MSRP: $75,150
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Overview
The 2026 BMW iX is a midsize luxury electric SUV in the same league as rivals such as the Cadillac Lyriq, Lucid Gravity, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, and Volvo EX90. It’s an impressive piece of kit, with a high-end cabin full of advanced tech and two potent electric powertrains providing effortless performance, with up to 650 hp and up to 364 miles of range.
In the serene and whisper-quiet cabin, BMW’s iDrive 8.5 infotainment system combines two large, curved digital displays, while tech like hands-free highway driving is available. The 2026 iX gets a facelift and a new base trim. If you’re a tech-focused buyer looking for premium comfort, the iX has a lot to offer.
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What’s New for 2026?
The MY2026 iX gets a facelift with new LED headlights with vertical DRLs and a redesigned front bumper, but the controversial tall kidney grille remains, albeit redesigned with horizontal slats. There are new wheel designs and five new paint colors.
Under the skin, BMW fits a new and more energy-dense silicone-anode battery with silicone carbide inverters to improve efficiency and energy recuperation under braking.
A new 402-hp entry-level xDrive45 trim arrives, lowering the base price by about $13K to well under $80,000. A 536-hp xDrive60 trim replaces the old 516-hp xDrive50.
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Exterior
The restyled iX looks more cohesive, and the redesigned illuminated kidney grille has horizontal slats and less fussy detailing, alongside slim new vertical DRLs that preview BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse design language. The reprofiled bumpers are smoother and feature more color-coding.
The lower trims come with 20-inch alloys and a Sport package, which you can upgrade to an M Sport package with Shadowline headlights, red brake callipers, and aggressive air intakes. The M70 rides on 22-inch M alloys. Wheel sizes up to 23 inches are available, but they do cut into driving range.
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Interior
The iX feels more like a modern lounge than a traditional SUV inside, and the tech-forward cabin is fronted by the expansive BMW Curved Display, which incorporates the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen into a single, gracefully curving panel. Equally modern material choices include perforated SensaTec leatherette and an unusual Stonegrey microfiber and wool textile.
The second row gets generous space and dual-zone climate controls, and an available Panoramic Eclipsing Roof spans the entire roof and can be shaded at the touch of a button with liquid crystal technology. Cargo space ranges from 35.5 to 77.9 cu-ft (more than the X5), making family road trips an entirely practical proposition.
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BMW
Price Range and Best Value Trim
The 2026 BMW iX price list contains three trims this year, but while the new base trim is enticing, the xDrive60 makes the most sense thanks to its longer range and better performance.
| Trim Level | MSRP |
| Base: iX xDrive45 | $75,150 |
| Top: iX M70 xDrive | $111,500 |
| Best Value: iX xDrive60 | $88,500 |
2026 BMW iX Specs Overview
Powertrain and Battery Options
| Trim | Motor Output (hp) | System Horsepower | System Torque | Battery Capacity (kWh) | Drivetrain |
| xDrive45 | Front 255 / Rear 268 | 402 hp | 516 lb-ft | 100.1 | AWD (xDrive) |
| xDrive60 | Front 255 / Rear 308 | 536 hp | 564 lb-ft | 113.4 | AWD (xDrive) |
| M70 xDrive | Front 255 / Rear 483 | 650 hp | 811 lb-ft | 112.8 | AWD (xDrive) |
Range and Efficiency (MPGe / Electric Range)
The iX efficiency and range are competitive in this class. The new base xDrive45’s EPA estimates are 94/93/94 MPGe city/highway/combined, with a range of 312 miles, but the xDrive60 is the efficiency leader with 99/94/97 MPGe and 364 miles. These apply to the standard 20-inch wheels; bigger wheels eat away at the range. The M70 runs on 21-inch wheels as standard and returns 79/82/80 MPGe and 303 miles. In practice, the iX easily matches or beats its range claims.
Charging
All trims support DC fast charging, peaking at 175 kW for the xDrive45 and 195 kW for the others. At maximum charging speed, you can replenish their batteries from 10-80% in 34-35 minutes. A full charge at home on a 240V Level 2 connection using the included Flexible Fast Charger will take between 09:30 and 10:45. The iX is compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network and supports CSS.
Performance and 0-60 MPH
Performance is strong across all trims, and even the 402-hp xDrive45 dispatches the 0-60-mph sprint in 4.9 seconds. The 536-hp xDrive60 does the job in 4.4 seconds, and the 650-hp M70 performance flagship gets there in a blistering 3.6 seconds. The lower trims are limited to 124 mph, and the M70 to 155 mph. On the road, the iX feels planted and a lot more agile than its weight would suggest, but retains a comfortable and very quiet ride. The M70 has a harder edge to it and leans less, but rides a little more firmly on its sport-tuned suspension and bigger wheels, without ever becoming harsh. Optional rear-wheel steering further tightens up the handling and aids maneuvering in tight spaces.
Dimensions
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 195.5 in |
| Width (without mirrors) | 77.6 in |
| Height | 67.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 118.1 in |
Interior Space (Front and Rear)
| Measurement | Front | Rear |
| Headroom | 41.5 in | 39.6 in |
| Shoulder Room | 61.5 in | 58.3 in |
| Legroom | 40.2 in | 38.9 in |
Cargo Space
The iX’s cargo space is 35.5 cu-ft behind the second row – not only more than the spacious X5, but also comfortably beating the Lyriq and EQE SUV. The 40/20/40-split rear seat can be folded down for access to a maximum of 77.9 cu-ft.
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Ground Clearance
All iX trims have a fairly generous ground clearance of 8.8 inches, so the SUV should be capable of taking on deep snow, rough roads, and even light trail work fairly easily. The available air suspension can be adjusted for even more height.
Warranty
| Coverage | Duration |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| EV Battery Warranty | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Rust Perforation | 12 years / unlimited miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years / unlimited miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Impressive range across all trims
- Serene and quiet cabin
- Strong acceleration
- Luxurious interior materials
- Comprehensive driver-assistance suite
- New lower entry price.
Cons:
- Exterior styling remains polarizing
- No third-row seating option
- DC fast charging speeds trail some competitors
- Options can push the price up quickly
- Rear seating position is relatively low.
Verdict
The BMW iX improves meaningfully this year by providing a more affordable base trim, putting it within reach of more people, while the M70 still provides performance that few rivals can match. But it’s the in-between xDrive60 that’s best balanced, providing the longer range in the lineup for a lot less money than the M70.
Its controversial appearance is still the most polarizing aspect of the iX, despite its facelift, but this, and its premium pricing, are the only negatives in a very well-resolved package. The ride is superbly comfortable and quiet, handling remains agile despite its 5,000-pound-plus weight, and the tech-forward cabin made from premium materials is one of the best in the business. If you can get over its looks, the iX is a supremely capable mid-size electric SUV.
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About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor