BMW’s solely electrical SUV adopts a brand new headlight and grill design for 2026, together with a number of inside upgrades, nevertheless it’s the most recent mannequin designations that convey confusion. What was a comparatively simple lineup of xDrive40, xDrive50, and M60 has now morphed into xDrive45, xDrive60 and M70. Maybe BMW wished to indicate progress, and their advertising division clearly believes a smaller quantity expresses weak spot. We frequently give Mercedes and Audi flak for juggling round their nomenclature extra usually than a cash laundering restaurant, nevertheless it looks as if BMW isn’t proof against this follow both. So what do these suffixes imply then? Completely nothing, however they do point out that this iX is newer and harbours barely extra energy and vary because of optimized electronics. At this charge, we’ll be seeing an iX M100 in just a few years.
Irrespective of the mannequin, the iX is powered by the identical high-voltage lithium-ion battery however with differing charges of web usable power: 100.1 kWh, 113.4 kWh, and 112.8 kWh, respectively. It drives an electrical motor on every axle, and the iX xDrive60 we’re testing receives a 20 hp bump over the xDrive50 it replaces, producing 536 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque however with the identical 0-100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds. By comparability, the xDrive45 now outputs 402 hp, and the M70 generates a stonking 650 hp.
BMW notes that the iX is extra environment friendly than earlier than, because of silicon carbide semiconductor elements that improve the ability density of the drive system, and the elevated vary exhibits. BMW claims it is going to attain 586 km, considerably greater than the 521 km from the 2022 iX xDrive50 we final examined. On our house turf, we achieved a powerful 520 km from a full cost.
Like different electrical automobiles, the iX accelerates with ridiculous pace off the road, and doesn’t run out of steam till it hits triple-digit speeds. Although the iX doesn’t have any of the standard BMW elements like an inline-six engine or RWD setup, it nonetheless drives very very like a BMW. Weighted however correct steering convey depth and texture to the best way the entrance finish grooves with the highway, the rear-wheel steering and adaptive two-axle air suspension convey stupendous physique management and the power to settle rapidly after hitting deep divots on the highway, and its dynamic-focused tuning means you may trim your nook line with heavy doses of throttle moderately than counting on the brakes and the meat of the entrance tires.
BMW has recalibrated the suspension, damping, and chassis management programs for 2026, and the added sharpness and highway composure are obvious. The iX includes the motive force greater than you’d initially count on from an EV, and extra so than the languid and nautical Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 SUV. The substitute electrical noises add an exhilarating musical backdrop to your bouts of acceleration as nicely. In case you assume the heart-wrenching musicality of the beats belongs within the Interstellar of Dunkirk OST, that’s as a result of Hans Zimmer composed these tones particularly for BMW.
These outsized, illuminated kidney grills have grown on us over time, and the manicured entrance finish balances its silhouette properly, giving the iX a extra impactful presence on the highway, significantly at nighttime. It’s all the time pretty to see frameless home windows applied on a classy SUV, and the brand new shade of Dune Gray enhances these black accents nicely with dusky, desert beige tones. We name it the pug spec.
With the M Sport Bundle geared up for $3,900, the squircle-shaped two-spoke steering wheel is changed by a traditional rounded one which’s additionally used within the X2 and X3. Aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic to carry, it’s a star merchandise, however just like the X1 and X2, the steering column isn’t completely centered with the touchscreen and tilts barely to the left. It’s clearly not a high quality or misalignment difficulty, because it seems on each BMW SUV we’ve just lately pushed. Whereas it ceased to hassle us over time, OCD consumers beware. However we do should reward BMW for the sheer vary of steering column adjustability. No different automaker permits a wheel to telescope this shut in the direction of the motive force, giving them a extra versatile seating place.
The entrance seats could not look any completely different from the outgoing mannequin, however the facet bolsters are thicker and provide extra lateral help. In any other case, they’re the identical, plush seats with a lot deep cushioning that it’s extra comfy than our front room sofa. The quilted leather-based sample and perforation add that additional layer of fashion, and the built-in headrests are on the optimum place for us, and we assume for many others as nicely. Whereas there is no such thing as a devoted button for the therapeutic massage operate, the door panel does have a button that summons the selectable seat capabilities on the touchscreen. From there, you may select the therapeutic massage depth, pace, and program, however frankly, the therapeutic massage is comparatively weak and much from therapeutic.
In relation to materials high quality, BMW seems to have fallen off their excessive horse. With out the Glass Controls ($900) choice geared up, the iX cabin is an affordable plastic haven that makes you’re feeling such as you’re inside a thrift retailer. The window switchgear is scratchy black plastic, the identical materials you’d discover within the cheaper 2 Sequence (and sadly on the brand new M5 Sedan as nicely), and the casing across the middle console is an much more cheap, hole materials that lacks sturdiness and substance.
The worst perpetrator is the bare-bones seat controls on the door panel, which appear like a 3D-printed homebrew hash job. This cut-rate plastic can be used for the gear toggle and middle console launch button, the latter of which is flimsy and shoddily hooked up, reminding us of a 90s GM automobile. Even the important thing fob is laced with this downgraded materials, which means the primary level of interplay together with your new buy has already been diluted down. It could sound harsh, however whereas this sort of match and end could also be acceptable on a $40,000 MINI Cooper, it’s fully unacceptable on a six-figure BMW iX, this specific automobile costing $122,800 earlier than taxes and duties. We invite you to go to a BMW showroom and expertise these supplies firsthand in case you are within the iX.
Upgrading to the Glass Controls will treatment these considerations, however not for the window switchgear or middle console casing. It’s simply disrespectful at this value bracket, particularly when Genesis, Lexus, and even in some particular instances, Infiniti, are undercutting BMW in value and providing higher high quality supplies. Higher but, check out the inside of the equally priced Volvo EX90, and inform us we’re not loopy.
Inside quarrels apart, the BMW iX continues to be a good-looking and fascinating driving associate with all of the dynamic options anticipated from an SUV sporting the blue roundel. With extra vary, extra energy, and extra effectivity, it stays a high choose within the electrical enviornment. And irrespective of the trim, we extremely suggest the Glass Controls choice, which correctly elevates the cabin to justify its elevated six-figure price ticket.
Mannequin: 2026 BMW iX xDrive60
Paint Kind: Dune Gray Metallic
Base Value: $94,900
Value as Examined: $122,800
Wheelbase(mm): 3,000
Size/Width/Peak (mm): 4,953 / 1,967 / 1,696
Curb Weight (kg): 2,582
Powertrain: 113.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, two electrical motors
Horsepower: 536 hp
Torque: 564 lb-ft
Transmission: Single-speed automated
Drive Configuration: Twin electrical motors, AWD
Claimed Electrical Vary: 586 km
Noticed Electrical Vary: 520 km
Tires: Hankook iON evo SUV; 275/40R22
