2026 BMW iX Electric SUV Adds Power and More Variants

Yahoo

29-01-2025

The 2026 BMW iX adds an xDrive45 model, which is the new starting point for the brand's battery-electric crossover.
The refreshed iX xDrive45 starts at $76,325 and sends 402 and 516 lb-ft of torque to the wheels from its two drive motors.
The 2026 BMW iX xDrive60 (previously the xDrive50) now makes 536 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque, with the M70 xDrive cranking output up to 650 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque.
BMW's battery-electric iX crossover is getting some updates for '26. The 2026 BMW iX adds a new entry point (the iX xDrive45), adjusts the previous models' alphanumeric names, and adds power. BMW also updates the iX's styling for '26 and enhances the interior.
Starting at the bottom of the new iX ladder, the xDrive45 packs a front and rear motor that's good for 402 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Feeding those two motors is a 100.1-kWh battery pack, which BMW says can move this xDrive45 312 miles per charge.
Stepping up a rung, BMW offers the xDrive60, which fills the space once occupied by the xDrive50. This xDrive60 also uses a pair of electric motors to make 536 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque, which is a 20-hp bump from the previous model. Feeding this electric BMW is a 113.4-kWh battery the company says is good for 340 miles.
Sitting atop the iX mountain is the M70 xDrive, which takes the spot of the previous iX M60 and uses two drive modules to make up to 650 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque.
BMW says this xDrive70 uses 112.8-kWh of battery to travel 302 miles per charge. This is a 40-hp bump over its previous iteration's 610 hp. Despite the extra power, the M70 xDrive apparently carries the same 3.6-second 0-60 time as the previous model year.
Alongside the new entry point to its iX offerings, BMW is also shaking up the BEV crossover's styling. A new front fascia packs a new grille and new headlamps.
The new headlamps sport vertical elements for the daytime running lights, with the headlamp itself more akin to the kidney grille. At the rear, you'll find a new lower apron that features an integrated diffuser on M70 models.
Inside the 2026 iX, you'll find a new set of optional seats. The M Multi-Function seat is part of the M Sport package and offers more lateral support. If that's not enough to sway you to check the box, these seats also come with massage features.
You can also add the Climate Comfort package to your xDrive45 or xDrive60 if you want heated armrests, glove compartment, and door panels. A new heat pump is standard across the board and should help keep the cabin comfortable with less strain on this BMW's range.
As far as the media system goes, the '26 BMW iX comes with the traditional iDrive layout. While the Neue Klasse models will forgo the dial controller, the iX sticks with it and the BMW Operating System 8.5.
Even though this isn't on the cutting edge, this media system can still handle all the tasks you'd expect from a multimedia system in 2025, and can also play some video games if you're so inclined. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
Suspending all of this is the same basic chassis as the previous model years. Up front, a pair of wishbones control each wheel's movement, with the rear axle controlled by a five-link suspension.
Variable ratio electric power steering guides the wheels, which range from 20-inch rollers on the standard xDrive45 to 21-inch wheels on the M70 xDrive. Of course, optional wheels are also available in 21-inch, 22-inch and 23-inch varieties.
The '26 BMW iX is scheduled to hit the assembly line at BMW's Dingolfing plant in March, with deliveries scheduled for this spring.
Kicking off the refreshed iX lineup is the xDrive45, which will set you back $76,325. Moving up, the xDrive60 will now cost $89,675 and the M70 xDrive breaks the six-figure barrier at $112,675.
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