First Look: Updated 2024 BMW iX xDrive50 Sport – From RM465,500

The updated 2024MY BMW iX xDrive50 Sport presented publicly for the first time at the BMW Premium Selection event happening at the Bukit Jalil Stadium this week from March 1 to March 3.

As reported last month, BMW Group Malaysia streamlined its line-up slightly by revising the all-electric BMW iX luxury SUV model range. Besides axing the xDrive40 base variant, the firm opted to re-equip the xDrive50 Sport, which in turn saw a sizeable price drop too.

Earlier today, we got a closer look at said re-specced variant during the BMW Premium Selection event happening at Stadium Bukit Jalil from March 1 to March 3. From what we can garner, one of the firm’s most popular EV offerings remains very desirable still despite losing out on a few luxuries.

A much-welcomed upgrade is on-board charger (OBC) unit that now boasts 22 kW AC input ability. DC input remains capped at 195 kW, though.

We’ll start with the good bits first and, firstly, the iX xDrive50 Sport gets an upgraded 22 kW AC on-board charger (OBC) primed now. This replaces the previous 11 kW unit and sees full re-charge (0-100%) times halved from 11 hours to just about 5 hours and 30 minutes instead.

DC fast-charging (DCFC) abilities remain unchanged as said OBC unit continues to see DC inputs capped at 195 kW. Charging through this method sees 0-80% re-charges done in 35 minutes. With a full charge, the claimed WLTP maximum range of 630 KM also remains unchanged.

Like before, the dual-motor, AWD setup with 516 HP and 765 NM enables 0-100 KM/H in just 4.6 seconds plus a claimed WLTP maximum range of 630 KM.

Also good news here is the unchanged powertrain package, which consist of a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup that delivers 516 HP (385 kW) and 765 NM. Altogether, this package continues to see the iX xDrive50 Sport despatch 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 4.6 seconds too.

Another key upgrade is the adoption of a new adaptive air suspension setup derived from the iX M60 performance range-topper. With this laced into its chassis, it should refine the iX xDrive50 Sport’s drive even further – it was a noticeably bumpy ride for passengers when we tested it sometime back.

When we tested the iX xDrive50 Sport sometime back, the ride for passengers proved a tad bumpy. This updated 2024MY version seeks to remedy that thanks to its adoption of adaptive air suspension in its chassis.

On board, the BMW Curved Display suite is now powered using the latest BMW OS 8.5. The cabin also gets new Interior Design Atelier trim with highlight components and Sensatec leather dash and accents.

Other notable upgrades include the adoption of the latest BMW OS 8.5 powering the BMW Curved Display suite primed on board, improved Comfort Access function with Digital Key Plus support, and the inclusion of Parking Assistant Professional package that enables semi-autonomous parking.

As for aesthetics, there are several changes to note. Starting with the cabin, this updated 2024MY version is now decked in Interior Design Atelier trim with highlight components and Sensatec leather dash and accents – the same as the M60 performance range-topper. As for the exterior, the Titanium Bronze M exterior has been dropped, thus giving it an arguably much cleaner appearance.

The trick BMW Laserlight Headlights have been replaced with standard all-LED units, whilst the Titanium Bronze M exterior trim and Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof have also been dropped, thus giving a much cleaner appearance.

As for the key omissions, there are a few to note too. The most obvious here is the ‘downgrade’ from the trick BMW Laserlight headlights to standard all-LED units, followed by the deletion of the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof. However, given the next fact, we reckon many won’t mind either of these changes at all.

With some critical amenities upgraded plus a few that’s been downgraded or deleted, BMW Group Malaysia was able to revise the price of the 2024 BMW iX xDrive50 Sport to just RM465,800. In turn, this sizeable RM62,630 cut from its previous figure sees this model arguably stand more appealing now.

For those keen on having the BMW Service & Repair Inclusive (BSRI) package included, this option adds a further RM33,200 to the sum mentioned.

With all its new additions plus just a few omissions, the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport commands a reduced RM465,800 starting price now.

So, what do you folks reckon then? Has BMW Group Malaysia made the iX xDrive50 Sport less or much more appealing than before? What do you reckon could’ve been done differently? As usual, share your take in the comments below, as well as our social media pages…