The iX M60 is lifeless. Lengthy dwell the 2026 BMW iX M70. BMW’s polarizing electrical SUV has been rebranded because the M Efficiency model for the 2026 mannequin 12 months. For the reason that upgrades are palpable, the identify change is greater than only a advertising gimmick. With 650 horsepower on faucet, the new EV delivers an additional 40 hp over its predecessor. Torque stays unchanged at a mountain-moving 811 lb-ft.
Except for the additional oomph, the 2026 BMW iX M70, with its 112.8-kWh battery pack, is shaping as much as be extra environment friendly than its predecessor. Whereas the M60 maxed out at 285 miles primarily based on EPA’s take a look at cycle, BMW estimates the brand new mannequin can do 302 miles. It could symbolize a 17-mile improve, but it surely’s greatest to attend for the ultimate numbers. The luxurious automaker does say the interior exams it has performed had been primarily based on EPA’s take a look at process requirements. Which means the EPA’s official score in all probability gained’t be that totally different from BMW’s personal exams. In Europe, the iX M70 is rated at as much as 600 km primarily based on the WLTP cycle. The charging capabilities keep the identical: 195 kW however the charging curve has been improved to permit a extra aggressive preliminary charging.
New Kidney Grille, Ã la M4
Whereas appears are subjective, BMW has tried to tell apart the M Efficiency model from the lesser iX fashions. It has a particular kidney grille design with vertical bars and an M badge. Unique 22-inch normal wheels and even bigger 23-inch alloys are optionally accessible. BMW additionally sells the iX xDrive45 and xDrive60 with these large wheels, that are prone to negatively affect vary.
With the 2026 BMW iX M70 sitting on the prime of the lineup, it has a number of normal goodies which might be non-compulsory on the cheaper variations. You get the Local weather Consolation Package deal, ventilated seats, and a 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Encompass Sound System from the get-go. The Panoramic roof and Dwell Cockpit Skilled are additionally included with out having to tick any containers on the choices checklist. The kidney grille’s illuminated contour is a part of the usual tools as nicely.
Far Higher Seats Than Earlier than
Talking of the seats, that is, in our opinion, essentially the most important improve within the new iX. Not solely they provide extra bolster assist, however in addition they repair one in every of our pet peeves: they seat was really too brief for tall folks with little or no thigh assist. The nonetheless function intensive adjustment choices, together with backrest width and lumbar assist, together with pronounced contouring. They are often upholstered in Atlas Gray/Black microfibre/Sensatec with M-specific stitching and BMW M tri-color accents. Elective finishes embrace Amido pure leather-based or Castanea pure leather-based. The M Multi-Operate seats come as a part of the M Sport package deal for the iX xDrive45 and xDrive60, whereas being normal tools on the high-performance BMW iX M70 xDrive.
One other cool change within the seats has to do with the little cutout within the headrest which was just a little too huge inflicting points with shorter individuals who bang their head in opposition to it.
BMW iX fashions may be specced with an M Sport Skilled Package deal which provides darkish M Shadowline for headlights and taillights. The BMW iX M70 xDrive, nevertheless, comes normal with the design components of each the M Sport and M Sport Skilled Packages. It additional enhances its distinct look with an M emblem, black exterior mirror caps, and unique 22-inch M alloy wheels. The M Sport package deal enhances the inside with an M leather-based steering wheel, a two-tone instrument panel that includes the M emblem, Darkish Silver trim finishers, an anthracite headliner, M pedals, and high-gloss black accents on the middle console. The iX M70 is the one mannequin to get the spherical steering wheel with the 12 o’clock crimson marker.
The M70 is the one iX model with normal rear-wheel steering and adaptive two-axle ride-level management with electronically managed shock absorbers. The Dynamic Dealing with Package deal additionally provides these goodies on lesser fashions. BMW has tweaked the suspension, damping, and chassis management programs to deal with the additional oomph delivered by the twin electrical motors. The game brake system comes with red-painted brake calipers.
As with the cheaper xDrive45 and xDrive60, the brand new M70 has a extra intelligent warmth pump as normal. The Local weather Consolation Package deal is non-compulsory for the xDrive45 and xDrive60, normal on the M70 xDrive. It options heated surfaces for the instrument panel, glove compartment, door panels, middle armrest, and rear seats. All iX fashions additionally will get silicon carbide semiconductor parts (SiC inverters)—a primary for any BMW mannequin. These inverters optimize the vitality switch from the battery to the electrical motors, leading to extra vary.
There aren’t any adjustments to the screens measurement nor to the working system. The brand new BMW iX M70 comes with iDrive 8.5 which continues to be primarily based on the Linux platform. The Android OS-based iDrive is out there for automobiles with iDrive 9 and future iDrive 10. Fortunately, the iDrive controller continues to be there.
Regardless of notable upgrades, the 2026 BMW iX M70 doesn’t price greater than the M60 it replaces. It carries over the $112,675 beginning worth. Manufacturing of the 2026 BMW iX will start in March of 2025 at BMW’s Plant Dingolfing. Deliveries are anticipated to start within the second quarter of 2025. [Source: BMW]
