Latest news with #M70xDrive
Scotsman
a day ago
- Automotive
- Scotsman
BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport Review: superb EV is a no-brainer for your next company car
High-spec and long range, the BMW iX xDrive is a compelling option as a high-end company car. It's just a shame about the nose. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Love it or hate it, if there's one big positive about the rather excessive kidney-grille which dominates the front of the BMW iX, it's that you don't see it when you're inside the luxury EV. From day one the grille has divided opinion. You either like, or you don't. So, perhaps it's worth highlighting that in this newly-facelifted iX the grille remains, though it's improved somewhat by the addition of some new mesh patterns. First launched in 2021, the updated 2025 iX retains what was BMW's first bespoke EV platform since the iconic i3, plus the original's intriguing part carbon-fibre reinforced plastic structure. But while the latest model also gets new headlights and redesigned bumpers, plus new front and rear aprons aimed at giving the iX a more aggressive and sporty look, the biggest and most important changes have been made under the surface. Not only has each powertrain been revised, but some now boast a 40% increase in range. Plus, across the board there's more power. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Exploring the model range You can choose from three versions, each now boasting a new name to reflect the increase in battery size and power. The range-topper is the rather bonkers M70 xDrive, replacing the M60. The latest version sees power increase from 611bhp to a whopping 650bhp, with 0-62mph taking just 3.8secs. And while the other two models are restricted to a 124mph max, the M70 tops-out at 155mph. Battery capacity has increased to 108.9kWh, while BMW claims a 366-mile range, up from 348 miles. The mid-point iX is the xDrive60, replacing the xDrive 50. There's a marginal increase in power from 516bhp to 537bhp, while the 0-62mph time remains 4.6s. And while it also retains the same battery pack as it had previously, BMW technicians have unlocked more usable capacity from it, increasing from 105.2kWh to 109.2kWh. Boosted by more eco-friendly headlights, higher-efficiency-labelled tyres and new wheel bearings, BMW has increased its range from 380 to 426 miles. The model we're reviewing is the entry-level xDrive45, which replaces the xDrive40. Power has increased from 322bhp to 402bhp, which has resulted in the 0-62mph time being reduced by one second: it now covers the sprint in 5.1s. But by far the most significant improvement is the size of the battery. Out has gone the relatively small 71kWh battery of the original, to be replaced by a 30% larger 94.8kWh unit. BMW claims the new power pack sees range improve from 257 miles to 374 miles. Rear of the BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport | BMW What about charging? The speeds remain the same. That means with a maximum 195kW DC charging speed you can top-up from 10-80% in 35-minutes on a rapid charger. As for AC charging, 11kW is standard with 22kW optional. The latter is standard on the M70. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Interior layout and design In this midlife upgrade, BMW has ditched the previous hexagonal-shaped steering wheel for a traditional round version in the M Sport version I drove. There's also gorgeous new seats which feature a quilted stitching pattern and cup your back beautifully. Not only do they look stylish, they're super-comfy being terrifically padded and supportive. The rest of the interior remains pretty much as before, which is no bad thing. The Curved Glass display which appeared in the original, and has now been rolled out across the BMW model range, remains the star of the show. Stylistically, straight lines and diagonals dominate the interior of what is a high-quality five-seater SUV. There's a vast amount of interior space and that, allied to the general usefulness of the cabin plus the impressive integration of the onboard technology make it a relaxing and enjoyable place to be. Interior of the BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport | BMW Drive and handling Definitely. First, let's not forget this is a 2.5-tonne vehicle. It's no lightweight. But take it on to the road and you'll find it immediately belies its vast bulk by delivering a serene drive. There's almost a sensation of floating above the road surface such is the magic of its suspension. Road imperfections: what road imperfections? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In terms of handling, the iX xDrive45 remains one of the sharper, and better luxury electric SUVs to drive. Acceleration is smooth and sharp, while the steering remains pin-sharp accurate. BMW says it has finely-tuned the chassis and suspension of all three variants to match their respective power outputs. There is no question the iX is focused on relaxation, quietness and comfort. Pricing It's not cheap. The range-topping M70 will set you back a whopping £114,215, with the xDrive60 M Sport starting at £93,115. As previously, it's the lesser-powered and cheaper models which make most sense. That said, the entry-model xDrive45 Sport costs from £75,315, with the xDrive45 M Sport I drove adding another £3000. That's £78,315. Verdict should you buy one? At its conception, the iX showcased BMW's commitment to making its mark in the fast-evolving early life of high-end, luxury EVs. That it did so by melding a combination of superb aerodynamics, driver assist technology and top quality materials in the cabin ensured it caught buyers' attention. This newly-updated iX raises the bar even higher, with the improved power packs easing the big electric SUV alongside, if not further ahead, of its rivals in terms of performance and range. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Edmunds
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edmunds
2026 BMW iX First Drive Review: BMW's Ugly Duckling Gets More Affordable, More Compelling
