BMW has been on a roll currently, promoting extra EVs in North America than most of its opponents, together with fellow luxurious manufacturers like Mercedes and Audi. However whereas many of the automaker’s lineup is hovering, its flagship iX SUV has been struggling to search out an viewers. BMW solely bought 15,383 iX automobiles in 2024, down 11 p.c 12 months over 12 months. Gross sales numbers ticked up barely within the first quarter, however after being available on the market since 2022, the iX is in want of an improve.
With these struggles in thoughts, BMW introduced the refreshed 2026 iX earlier this 12 months, which takes quite a lot of the very best elements of the electrical SUV and dials them up a notch. The battery is barely bigger, the vary is longer, the tech is flashier, the inside is extra luxurious, and the kidney grille is much more in your face than ever earlier than. This bucktooted SUV is so completely satisfied to be getting a makeover that it’s positively grinning from ear to ear.
I bought an opportunity to drive the up to date iX — as soon as on a media drive by way of upstate New York after which once more over a weekend in suburban New Jersey — and it’s clear that it stays a near-perfect luxurious EV with some noteworthy downsides.
The battery is barely bigger, the vary is longer, the tech is flashier
BMW has refined the driving expertise with improved suspension and enhanced chassis management methods, which addresses some complaints concerning the stiffness of the iX’s drive high quality. It broadened the mannequin household to incorporate a extra reasonably priced possibility and tweaked the design to provide it a extra aggressive and beguiling stance. The headlights are sleeker and higher built-in into the entrance finish. And the efficiency capabilities have been tuned up with extra energy and response.
However there are some tradeoffs. The working system stays principally cluttered and forgettable (most house owners are prone to go for telephone projection). And there have been some construct high quality points that left me questioning how they bought previous high quality management. However general, the iX retains its standing as the luxurious EV that I find yourself recommending essentially the most.
The 2 current variants of the iX are getting new names that befit their new energy and vary capabilities. And there’s an entry stage mannequin becoming a member of the household, as BMW seeks to make the iX accessible to a broader vary of consumers.
The earlier base mannequin, the xDrive50, now turns into the xDrive60, with a barely larger battery (113 kWh gross over 111.5 kWh), extra horsepower (536 hp, as in comparison with the xDrive50’s 516 hp), and extra vary (EPA-estimated 364 miles over the earlier gen’s 304 miles). BMW is suggesting a beginning worth of $89,675 (together with a $1,175 vacation spot cost), as in comparison with the xDrive50’s beginning worth of $88,425.
The M60 now turns into the M70 xDrive, with 650 hp (up from the M60’s 610 hp), a 113 kWh battery (gross), 303 miles of EPA-estimated vary, and a beginning worth of $112,675 (additionally together with the vacation spot price).
BMW can also be introducing a brand new entry-level variant, the xDrive45, which begins at $76,325, together with the vacation spot price. BMW felt it was essential that each mannequin within the iX household would have at the least 300 miles of vary and 400 hp. So with that in thoughts, the brand new entry stage trim has 312 miles of estimated vary, due to a 100 kWh battery and 402 hp.
I’m not the most important fan of the iX’s toothsome look, and the adjustments to the car’s distinctive grille are certain to be fiercely debated throughout BMW-themed blogs and Reddit threads. It’s actually an enormous factor to behold in particular person, and possibly is likely one of the most polarizing design decisions throughout the EV trade — together with the Tesla Cybertruck.
And for the 2026 mannequin 12 months, the grille is now illuminated, making it much more in your face and troublesome to disregard than ever earlier than. BMW has additionally included horizontal slates throughout the grille to make it look extra like a conventional inner combustion engine entrance. The general look is cleaner and extra structured, however no much less divisive. The headlights are additionally slimmer, and their vertical LED signature aligns the iX with BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse fashions.
The inside is usually the identical because the earlier mannequin 12 months, together with the identical curving display and sharp, detailed graphics. I discovered the show to be slightly overwhelming, to the purpose the place most drivers are prone to go for the familiarity of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (each of which can be found wirelessly).
I bought to check out all three, and initially, I believed the M70 was the clear winner. Despite the fact that I didn’t get too many straight strains to actually take a look at out the improved horsepower, the car’s low floor clearance and low heart of gravity helps contribute to a extra steady stance on the street. Nonetheless, the added weight turns into obvious in sharp corners and through braking, diminishing the agility usually related to BMW’s M-badged automobiles. The air suspension system helps keep composure over potholes and cracks within the street, and permits for adjustable floor clearance — although the dearth of intermediate settings is limiting.
The brand new entrance bumper now contains air vents for improved aero, and the choice to swap in 21-, 22-, or 23-inch wheels make for a seize bag of choices for many who put quite a lot of inventory in that M-badge.
Initially, I believed the M70 was the clear winner
Now, I drive so much of EVs — about three a month on common. I drive on twisty mountain roads, gravely rural passes, and congested metropolis streets. And I usually have an iron abdomen in most eventualities. However for no matter cause, the iX made me sick as a canine, a lot in order that I missed many of the drive occasion in upstate New York this month. (I blame the brand new treatment I used to be on.) BMW graciously gave me extra seat time to finish my testing, which handed with no hitch. Even my automobile sick-prone kids had no complaints.
You may inform that BMW’s engineers took the criticisms about stiffness to coronary heart when utilizing the improved Consolation mode. However in Sport mode, the M70 corners higher than earlier than, with improved physique management that makes it really feel extra composed on a twisty street.
But it surely’s actually the all-new xDrive45 that’s the true sport changer for BMW. As the brand new most reasonably priced EV within the automaker’s lineup, the xDrive45 will definitely assist BMW herald new clients — and for good measure. The vary is spot on, the options are luxurious with out being extreme, and the experience was refined and chic. It’s the uncommon base mannequin EV that doesn’t depart you feeling such as you’re promoting your self quick.