BMW has been on a roll these days, promoting extra EVs in North America than most of its opponents, together with fellow luxurious manufacturers like Mercedes and Audi. But whereas many of the automaker’s lineup is hovering, its flagship iX SUV has been struggling to seek out an viewers. BMW solely bought 15,383 iX autos in 2024, down 11 p.c yr over yr. Sales numbers ticked up barely within the first quarter, however after being in the marketplace since 2022, the iX is in want of an improve.
With these struggles in thoughts, BMW introduced the refreshed 2026 iX earlier this yr, which takes a variety of the most effective components 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 happy to be getting a makeover that it’s positively grinning from ear to ear.
I obtained an opportunity to drive the up to date iX — as soon as on a media drive by 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 programs, which addresses some complaints concerning the stiffness of the iX’s drive high quality. It broadened the mannequin household to incorporate a extra inexpensive 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.
But there are some tradeoffs. The working system stays principally cluttered and forgettable (most house owners are prone to go for cellphone projection). And there have been some construct high quality points that left me questioning how they obtained previous high quality management. But general, the iX retains its standing as the luxurious EV that I find yourself recommending essentially the most.
Image: BMW
The two current variants of the iX are getting new names that befit their new energy and vary capabilities. And there’s an entry degree mannequin becoming a member of the household, as BMW seeks to make the iX accessible to a broader vary of patrons.
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 payment).
BMW can be introducing a brand new entry-level variant, the xDrive45, which begins at $76,325, together with the vacation spot payment. BMW felt it was necessary that each mannequin within the iX household would have no less than 300 miles of vary and 400 hp. So with that in thoughts, the brand new entry degree trim has 312 miles of estimated vary, because of a 100 kWh battery and 402 hp.
Image: BMW
I’m not the most important fan of the iX’s toothsome look, and the adjustments to the automobile’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 individual, and perhaps is likely one of the most polarizing design decisions throughout the EV business — together with the Tesla Cybertruck.
And for the 2026 mannequin yr, the grille is now illuminated, making it much more in your face and tough to disregard than ever earlier than. BMW has additionally included horizontal slates throughout the grille to make it look extra like a standard inside 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 yr, together with the identical curving display screen and sharp, detailed graphics. I discovered the show to be a bit of 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).
Image: BMW
I obtained to check out all three, and initially, I assumed the M70 was the clear winner. Even although I didn’t get too many straight traces to actually check out the improved horsepower, the automobile’s low floor clearance and low heart of gravity helps contribute to a extra secure stance on the highway. Still, the added weight turns into obvious in sharp corners and through braking, diminishing the agility usually related to BMW’s M-badged autos. The air suspension system helps preserve composure over potholes and cracks within the highway, and permits for adjustable floor clearance — although the shortage of intermediate settings is limiting.
The 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 a variety of inventory in that M-badge.
Initially, I assumed the M70 was the clear winner
Now, I drive loads 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 situations. But for no matter motive, 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 remedy 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 youngsters had no complaints.
You can inform that BMW’s engineers took the criticisms about stiffness to coronary heart when utilizing the improved Comfort mode. But in Sport mode, the M70 corners higher than earlier than, with improved physique management that makes it really feel extra composed on a twisty highway.
But it’s actually the all-new xDrive45 that’s the true sport changer for BMW. As the brand new most inexpensive 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 trip was refined and stylish. It’s the uncommon base mannequin EV that doesn’t go away you feeling such as you’re promoting your self quick.