New models with more power, more range With 402 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque from a pair of electric motors, the new xDrive45 is down on power compared to the former xDrive50 model, which had 516 hp and 564 lb-ft. But the new version is also substantially cheaper, starting at $75,150 (the destination charge is still TBD) compared to the xDrive50's $87,250. Instead, the xDrive50 has been replaced by the new xDrive60, with 536 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque for $88,500. At the top of the range is the new M70 xDrive, with 650 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque, plus a BMW-claimed 3.6-second 0-60 time to match. It starts at $111,500, just like the old M60 xDrive. So power is up, as is the range. The M70 will do 302 miles on a charge according to BMW, compared to the M60's 285 miles, while the xDrive60 now travels up to 340 miles on a charge. Even the xDrive45 will do 312 miles on a charge from its smaller 100.1-kWh battery. That's 3 more miles than the old iX xDrive50 could manage from its 110.4-kWh pack. That makes the xDrive45 a potentially compelling package, even more so when you consider BMW has shuffled the deck when it comes to options, meaning you can spec the cheapest, slowest iX to have 22-inch wheels, an M Sport body kit and even sport seats, if you like.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 BMW iX Electric SUV Adds Power and More Variants
The 2026 BMW iX adds an xDrive45 model, which is the new starting point for the brand's battery-electric crossover. The refreshed iX xDrive45 starts at $76,325 and sends 402 and 516 lb-ft of torque to the wheels from its two drive motors. The 2026 BMW iX xDrive60 (previously the xDrive50) now makes 536 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque, with the M70 xDrive cranking output up to 650 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque. BMW's battery-electric iX crossover is getting some updates for '26. The 2026 BMW iX adds a new entry point (the iX xDrive45), adjusts the previous models' alphanumeric names, and adds power. BMW also updates the iX's styling for '26 and enhances the interior. Starting at the bottom of the new iX ladder, the xDrive45 packs a front and rear motor that's good for 402 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Feeding those two motors is a 100.1-kWh battery pack, which BMW says can move this xDrive45 312 miles per charge. Stepping up a rung, BMW offers the xDrive60, which fills the space once occupied by the xDrive50. This xDrive60 also uses a pair of electric motors to make 536 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque, which is a 20-hp bump from the previous model. Feeding this electric BMW is a 113.4-kWh battery the company says is good for 340 miles. Sitting atop the iX mountain is the M70 xDrive, which takes the spot of the previous iX M60 and uses two drive modules to make up to 650 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque. BMW says this xDrive70 uses 112.8-kWh of battery to travel 302 miles per charge. This is a 40-hp bump over its previous iteration's 610 hp. Despite the extra power, the M70 xDrive apparently carries the same 3.6-second 0-60 time as the previous model year. Alongside the new entry point to its iX offerings, BMW is also shaking up the BEV crossover's styling. A new front fascia packs a new grille and new headlamps. The new headlamps sport vertical elements for the daytime running lights, with the headlamp itself more akin to the kidney grille. At the rear, you'll find a new lower apron that features an integrated diffuser on M70 models. Inside the 2026 iX, you'll find a new set of optional seats. The M Multi-Function seat is part of the M Sport package and offers more lateral support. If that's not enough to sway you to check the box, these seats also come with massage features. You can also add the Climate Comfort package to your xDrive45 or xDrive60 if you want heated armrests, glove compartment, and door panels. A new heat pump is standard across the board and should help keep the cabin comfortable with less strain on this BMW's range. As far as the media system goes, the '26 BMW iX comes with the traditional iDrive layout. While the Neue Klasse models will forgo the dial controller, the iX sticks with it and the BMW Operating System 8.5. Even though this isn't on the cutting edge, this media system can still handle all the tasks you'd expect from a multimedia system in 2025, and can also play some video games if you're so inclined. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. Suspending all of this is the same basic chassis as the previous model years. Up front, a pair of wishbones control each wheel's movement, with the rear axle controlled by a five-link suspension. Variable ratio electric power steering guides the wheels, which range from 20-inch rollers on the standard xDrive45 to 21-inch wheels on the M70 xDrive. Of course, optional wheels are also available in 21-inch, 22-inch and 23-inch varieties. The '26 BMW iX is scheduled to hit the assembly line at BMW's Dingolfing plant in March, with deliveries scheduled for this spring. Kicking off the refreshed iX lineup is the xDrive45, which will set you back $76,325. Moving up, the xDrive60 will now cost $89,675 and the M70 xDrive breaks the six-figure barrier at $112,675. What do you think about the refreshed BMW iX? Tell us your thoughts below.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
View Interior Photos of the 2026 BMW iX
Exterior Photos / Read the Full Story BMW's electric iX crossover launched for the 2022 model year with styling that was immediately controversial. Four years on and BMW is giving the crossover its first facelift. It's also getting a slight boost in power, and slight improvements in range estimates. The BMW iX electric crossover is getting its first facelift in the 2026 model year. The biggest change is the addition of a new base model called the xDrive45 which lowers the price by more than $10,000. While last year's xDrive50 started at $88,245, the new 45 starts at $76,325. The rest of the lineup has been shuffled as well, moving from two trims to three. There's a new xDrive60 in the middle of the lineup that starts at $89,675, and a new M70 xDrive that starts at $112,675. The front of the car gets a simplified look with updated headlights to set it apart from pre-facelift models. The back of the car gets a new integrated diffuser on the M70 and on M Sport package–equipped lower trims. Changes from the M Sport package for the interior include M-branded seats, an M leather steering wheel, M pedals, and a two-tone instrument panel. Production of the updated iX will start in March with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025. Keep scrolling for more interior angles of the 2026 BMW iX. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
