2026 BMW iX gets more power, range, and trim levels
The iX is BMW’s premier – and only, in the US anyway – electric SUV, and it’s now been in production for nearly four years. With BMW’s usual production cycles lasting between seven and eight years, that means the iX is now firmly middle-aged. To ensure the model stays fresh, BMW injected some new life into the iX for the 2026 model year, bringing significant changes that will likely help them sell even more of the aesthetically polarizing EV.
BMW introduces a new base model, the iX xDrive45
Perhaps the biggest news for the iX is the addition of a new trim level at the bottom end of the lineup: the iX xDrive45. It starts at $75,150, undercutting the middle trim by $13,000. Compromises are fairly minimal, limited to a small downgrade in power compared to the other models. The only other “de-contenting” BMW does is make the fancy Eclipsing Roof optional.
More power and range across the board; incremental styling updates
Perhaps channeling Clarkson, BMW has decided to opt for more power, which was never something anyone really had any complaints about. The entry-level iX xDrive45 gets 402 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. BMW says it’ll sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, likely a conservative estimate. They also say the SUV will make it 312 miles on a full charge, about on-par with the current iX xDrive50.
The mid-level iX, the iX xDrive60 (formerly the xDrive50), gains 20 horses, now churning out 536 horsepower. Torque stays the same year-over-year, as does BMW’s estimated zero to 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Range, on the other hand, grows considerably. BMW says the iX xDrive60 can go up to 340 miles on a full charge, up from 309 for the 2025 model. Both the entry-level xDrive45 and xDrive60 top out at 124 miles per hour.
The 2026 BMW iX turns up the motorsport theater, too
One more model rounds out the iX lineup: the iX M70, which used to be called the iX M60. The range-topper now makes 650 horsepower, a 40 horsepower bump from its predecessor. Maybe more importantly, the range also increased from 285 miles to 302 miles. As with most of the vehicles in BMW’s “M-lite” range (M340i, X3 M50, etc), you’ll have a host of motorsport-themed additions that set it apart from lesser iXs.
Speaking of the thirteenth letter of the alphabet, BMW brings the M Sport Package to the iX for the first time in 2026, too. Besides unique styling on the outside, like different bumper covers, the M Sport Package brings bigger wheels - up to a comical 23 inches - and seats with more formidable bolstering. Other details include a steering wheel with a red marker at the 12 o’clock position, touches like M logos on the instrument panel, and an anthracite headliner.
Final thoughts
I’ve spent a lot of time driving the old BMW iX, and it’s actually one of my favorite modern BMWs. Though its wild looks haven’t garnered a terribly devoted fanbase, its dynamics compare favorably to every model in its class. That should, more or less, always be the selling point of a BMW product. The German automaker didn’t have to make these changes to keep the iX competitive, but they ensure the iX continues to be a top option in the luxury electric segment.
