BMW has made incremental enhancements to their first-ever electrical SUV since its debut in 2021. However 2026 is the primary yr of a real “LCI,” or Life Cycle Impulse, what BMW calls their mid-life-cycle refresh. The modifications prolong to new design parts, together with a brand new entrance grille and headlight designs, and introduction of an actual M Sport Bundle. The M Sport Bundle is all aesthetics, and accessible throughout all trim strains (commonplace on the M70). Talking of trims, BMW renamed and reconfigured the trim ranges a bit, which entailed the introduction of a brand new base trim: the iX xDrive45, priced at $75,150. Extra vary and energy makes the 2026 BMW iX a giant step up, all issues thought of. That’s good news, because the iX was already a wonderful EV and BMW within the first place.
2026 BMW iX Electrical Motor and Efficiency
No person particularly requested for it, however BMW determined to crank up the iX’s efficiency for its 2026 mannequin yr reintroduction. Within the US, the brand new iX xDrive45 takes the place of the previous iX xDrive50 as the bottom providing. It presents 402 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and BMW says it’ll hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.9 seconds. The subsequent step up is now the iX xDrive60, which now touts 536 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque. BMW says the zero-to-60 sprint drops to 4.4 seconds. Lastly, the iX M70. It tops out at 650 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque. BMW quotes a 3.6-second zero to 60 mph time, however we beat that point simply barely after we reviewed the electrical SUV. All iX fashions get xDrive all-wheel drive and have twin electrical motors.
2026 BMW iX Charging and Vary
Regardless of higher efficiency figures, charging the iX stays comparatively the identical yr over yr. The iX xDrive45 can cost at as much as 175 kW at DC stations, whereas the opposite trim ranges retain their most of 195 kW. Charging occasions will stay equally unchanged, so anticipate so as to add round 100 miles of vary in 12 minutes or so. Degree 2 chargers and Wallboxes will restore across the similar quantity of vary in round 4.5 hours. The iX xDrive45 charging upgrades are few and much between, however there’s a marked distinction between the brand new automobile and the outdated xDrive40.
Vary grows throughout the board for the 2026 BMW iX. The brand new xDrive60 mannequin outshines the outdated xDrive50, providing between 318 and 364 miles of vary. The outdated mannequin was solely estimated at 311 miles, max. M70 fashions evaluate favorably to their predecessor, too, providing a most of 303 miles on a full vary in comparison with the outgoing mannequin’s 296 miles. The improved vary comes courtesy of silicon carbide semiconductor parts (SiC inverters), a primary in BMW EVs.
Inside and Cargo House
Little modifications contained in the BMW iX, regardless of the brand new digs on the surface. One be aware: the bottom iX xDrive45 lacks the cool Panoramic Eclipsing roof the mannequin is considerably famend for. It takes $2,600 to choice it again on, which we’d contemplate an “okay” worth. In any other case, the automobile shares nearly the whole lot else with its bigger-badged brethren. Upholstery choices and trim keep just about the identical yr over yr, and the iX retains its curved show comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central data show. Bowers & Wilkins sound is considerably worthwhile at $3,400, and, if doable, sit within the $1,600 multi-function seats earlier than deciding whether or not or to not go for them.
Cargo area stays similar to earlier iterations of the iX at 77.9 cubic ft. No modifications to report right here, however it’s value noting that the iX presents extra cargo area than the X5. Even with the rear seats upright, the iX presents 1.5 cubic ft extra space for storing. A brand new tow hitch (accessible from Summer season 2025) additionally permits the iX to tow, however BMW solely recommends towing as much as 3,500 kilos.
2026 BMW iX Expertise and Connectivity
There may be little new within the tech and connectivity division. The outdated iX already supplied iDrive 8.5 with QuickSelect, which incorporates stuff like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and voice instructions. You continue to get that with the brand new xDrive45, regardless of the cheaper price tag. It additionally shares its Harman Kardon sound system with the xDrive60. The Premium Bundle is on the market on each fashions, including a head-up show with augmented actuality (AR) integration, an illuminated kidney grille, and Parking Assistant Plus (which features a 360-degree digicam, Again-up Assistant, self-parallel parking). Most of that comes commonplace on the M70.
Security and Driver Help Options
Probably the most driver help options can be found by way of the $2,550 Driving Help Skilled Bundle. Just like the pre-LCI mannequin, the 2026 BMW iX enjoys the addition of Parking Assistant Professional, Freeway Assistant, and Driving Assistant Professional. These enable, respectively, the automotive to park itself and to drive hands-free as much as 85 mph whereas executing lane modifications by way of a look within the corresponding mirror. The digicam and radar system has all the time labored nicely in each occasion we’ve pushed it, and there’s no cause to recommend it’ll be any totally different this time round. It’s a fairly good worth, however not a vital add by any means. Each iX comes with Frontal Collision Mitigation, Lively Blind Spot Detection, and Lane Conserving Assistant.
2026 BMW iX Pricing
With the introduction of the brand new base trim degree, the iX is now over $10,000 extra inexpensive than it was final yr within the US. Pricing begins at $75,150 for the iX xDrive45. The mid-grade iX xDrive60 begins at $88,500, and the iX M70 begins at $111,500. All fashions obtain a further supply charge of $1,175. Cadillac’s LYRIQ is a bit smaller however undercuts the iX’s base worth considerably at slightly below $60,000. Rivian’s choices are barely dearer to start out at round $77,700, the identical for the Volvo EX90 at $81,000. We expect the iX is a severely good worth—particularly on the low finish, however even the xDrive60 presents a wonderful steadiness of efficiency and luxurious that rivals can’t fairly evaluate to. Our iX xDrive45 evaluation confirmed our suspicions that its top-of-the-line values you may get inside or exterior the model. And also you received’t need to look far to seek out third-party affirmation on that.
2026 BMW iX FAQ
Sort of. The BMW iX receives important updates for 2026, however it isn’t technically a brand new mannequin.
The updates embrace revised exterior styling, an accessible M Sport Bundle, extra vary and energy, an non-compulsory tow hitch, 23-inch wheels on the iX M70, new digital key capabilities, and reconfigured trim ranges.
The BMW iX is simply barely smaller general than the BMW X5. However the iX is fractionally longer, boasting a one-inch longer wheelbase, and has a wider rear monitor.
For the most recent mannequin yr, BMW has launched a 3rd, inexpensive base mannequin, the iX xDrive45. It begins at round $75,000, representing a worth minimize of over $10,000 from the least costly mannequin from the previous mannequin yr.
Once we drove the iX M70, our instrumented testing revealed a zero to 60 mph time of simply 3.45 seconds. So, it’s fairly fast.
