from the Sport.
How many ISOFIX points are there in the BMW iX?
BMW provides two ISOFIX seating positions in the outer chairs of the second row in the iX SUV. There is a three-point seatbelt in the centre-rear position so you might get a slim booster seat in there, but not anything much bulkier if you've got bulky child seats in the ISOFIX spots.
Do I get a heat pump without paying extra money on my BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport?
Yes, a heat pump is standard equipment on all versions of the iX SUV.
Want to know more about the BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport?
Is there anything else you'd like to know about the BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport? Or anything you feel we haven't covered here? Then just head over to our Ask Us Anything section and, well, ask us anything. We'll do our best to answer your questions.
