2026 BMW iX M70: The Quick, Quiet, and Controversial BMW SUV

I’ve pushed dozens of recent BMWs over the previous few years, however few have stunned me just like the 2026 BMW iX M70. On paper, it’s the identical electrical SUV we’ve identified since 2021—solely sooner, quieter, and extra refined after its mid-cycle refresh. Most individuals decide a automotive by the numbers: horsepower, charging velocity, or vary. However the iX M70 proves that the actual story begins when you drive it. This up to date flagship brings significant upgrades throughout the lineup—the 45, 60, and this M70—and it utterly modified my opinion of BMW’s polarizing electrical SUV.

The BMW iX has been out since 2021, however for this mannequin 12 months, it receives a refresh throughout all three fashions: the 45, 60, and M70. A really fast clarification of the lineup is that the 45 is the entry-level, most inexpensive model with the smallest battery; the 60 is the longest-range model that also provides nice efficiency; and the M70 is the ludicrously overpowered BMW electrical mother automotive.

This was the one I had the fortune of driving for every week. Between the way in which the iX has all the time regarded and the specs of the automotive, I wasn’t notably excited to obtain it. However after every week with it, this was truly the BMW, of all of the BMWs I’ve pushed in the previous few years, that I might truly need to stay with day-after-day. Let me clarify why this refreshed iX is much better than you may suppose—and why you’ll have to drive one to grasp. Let’s discuss concerning the good, the dangerous, and the ugly.

Consolation, Efficiency, and On a regular basis Luxurious within the BMW iX M70

Flat out, the BMW iX is among the most pragmatic and opulent automobiles in BMW’s lineup. In a automotive world crammed with even the most cost effective automobiles now containing nice tech, true luxurious and functionality are what separate the entry stage from the highest of the road. Some automobiles declare to be quiet, however the iX is single-handedly the quietest automotive I’ve ever pushed. That is all of the extra spectacular given the frameless doorways and carbon fiber chassis elements. Whereas the door doesn’t sound luxurious when it shuts, as soon as inside, the world fades away and the stress melts off.

iDrive 8.5 and Inside Options

Then there’s the inside. This was one in every of BMW’s first automobiles to have iDrive 8 (now 8.5), and the cabin structure is each open and luxuriously appointed. BMW actually took benefit of the EV structure to create an ethereal cabin with loads of house. Whereas the iX is one inch longer in each wheelbase and total size in comparison with an X5, it feels a lot bigger inside. The again seats, with the low flooring and entrance seats you may simply slide your ft beneath, can accommodate nearly anybody, no matter top.

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The Castanea Chestnut leather-based inside regarded unbelievable and felt costly. The seats provide heating, cooling, and therapeutic massage capabilities. The crystal seat and iDrive controls solely add to the upscale feeling. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system is the very best I’ve heard in any trendy automotive. The inflexible chassis from the EV structure, together with the inclusion of carbon fiber and the extremely efficient sound deadening, doesn’t simply make for a extra luxurious expertise—it enhances the sound system’s skill to ship clear, distortion-free audio.

Driver Assistant Options

Then there’s the driving tech. The refreshed iX now comes with the newest model of BMW’s Driver Help Skilled Package deal, which incorporates Freeway Help. This new function extends hands-free driving from final 12 months (as much as 40 mph) to now as much as 85 mph. It primarily permits hands-free driving in any freeway situation, visitors jam or not.

The iX blew me away when it comes to journey consolation and refinement. Whereas it’s non-compulsory on different trim ranges, the M70 has the two-chamber air suspension and adjustable dampers as normal. The automotive all the time felt compliant and mushy over highway imperfections however nonetheless managed to really feel planted and confidence-inspiring. That is fairly a feat for a 5,800-pound EV. That doesn’t imply it could possibly’t be pushed more durable than a automotive like this needs to be. A fast journey up Angeles Crest Freeway revealed that that is secretly athletic. The M on the badge does, the truth is, imply one thing.

Plenty of Energy

As you’d hope with something sporting an M badge, this M70 variant of the iX is critically fast. With 650 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque, this SUV has extra torque than a McLaren 750S, a Porsche 992 Turbo S, or a Dodge Demon. Saying that out loud made me chuckle, and launching from a stoplight on this automotive made me outright chortle. BMW claims 0–60 in 3.6 seconds, however unbiased testing exhibits it’s far sooner. This can be a critically fast automotive.

Longer Vary Than the iX M60

The vary on this iX was additionally spectacular and simply surpassed EPA numbers. On the 23-inch wheels geared up on this M70 mannequin, with a 112 kWh battery, it’s rated for simply over 280 miles. In my testing, I achieved just below 300 miles whereas nonetheless having 3% state of cost (plus the buffer inbuilt under 0%). If this spec is the worst-case situation for the iX, different fashions might simply obtain 320–360 miles. The vary in comparison with the pre-refresh fashions has elevated because of a number of updates.

The primary notable change is the brand new headlights, that are extra environment friendly. Folks neglect simply how a lot energy headlights devour, and as LED know-how has superior, they’ve grow to be brighter and extra environment friendly in each vitality use and cooling necessities.

An important change enhancing effectivity within the iX is the brand new silicon carbide inverter, which converts DC to AC (and vice versa), transferring energy effectively between the motors and the battery. There are all the time parasitic losses on this course of, however the extra environment friendly the switch, the extra usable vitality reaches the motors.

