galvanising car have given automakers a rare opportunity to discombobulate out design and technology conventions in favor of something truly new , and few car maker have exploited that opportunity like BMW .
The German auto manufacturer ’s first attempt at a volume - production electric vehicle was theBMW i3 , a small hatchback that administer with all expectations of what a auto wearing BMW ’s blue - and - white badge should be , with a fresh form and engineering to equate its electric powertrain . While the i3 was n’t a sales succeeder , its smell lives on in an EV at the opposite end of the price and size spectrum .
Introduced for the 2022 model class , the BMW iX is a bombastic sport utility vehicle that sit near the top of the automaker ’s EV lineup . It ’s now been on sale long enough to warrant a mid - cycle refresh — or Lifecycle Impulse ( LCI ) , in BMW speak — that brings numerous improvements while carrying forrard the ethos of the i3 .
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Still daring to be different
Like the i3 , the iX is hard to ignore . The original simulation ’s many detractors will be let down to see that BMW has double down on the massive grill , which come back with optional light . More spectacular air breathing in on either side help equilibrize it somewhat , though , while young headlights with prominent vertical elements give the refreshed iX a slightly cross - eyed show .
Still , it ’s decent to see a design that does n’t blend into traffic — from some angles at least . The real issue here is n’t the lattice , it ’s that there is n’t much about the rest of the machine that resist out . The thin taillights are strange but insidious , and in visibility view the iX ’s tall - but - curvy shape create it seem like BMW ’s clothes designer were n’t certain whether they were act upon on an SUV or a minivan .
The iX is hard to ignore .
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In addition to observe a similar design path , the iX borrow some of the i3 ’s telling engineering . Its human body uses a mix of aluminum , sword , and carbon fibre reinforced plastic ( CFRP ) interchangeable to what was pioneered by the i3 . But while CFRP should help thin weight while retaining structural inflexibility , although here the benefit is harder to see . BMW cite a understructure curb weight of 5,567 pound sign , which is not far off from aMercedes - Benz EQE SUVwith more conventional build construction .
For 2026 , the iX lineup expatiate with a raw iX xDrive45 base mannikin priced below the xDrive60 and M70 xDrive , which are updated refilling for last year ’s xDrive50 and M60 xDrive variants , respectively . The M70 xDrive has a slenderly sportier appearing , with self-aggrandizing front breeze intakes and a mini rear diffuser , but a similar look can be added to the other two models via an optional M Sport Package .
Performance improves — but does it matter?
All three 2026 iX models have double - motorall - roulette wheel drivepowertrains , hence the “ xDrive ” stigmatisation . The foot iX xDrive45 apply a 100.1 - kW - 60 minutes ( usable content ) battery ring and is rated at 402 H.P. and 516 Ezra Pound - feet of torque . The other two apply a larger coterie , with unlike software program that brings operational capacity to 113.4 kWh for the xDrive60 and 112.8 kWh for the M70 . Either way , it ’s more than the 109 kWh of all 2025 iX models .
Output increases too . While there ’s no 2025 - mannikin - year parallel for the base xDrive45 , the xDrive60 ’s 536 hp is a 20 - hp amplification over the xDrive50 it replaces ( torque remains unaltered at 546 pound - ft ) . The M70 bring forth 650 H.P. and 811 lb - ft , which are profit of 40 hp and 62 pound - ft over the M60 it replaces . However , this flashy iX model is n’t any quicker , still doing zero to 60 mph in 3.6 indorsement , harmonise to BMW .
Precise direction make get the most out of the physique well-heeled .
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The M70 is still appreciably quick than the xDrive45 and xDrive60 , which hit 60 miles per hour in a BMW - estimated 4.9 second and 4.4 endorsement , severally . But from the driver ’s behind , all three models feel enough quick . Even switch immediately from the M70 to the xDrive45 did n’t palpate like a downgrade ; the home example was more than capable of squeeze bodies into seats .
There was n’t a dramatic dispute in handle and cod caliber , but that ’s because BMW place such a in high spirits bar with the pre - facelift iX. This is n’t the sportiest BMW , but corners graciously , with exact steering that makes get the most out of the build comfortable . And it does that while retain the cushioned ride of a genuine luxury car — even on the new - optional 23 - inch wheels . Much of this is due to rearward - axle steering and adaptative air dangling that are received on the M70 , but can be added to the two low - tier models with the Dynamic Handling Package . So again , it ’s strong to free the top - frankfurter M70 when it come to real - world drive .
More range, same charging speeds
The iX also boasts grasp improvements across the batting order . BMW estimate 340 statute mile for the xDrive60 , 312 miles for the xDrive45 , and 302 mile for the M70 xDrive . To put that in perspective , the 2025 iX top out at 309 miles with a pack slenderly large than the one in the xDrive45 . And the M60 xDrive — the equivalent to 2026 ’s M70 — could only rally 285 mile per charge .
BMW did n’t address commit , however . The xDrive60 and M70 still DC debauched cathexis at 195 kilowatt like all 2025 models , while the xDrive45 arrive at 175 kW. That ’s still enough for a 10%-80 % boot in 35 second , BMW claim , and the stock 11 - kW AC onboard charger has a more competitive world power pace . It should make nightlong recharges at dwelling a nonissue .
A refreshingly different interior with well-executed tech
The upcountry and technical school feature of speech have n’t shift much , but that ’s because they were already far forwards of the curve . In the feel of the i3 , the iX express off what ’s potential , but this time it ’s a lead the rest of BMW ’s card in reality accompany .
Since its 2022 - model - year launching , the iX ’s curved splashboard display — including a 12.3 - inch digital official document clump and 14.9 - column inch touchscreen in one trapping — has cultivate up inother BMW model . It returns for 2026 count as good as ever , and the iDrive docudrama system is fairly sluttish to navigate ( wirelessApple CarPlayandAndroid Autoremain standard as well ) .
The stage for this tech is a cabin radically different to other BMW models . An angled splashboard and door gore provide visual involvement while opening up space , as does the minimum center console that floats between the front bottom . Available crystal control condition further add up to the impulsive atmosphere . For 2026 , those desire a more stereotypically BMW coming into court can also spec an M Sport Package with a chunky steering bike and seats with extra bolstering .
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The base model is the one to have
The iX was a great luxury EV at its launching , and the enhancements for 2026 help it keep pace with contender . But most important is the iX xDrive45 model ’s al-Qa’ida price of $ 76,325—$11,920 less than the least - expensive 2025 model . That also makes the 2026 iX cheaper than rivals like the Mercedes - Benz EQE SUV andVolvo EX90 , while offer more range than an equivalently - pricedRivian R1S.
BMW also maintain pricing in hinderance for the other two iX grades . The xDrive60 begin at $ 89,675—$1,430 less than the xDrive50 model it replaces . The M70 xDrive cost $ 112,675 — the same as the equivalent M60 model from 2025 .
While the xDrive60 offers more range , and both it and the M70 offer more power and a higher DC fast - charging power rate , the actual driving experience is n’t different enough to guarantee upgrading from the xDrive45 . That role model ’s humble al-Qaeda price leaves plenty of headroom for options , so you’re able to spec it how you want without FOMO . And in today ’s car - buying environment , that feels like a major winnings .
