BMW has updated the design and expanded the range of its iX electric SUV, both in terms of model efficiency as well as the trim levels available to buy. A new lower-level xDrive45 introduces some questionable design elements, while the performance of the newly minted xDrive60 and M70 xDrive models has dramatically improved. Here’s what to expect when the 2026 BMW iX electric SUV goes on sale in the second quarter of this year.
2026 BMW iX Trims, Power, and Range
The 2025 BMW iX trim lineup grows with a third model this year, now including a new entry-level xDrive45, xDrive60, and M70 xDrive powertrain designations. The new xDrive45 gets 402 hp and an estimated range of up to 312 miles; the xDrive60 provides 536 hp and an expected range of up to 340 miles; while the high-performance M70 xDrive model generates 650 hp and nets an expected 302 miles of range, though none of these are official EPA figures just yet. Production begins in March with early Q2 deliveries expected.
2026 BMW iX Design
The new iX is a fairly subtle do-over in design, with an updated kidney grille that optionally features surround-grille lighting on all trims and new diagonal feature lines running throughout its… nostrils. New vertical lighting elements handle the DRL and indicator jobs, and the headlights themselves now feature more angled, diagonal feature elements.
Both front and rear aprons now feature more of the actual paintwork, meaning less clutter from other contrasting design elements. It’s difficult to see the difference on the xDrive60 and M70 models, but the awkward grooves introduced on the fascia of the tan iX xDrive45 pictured here make us think of skin wrinkles, and therefore we’re slightly uncomfortable. The other models look fairly squared-off and handsome-enough, with hints of traditional BMW design still present.
An available M Sport Professional Package adds dark Shadowline head- and taillight trim, and it comes standard on the M70 xDrive. That model also gets an M-specific grille, black mirror caps, and standard 21-inch wheels. New paint includes the Arctic Race Blue metallic, Dune Grey metallic, Carbon Black metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Deep Grey metallic, and Tanzanite Blue metallic colors now, the last of which will be a delayed release. The lower two trims can upgrade to the BMW Individual Exterior Line Titanium Bronze design. All trims can upgrade to 21, 22, or even 23-inch wheels through the M Sport and M Sport Professional packages. All new wheel designs feature metal inserts to help decrease drag and improve efficiency.
2026 BMW iX Interior
Newly upgraded M Multi-Function seats are now standard on the M70 and optional on the lower trims, offering more support and ventilation. A Climate Comfort Package is also now standard on the M70 and optional lower, using heated surfaces to increase comfort for passengers. A Panoramic Eclipsing Roof is standard on xDrive60 and M70 models, and optional on the xDrive45 with electrochromatic shading. The M70 also gets the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System as standard package, while it’s optional on other trims.
2026 BMW iX Performance and Price
The dual-motor iX M70 xDrive offers an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, while the other trims max out at 124 mph. The xDrive45 gets from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.9 seconds, the xDrive60 gets there in 4.4 seconds, and the M70 gets to that marker in 3.6 seconds. A Dynamic Handling Package is standard on the M70 and optional on the other two trims, offering adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers with M tuning, and red-painted M Sport brakes.
BMW says it gets new efficiency advantages from lower-resistance tires, new wheel bearings, and silicon carbide semiconductor components (SiC inverters), which have been employed in a BMW for the first time here. BMW claims the iX xDrive60 should deliver about 10 percent more range than its predecessor trim. Each trim gets slightly different battery setups, offering 100.1 kWh in the xDrive45, 113.4 kWh in the xDrive60, and the M70 xDrive models offer 112.8 kWh of net usable energy capacity. The new iX xDrive45 can charge at a rate of up to 175 kW at a DC fast charging station, while the max charging power of the iX xDrive60 and iX M70 xDrive is 195 kW.
The new iX xDrive45 starts at $76,325 including destination, with the xDrive60 starting at $89,625, and the M70 hitting you with $112,625.