Lastly, new friction-reducing bearings within the drivetrain enhance energy supply to the wheels.

Charging Velocity, Ergonomics, and Usability Issues

Sadly, not all is nicely with the iX M70. BMW EVs have had one thing of an Achilles’ heel: charging. The 400V structure and prismatic cells are actually thought-about outdated in comparison with the newer 800V structure and cylindrical cells within the newest EVs. The charging speeds on the iX aren’t horrible however are not aggressive.

When testing the iX to see if the charging curve had modified, I documented the outcomes. From 3% to 38%, I used to be capable of obtain a gradual 198–200 kW charging velocity. It started to drop off after 40% state of cost to 190 kW, then right down to 150 kW at 50%. The charging slowed extra quickly, attaining solely 110 kW by 70%, and after 80% state of cost, it dropped to 75 kW. The truth is, that is ok to get you 150–200 miles of vary added in about 13 minutes at 40% state of cost. That’s a lot for most individuals, given the automobile’s already spectacular 300+ mile vary on this automotive’s largest wheel setup.

Is that this an ideal 800-mile highway journey automotive in comparison with different EVs? In all probability not. I believe that is the one actual challenge for lengthy journeys in what’s in any other case an amazingly snug road-trip automotive. L.A. to Vegas, Palm Springs, or San Diego is not any downside for the iX. A highway journey to San Francisco could take a further 37 minutes to get an 80% cost from practically empty.

There are a number of different minor complaints concerning the iX. One is the ergonomics of a few of the inside structure decisions, notably the cupholders. For some motive, the cupholders are positioned low, practically on the ground, in entrance of the iDrive controls and kit selector. It’s important to attain down and across the console awkwardly to entry them. On one hand, this creates an ethereal, open structure with a pleasant spot on the ground to put small baggage or meals from the drive-thru between the driving force and passenger footwells. On the opposite, it’s actually annoying—and borderline unsafe—to achieve down like that each time you desire a sip of your drink.

Small Quirks, Like The Heart Console Format

The opposite small criticism is the middle console structure leaves little room for a correct place to mount your cellphone. Whereas there’s a small phone-holding bin on the entrance of the middle console, it leaves simply sufficient house to your cellphone to flop round unsecured, partially hiding your display. The opposite possibility is to put it on the wi-fi charging pad, however that’s situated low on the ground by the cupholders. This additionally isn’t safe, and sudden maneuvers can ship the cellphone flying.

I all the time advocate a safe mount that’s straightforward to achieve—it’s helpful if iDrive, CarPlay, or Android Auto fail, and it ensures your cellphone received’t grow to be a projectile. The sprint structure additionally makes inserting an aftermarket mount troublesome. There are aftermarket 3D-printed mounts that add a MagSafe charger within the cellphone pocket on the entrance of the console, and console extenders to fill the hole between the pocket and the dashboard.

BMW iX Design Controversy and the Neue Klasse Problem

We have to discuss concerning the elephant within the room. This automotive was by no means a handsome automotive. In actual fact, previous to the refresh, it was downright awkward. The refresh helps. The decrease entrance fascia on the pre-refresh automobiles had a very busy design with too many conflicting strains. Now, it’s been cleaned up with less complicated, sharper aspect air vents that assist with aerodynamics. That is each useful and much cleaner than earlier than.

The entrance grille additionally receives updates to make it look extra conventional. Together with the brand new headlights, the entrance finish is sort of a bit improved. Nonetheless, I nonetheless can’t assist however surprise why BMW would put such a big faux grille on an EV that doesn’t want one in any respect. The Neue Klasse iX3 redesign is a big step in the precise path. That brings us to the opposite main downside the iX faces proper now.

The Neue Klasse of BMW EVs will very quickly be upon us. The iX did lots to pave the way in which for BMW’s present era of EVs. The teachings realized from this automotive and the developments in design to make the subsequent era as spectacular as we imagine it will likely be are essential. However the challenge is timing—this refresh arrived simply because the Neue Klasse was introduced. For a fraction of the value, the iX3 can be on sale on the identical time.

Should you’re prepared to sacrifice slightly inside house, the extra trendy iX3 provides the brand new iDrive 10 interface, higher battery tech with sooner charging and larger vary, and a extra extensively accepted exterior design. At first, they might not appear to be automobiles individuals would cross-shop, however for those who’re searching for an electrical BMW SUV, it’s arduous to justify selecting the iX over the iX3.

Remaining Verdict: Why the BMW iX M70 Nonetheless Impresses Regardless of Its Flaws

I got here away not anticipating a lot from my time with the iX, however now I perceive why its homeowners like it a lot. There’s a lot extra to a automotive than what you learn on a spec sheet. Residing with this automotive appears like driving the quickest, strangest-looking isolation chamber—a automotive that genuinely makes your life higher. It’s extremely snug, very sensible, straightforward to drive, and only a pleasure to commute in.

For all its faults in design and charging, a whole lot of that may be forgiven for a way great it’s in every day life. I genuinely want I might have stored that iX and pushed it day-after-day. Whereas it could already be outclassed in some methods, it’s nonetheless an exquisite SUV—and if that is five-year-old know-how, we now have lots to be enthusiastic about with BMW EVs of the long run. Don’t take this automotive without any consideration; it’s nonetheless top-of-the-line electrical SUVs in the marketplace.

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