2026 BMW iX

Last year, I had a brief opportunity to drive the updated 2026 BMW iX near BMW's plant in South Carolina. When the review was published, BMW hadn't released all of the details quite yet, just general comments about improvements and updates. The details are here, and while the iX isn't all-new, the 2026 updates make an already solid EV even better.

What's under the hood?

There are three new trims for 2026, though two are just renamed versions of current trims. The xDrive50 is now the xDrive60 and the M60 is now the M70. Most notable for 2026 is the addition of a new base model, the iX xDrive45.

Range and efficiency have both been improved. BMW says the base xDrive45 will get around 300 miles of EPA-estimated range, roughly the same as the best version of the 2025 model. The xDrive60 will have around 330 miles of range, up over the xDrive50 thanks to improvements in battery technology. If the updated iX performs as well as the current one, expect it to eclipse those figures in the Edmunds EV Range Test.

The sporty M70 model gets a slight bump in performance for 2026. Horsepower is up to 650 hp from 610 hp in the M60. Expect the M70 to improve on its predecessor's 3.5-second 0-60 mph sprint.

It's not just horsepower and range that have improved. DC charging speeds are up to 175 kW for the iX xDrive45 and 195 kW for the xDrive60 and M70.

What else is new?

Visually, the 2026 iX isn't all that much different than before. That large and divisive grille remains, though it's been updated with some new detailing. After spending a lot of time with the 2022 iX that was part of our One-Year Road Test fleet, I can tell you that it's easy to look past the face. Look for new wheels, paint colors and interior options to be available, too.

How does the iX drive?

On a short drive near BMW's American factory in South Carolina, the new iX xDrive60 doesn't feel all that much different than the previous iteration. Maybe a hair quicker, but I'll need a VBOX and time at the Edmunds test track to see if it can beat our old long-termer's 4.2-second sprint to 60 mph. It still feels surprisingly nimble for such a big, heavy vehicle. The iX tipped our scales at just over 5,700 pounds, and the new one won't be significantly different.

Competitors to consider

BMW's largest EV has plenty of tough competition, with most luxury automakers offering at least one EV that goes head-to-head with the iX. Some of Edmunds' favorites include the Genesis Electrified GV70, Rivian R1S, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and the new Polestar 3. While some rivals are newer than the iX, we don't think the BMW has lost any of its charm.

The iX hasn't undergone any major changes, but given it was already one of our favorite luxury EVs, not much needed changing. The 2026 updates should make a good EV even better. The 2026 BMW iX is set to go on sale in the first half of 2025.