iX xDrive45 M

Overview

The BMW iX xDrive45 M sits between the entry xDrive40 and the flagship xDrive50 in the iX range, offering a larger 94.8 kWh battery than the xDrive40 and M Sport-tuned chassis specification that meaningfully upgrades the dynamic character of the platform. At $135,900 - just $5,000 above the xDrive40 - the xDrive45 M represents a significant step up in battery capacity, range, and driving engagement for a modest additional outlay.

The M Sport designation on the xDrive45 M denotes M-specific suspension calibration, M Sport exterior styling with larger alloy wheels, M Sport brakes with larger rotors and callipers, and an M Sport interior specification with enhanced seat bolstering and M-specific trim. This is not a full M Performance vehicle in the manner of the i4 M50 or i5 M60 xDrive, but the M Sport engineering creates a palpably different driving character from the standard iX.

Combined output from the dual-motor AWD system is 240 kW standard, producing a 5.1-second 0–100 km/h time. The 94.8 kWh battery returns 522 km WLTP - 97 km more than the xDrive40 and only 91 km less than the flagship xDrive50, making the xDrive45 M the most balanced iX variant for buyers who want both dynamic character and genuine range.

Pricing & Variants

At $5,000 more than the xDrive40, the xDrive45 M adds 18.8 kWh more battery, 97 km more WLTP range, M Sport chassis tuning, and a 1.0-second 0–100 improvement. This makes it arguably the strongest value proposition in the iX range for buyers who are not solely driven by maximising range. The xDrive50 above it costs $20,000 more for an additional 91 km of WLTP range and a further 0.5-second performance improvement.

Performance

The dual-motor AWD setup produces 240 kW combined output and 630 Nm, with the 5.1-second 0–100 km/h result reflecting the standard calibration. The M Sport chassis calibration applies stiffer spring rates and revised damper settings compared to the xDrive40 - the car sits fractionally lower and resists body roll more assertively through corners.

Top speed is 200 km/h, consistent with all iX variants. The M Sport brakes - larger rotors and four-piston callipers at the front - provide shorter stopping distances and improved brake feel under repeated hard applications. The M Sport steering wheel and M-specific driving mode settings are standard; Sport mode sharpens throttle response and tightens the chassis further.

Range and Charging

The 94.8 kWh battery (approximately 89 kWh usable) delivers 522 km WLTP. Real-world highway range at 110 km/h cruise is approximately 420–460 km in mild conditions. The xDrive45 M’s range is substantially better than the xDrive40’s 425 km, making it comfortably capable on Melbourne–Sydney route segments with a single mid-point charge.

DC fast charging is rated at 175 kW on CCS2 - slightly below the xDrive40 and xDrive50’s 200 kW peak. A 10–80% charge covers approximately 62 kWh and takes approximately 34 minutes at peak speed. The slightly lower DC peak relative to the larger battery means the xDrive45 M’s charge time is the longest of the three iX variants. AC charging is 11 kW three-phase, with a full charge taking approximately 9.5 hours overnight.

Interior and Technology

The xDrive45 M’s interior builds on the standard iX specification with M Sport additions: M Sport seats with enhanced lateral support and M embossing, an M Sport leather steering wheel, M ambient lighting package, and M Sport exterior trim with 22-inch M-specific alloy wheels.

The shared iX interior architecture applies throughout: curved iDrive display unit (12.3-inch instruments, 14.9-inch touchscreen), Swarovski crystal gear selector, natural material headliner options, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Heated and ventilated front seats and rear seat heating are standard in Australia. The optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond system is available across the iX range.

Practicality

Five seats, 500-litre boot, and the same flat load floor as the rest of the iX range. Rear legroom is generous relative to the vehicle’s exterior dimensions; the flat floor between rear seats allows genuine three-abreast accommodation on shorter journeys.

Towing capacity is 2,500 kg - shared across all iX variants. V2L and V2H are not available. The xDrive45 M’s practicality profile is unchanged from the xDrive40; the M Sport package applies to dynamics, not cargo capability.

Safety

BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional suite is standard across the iX range. For the xDrive45 M, this includes the complete active safety package: adaptive cruise with lane-centring, automatic lane change, forward collision warning with emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with active correction, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and traffic jam assist.

The M Sport brake specification - larger rotors and callipers over the xDrive40 - contributes to emergency stopping performance beyond the electronic systems. Active Park Assist with surround-view cameras is standard.

Running Costs and Ownership

At $0.30 per kWh, the iX xDrive45 M costs approximately $5.44 per 100 km on home charging - calculated as (94.8 ÷ 522) × 100 × 0.30. The larger battery and slightly lower efficiency versus the xDrive50 produce a cost-per-km figure close to the xDrive40 despite the longer WLTP range.

BMW Australia’s three-year warranty applies. The xDrive45 M is serviced through the same BMW dealer network as the rest of the iX range; high-voltage system maintenance follows BMW’s EV service protocols. Given the vehicle’s price and the M Sport specification, extended warranty coverage from BMW Australia is worth considering.

Verdict

The BMW iX xDrive45 M is the iX variant that makes the most sense on paper: $5,000 more than the xDrive40 for 97 km more range, M Sport chassis tuning, and a meaningfully quicker 0–100 time. The 5.1-second acceleration, 522 km WLTP range, and M Sport dynamic character combine to produce a large premium EV SUV with a more complete specification than the entry xDrive40.

The DC charging limitation - 175 kW versus 200 kW for the other two variants - is the one area where the xDrive45 M falls behind its siblings. For buyers who charge predominantly overnight at home, this distinction is irrelevant. For frequent highway travellers reliant on DC infrastructure, the xDrive50’s 200 kW capability and 613 km range justify the additional $20,000 investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iX xDrive45 M worth the extra $5,000 over the xDrive40?

For most buyers, yes. The xDrive45 M adds 18.8 kWh of battery capacity, 97 km more WLTP range, M Sport suspension and brakes, and a 1.0-second 0–100 improvement over the xDrive40 for $5,000. The only area where the xDrive45 M is weaker is DC charging speed (175 kW versus 200 kW). Unless you specifically prioritise DC charging speed above range and dynamics, the xDrive45 M is the more complete purchase at the entry price.

What does the M Sport package include on the iX xDrive45 M?

The M Sport package on the xDrive45 M includes: M Sport suspension calibration with stiffer springs and revised damper settings, M Sport front and rear styling with larger air intakes, 22-inch M light alloy wheels, M Sport brakes with larger rotors and four-piston front callipers, M Sport steering wheel, M Sport seats with enhanced bolstering, and M-specific ambient lighting and instrument display layouts.

How does the iX xDrive45 M compare to the Mercedes EQS SUV?

The EQS SUV uses an 800V architecture enabling faster DC charging and offers a more lounge-oriented interior with the optional Hyperscreen display. The iX xDrive45 M responds with a more dynamic M Sport chassis, BMW’s distinctive exterior design, and 2,500 kg towing. At comparable price points the choice is primarily one of interior philosophy and brand preference.