BMW iX

BMW iX in brief

The iX has been in production since 2021 at the Dingolfing plant in Germany. In terms of size, it's similar to the X5, but it's not a converted petrol model; it's a dedicated electric vehicle. The body uses aluminium and carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics, the interior features flat floors, a curved screen, and an unusual steering wheel.

Buyers appreciate the iX for its incredibly quiet and spacious interior, comfortable ride, and all-wheel drive, which comes as standard on all versions. The styling, particularly the large front grille, isn't to everyone's taste, and the car is large and heavy, so you won't forget it when driving in the city or parking.

Early iX and refreshed models — what's the difference

Early iX models (2021–2025) were offered as the xDrive40, xDrive50, and the most powerful M60. In the used market, you'll mostly find xDrive40 and xDrive50 models, with the M60 being rarer and more expensive.

2025 iX refresh: revised front and rear, with versions renamed to xDrive45, xDrive60, and M70. The manufacturer claims larger batteries, more power, and greater range than previous versions. There aren't many refreshed iX models in the used market yet, so most buyers will be looking at 2021–2024 models.

Generations, batteries and charging

The xDrive40 has a smaller, approximately 71 kWh usable capacity battery and around 326 hp of power, so according to the manufacturer's (WLTP) data, it can travel around 420 km. The xDrive50 and M60 have a significantly larger battery, over 100 kWh: the xDrive50 can travel over 600 km according to WLTP, while the M60, due to its higher power, travels a bit less.

In reality, especially on the motorway, the range is often lower, and in winter, you often need to count on about 20–30% less than in summer, and even more when driving short distances. A large and heavy car consumes a lot of energy to heat the cabin and battery in cold weather, so for frequent drivers, the xDrive50 is often the more sensible choice.

The iX charges via a CCS2 connector: usually with alternating current up to 11 kW, some cars with a more powerful 22 kW onboard charger. At fast-charging stations, the xDrive40 charges more slowly (around 150 kW), while the xDrive50 and M60 charge up to approximately 200 kW. A cold battery charges more slowly, so it's worth pre-conditioning the battery before a long journey.

What to check when buying a used BMW iX

The most important thing is the battery's condition. Ask for a battery health (SoH) report from a BMW service or diagnostic technician, compare the displayed range when the battery is charged to 100% with the new car's data, and ask how often fast charging was used.

Test the charging with alternating current and at a fast-charging station. If the car has air suspension, check if it raises and lowers the body evenly and if the car doesn't sag when stationary. Inspect the tyres and brakes — a heavy car wears out tyres faster, and rarely used brake discs can rust.

The iX is packed with electronics, so check if all functions, cameras, and assist systems work, and if the software is up to date. Verify the history via the VIN, and after an incident, have the body and high-voltage system checked by a service centre, as body repairs can be complex.

Versions

The BMW iX differs mainly in versions (engines and battery) and equipment packages; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.

Comparison of early BMW iX versions

Most buyers' top pick is the xDrive50: it has a large battery and the longest range. The xDrive40 is ideal for those who mostly drive in the city and region, while the M60 is worth choosing for its dynamics alone.

Frequently asked questions