Unveiled: The 2026 BMW iX

The BMW iX arrived on the tail finish of 2020, bearing an incredible weight on its shoulders. Firstly, it was the model’s first-ever electrical SUV, and it debuted with angular styling and resculpted kidney grilles in step with the marque’s newest design language. The response from followers was blended. Nevertheless, as controversial because the iX was again then, it has aged notably properly, particularly whenever you issue within the many egg-shaped electrics that rival it. 

At this time the German model introduces its first main refresh. Up to date for the 2026 mannequin 12 months, the BMW iX receives exactly the anticipated revisions. It wears tweaked styling, develops extra energy, and affords better vary because of effectivity enhancements. Nevertheless, the largest story surrounds the introduction of a brand new entry-level xDrive45 mannequin. 

Let’s begin with its efficiency since we’re speaking a couple of BMW. Though the xDrive45 is the least highly effective within the vary, it’s nonetheless loads potent. It develops 402 horsepower permitting it to dash to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The following step up, the xDrive60, produces 536 hp and cuts the time to 60 mph all the way down to 4.4 seconds. That’s because of a modest enhance of 20 hp. No matter trim, the 45 and the 60 are electronically restricted to 124 mph. 

The BMW iX M70 xDrive (identified beforehand because the M60 xDrive) is the range-topping trim that depends on two electrical motors for a mixed output of as much as 650 hp when within the max energy mode. That represents a 40-hp rise from its predecessor. On the identical time, its torque determine is a powerful 811 pound-feet when Launch Management is engaged. Its time to 60 mph drops significantly to three.6 seconds, making it the quickest within the vary, whereas its restricted prime pace bumps as much as 155 mph when geared up with efficiency rubber. 

Alongside enhancing its efficiency, BMW now depends on silicon carbide inverters for its powertrain, permitting for extra environment friendly power switch from the batter to this SUV’s electrical motors. This elevated effectivity immediately impacts its vary, which, mixed with extra dense batteries, sees enhancements as excessive as 10 p.c. 

The BMW iX xDrive45 depends on a pack with a internet usable capability of 100.1 kilowatt-hours, permitting it to cowl an EPA-estimated vary of 312 miles. The xDrive60 makes use of a bigger battery with a 113.4 kWh internet usable determine and can cowl as much as 340 miles on a cost. The range-topping M70 xDrive bumps the web quantity down barely to 112.8 kWh however nonetheless manages a decent enhance as much as 302 miles. 

Setting the figures apart for a second, the refreshed BMW iX receives a handful of welcomed styling updates corresponding to reshaped bumpers, a re-styled entrance grille adorned with diagonal slats, and a recent set of headlights carrying the model’s newest lighting signature. Alongside the present 21 and 22-in wheel choices, BMW will allow you to select a bigger set of 23s that put on a V-spoke design. Add on the M Sport Skilled Package deal, and also you’ll get darkened M Shadowline lights. 

Inside, the updates to the iX’s cabin are comparatively delicate. BMW now affords M multifunction seats as a part of its M Sport Package deal with extra lateral assist and a singular design. The non-obligatory Local weather Consolation Package deal introduces heated surfaces in its instrument panel, glove compartment, door panels, and armrests. On the identical time, the Panoramic Eclipsing Roof provides an enormous glass panel over each rows. 

The introduction of the BMW iX xDrive45 affords the model’s first electrical SUV at a extra accessible value level. Together with a $1,175 vacation spot charge, it begins at $76,325. The xDrive60 bumps as much as $89,675 with charges included, whereas the range-topping M70 is available in at $112,675. The carmaker’s orderbooks at the moment are open, with manufacturing beginning in March and deliveries starting in Q2 this 12 months.