The 2026 BMW iX Adds Range and Power, and Looks Better Too

Yahoo

28-01-2025

Opinions on its styling aside, the BMW iX is one of the best electric luxury SUVs money can buy, with an impressive combination of range, power and tech. But it's not standing still; for the 2026 model year, BMW is improving it in some key ways — and if you didn't like the looks before, this facelift could change your mind.
The front end has been totally changed, with a new kidney grille, fresh front bumper and different headlights. It's less outwardly provocative than the pre-facelift version, with more traditional lower and side air intakes on the bumpers. The diagonally-lined grille on the non-M version mimics the new DRLs, which sport a slash design.
The top-shelf M70 (upgraded from M60) has a smattering of its own stylistic touches, with the grille mimicking the horizontal slats you see on other M cars like the M3 and M4. BMW didn't do much to massage the rear design, though the rear diffuser is new. Lastly, BMW has brought in all-new wheel designs across the board, and is introducing a 23-inch option for the first time (pictured below).
Every version sees an increase in battery size, and a new base model joins the lineup in the form of the iX xDrive45, which has a slightly smaller battery (100.1 kWh versus 113.4 kWh in the xDrive60) and accompanying reduction in range and output. The other trims see modest increases in battery size, but BMW says efficiency gains account for the big driving distance increases on tap. The biggest efficiency gain is attributed to a new silicon carbide inverter, which — in addition to things like fine-tuning the wheel bearings and new low-rolling resistance tires — brings an approximately 10% increase in range to the party. The new iX xDrive60 (BMW's max-range model) will go a claimed 340 miles on a full charge now versus the 309 miles it was rated for previously.
BMW says the 2026 iX is also equipped with a new heat pump that's more efficient in a wider range of temperatures. It has a new storage heating function used to aid in pre-conditioning of the battery for DC fast charging in cold environments.
Driving the iX in any conditions should prove more enjoyable, too: the xDrive60 sees a 20-horsepower increase to 536 ponies, while the base model is no slouch itself at 402 horsepower. The M70 is the most potent of the bunch with 650 horsepower, an increase of 40 compared to the pre-refresh M60. BMW says it's re-tuned the suspension, damping and chassis control systems in the refreshed models to pair with the increased output.
The iX's interior doesn't look massively different at first glance, though BMW calls out new M Multi-Function Seats as the highlight; they reportedly offer better support (and look far sportier). These optional seats can be combined with the newly-available M Sport Package on the xDrive45 and xDrive60, but come as standard in the M70; the package will net you the usual M goodies, such as a bespoke steering wheel, pedals and all sorts of appearance changes.
The iX xDrive45 helps bring the entry-level price down for the iX lineup, with a starting cost at $76,325. That's a big discount over the xDrive60, which now starts from $89,675 — a mild increase over the xDrive50. We're happy to report the sportiest M70 doesn't see a price increase at all with this update, sticking to the $112,675 sticker that the 2025 M60 went for.
BMW says the refreshed iX will begin production in March this year, with the first examples hitting our shores in the second quarter of 2025.
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