BMW iNext (EV SUV)

The facelifted BMW iX now gets a light-up kidney grille and up to 650bhp

Original iX just a little too understated for your liking? BMW has fixed that for you with a facelift

Just when we thought we were getting used to the monstrous kidneys on the iX, BMW goes and changes them with a mid-life facelift. Although actually, at first glance we thought that new front end was a little bit more friendly than before, with more body colour on the bumpers, less aggressive air intakes, blocky LED headlights and simple straight lines in the kidneys.

Unfortunately, then we learned that BMW had equipped the updated iX with its ‘BMW Iconic Glow’ function to light up those kidneys. Oh dear. Thankfully it’s optional unless you want the new top-spec iX M70 xDrive.

That new top spec version replaces the previous M60 xDrive and produces a quite remarkable 650bhp when in sport mode, and 811lb ft of torque with launch control engaged. Good grief. As a result, 0-62mph takes just 3.8 seconds and it’ll top out at 155mph. Those are supercar numbers.

The rest of the range has also been renamed to reflect a jump in performance, with the iX xDrive45 (previously the xDrive40) getting 402bhp and the iX xDrive60 M Sport (previously the xDrive50) a healthy 537bhp. Both of those are electronically limited to 124mph. BMW says the jumps in power come from a fine-tuning of the drive system, and of course all versions get a motor on the front and rear axles for all-wheel drive.

 
BMW iX Facelift revealed for 2025

The BMW iX facelift brings numerous changes inside and out, and has been confirmed for a South African market introduction in 2025.

The #CarsAwards category winner has received an update. The 2026 BMW iX facelift is locked in for a South African market arrival in the 3rd quarter of 2025.

Visually, the BMW iX facelift benefits from a new-look radiator grille and BMW SA has confirmed the illuminated kidney grille will be standard for this facelifted model. There are new-look headlights with vertical daytime running lights and these will be of the adaptive LED variety.

BMW SA will be offering the facelifted iX with an optional M Sport package, as well as M Sport package Pro, but for the flagship M70, this will be standard. BMW has some additional colours joining the palette, like Arctic Race Blue metallic, Dune Grey metallic, Carbon Black metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Deep Grey metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic, Tanzanite Blue metallic and Space Silver metallic (available from winter 2025 production). The BMW Individual Exterior Line Titanium Bronze is also available as a further option for the BMW iX xDrive45 and the BMW iX xDrive60.

There are new model designations, with xDrive40 falling away in favour of the xDrive45, xDrive60 replacing xDrive50 and the flagship M60 being surpassed by M70 xDrive.

Small refinements in the areas of tyres, wheel bearings, electronics have seen an decrease of around 8% in terms of electricity consumption, and BMW says the xDrive60 has an increased range of around 60 km. The biggest change is the new battery cell technology which sees the battery capacity increased for additional performance and range.

 
BMW iX facelift brings more range and a cheaper version

The BMW iX electric SUV got a new version with some significant updates. BMW sharpened the iX's design, improved its performance, and introduced a new base model that lowers the entry price.

The new iX lineup features three trims: the xDrive45, xDrive60, and the top-tier M70 xDrive. The big news is the addition of the xDrive45, which in the US starts at €68,785. This is a substantial drop from the previous base price of €79,527. The xDrive60 and M70 xDrive models come in at €80,816 and €101,544, respectively.

There are some notable changes in the powertrain department. The new xDrive45 gets a 408-horsepower dual-motor setup, helping the SUV to get from 0 to 100 km/h in a respectable 5.1 seconds. Stepping up to the xDrive60 gets you 544 horsepower, while the range-topping M70 xDrive has a hefty 659 horsepower.


 
BMW iX Facelift (2025) Price & Specs

The BMW iX facelift brings numerous changes inside and out, and has been confirmed for a South African market introduction in 2025. Here’s a look at what’s changed, the performance and how much you’ll pay.

The #CarsAwards category winner has received an update. The 2026 BMW iX facelift is locked in for a South African market arrival in the 3rd quarter of 2025.

The BMW iX facelift lands in SA priced significantly more than the predecessor with the range starting from R2 235 000. Currently, the iX xDrive40 retails for R1 735 000, while the xDrive50 comes in at R2 350 000.

Visually, the BMW iX facelift benefits from a new-look radiator grille and BMW SA has confirmed the illuminated kidney grille will be standard for this facelifted model. There are new-look headlights with vertical daytime running lights and these will be of the adaptive LED variety.

BMW SA will be offering the facelifted iX with an optional M Sport package, as well as M Sport package Pro, but for the flagship M70, this will be standard. BMW has some additional colours joining the palette, like Arctic Race Blue metallic, Dune Grey metallic, Carbon Black metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Deep Grey metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic, Tanzanite Blue metallic and Space Silver metallic (available from winter 2025 production). The BMW Individual Exterior Line Titanium Bronze is also available as a further option for the BMW iX xDrive45 and the BMW iX xDrive60.

How much does the BMW iX Facelift cost in South Africa?

The BMW iX facelift is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km Motorplan and will going on sale in the third quarter of 2025. We expect the high-performance M70 pricing to be announced at a later stage.

iX xDrive45 R2 235 000
iX xDrive60 R2 675 000

 
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