The BMW iX was heralded as an all new form of BMW. A reinvention of the last word driving machine, it was meant to be a daring assertion by BMW because it entered the EV market. However issues weren’t excellent. The styling was daring and attention-grabbing in locations, and awkward in others. The seats lack typical BMW ranges of lateral assist and the inside seemed extra space-age lounge than driver’s cockpit. Worst of all its vary wasn’t fairly what we’d anticipate for such a technically spectacular automobile. Fortunately BMW heard the suggestions.
Behold the 2025 BMW IX. It’s been developed in nearly each manner with extra energy, higher vary, and smarter effectivity and a great deal of design enhancements. Better of all we are able to affirm from our early drive that BMW has certainly listened to the suggestions. In our temporary time with the brand new 2026 BMW iX, we discovered it to be much less of a radical reinvention and extra about considerate refinement. By addressing key criticisms like seating, bettering effectivity, and refining each the inside and exterior, BMW has remodeled the iX right into a extra full and compelling product.
The Lineup: Three Personalities, One Goal
The up to date iX lineup retains issues easy: the xDrive45, xDrive60, and the top-dog M70 xDrive. The xDrive45 now delivers 402 horsepower and as much as 312 miles of vary, making it the quantity chief. The xDrive60 raises the stakes with 536 horsepower and a variety of as much as 340 miles—10% higher than the mannequin it replaces.
After which there’s the M70 xDrive. With 650 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque (when launch management is engaged), it’s not simply the quickest iX—it’s one of many quickest SUVs on the street going to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. However what actually stands out is how simply it deploys that energy, paired with all of the refinement and composure you’d anticipate. The vary takes successful at 302 miles, however you don’t purchase the M70 for max effectivity.
Manufacturing begins in March 2025, with deliveries shortly after.
Design: The Much less-is-Extra Evolution
Visually, the modifications to the iX are refined however very efficient. BMW leans additional into the minimalist aesthetic right here, with a design that feels deliberate relatively than fussy. The outsized kidney grille will get a freshened-up sample with vertical and diagonal traces (illuminated on sure trims), whereas the slimmer headlights characteristic a brand new vertical factor for the daytime working lights and indicators.
BMW has made the M Sport bumper designs customary and painted them physique coloration – including each a extra aggressive have a look at extra subtlety.
Out again, the tailgate stays clear and uninterrupted, spanning your entire width of the automobile, whereas the rear apron and diffuser see minor updates. Physique-colored surfaces at the moment are customary throughout the lineup, with the M Sport Bundle including even sharper traces and extra aggressive detailing. The M70 goes additional with blacked-out accents, an unique grille design, and 22-inch wheels, making it clear which mannequin is king.
New colours, like Arctic Race Blue and BMW Particular person Frozen Deep Gray, spherical out the replace, but when that’s too refined, there’s at all times the non-obligatory Titanium Bronze trim for a bit extra flash.
Inside: Quiet Luxurious, With a Sporty Twist
Inside, the iX continues to really feel like the longer term, however BMW has added a couple of extra dials to show for consumers who need one thing edgier. The brand new M Sport Bundle brings a contact of aggression to the cabin, with non-obligatory M multifunction seats that characteristic deeper bolstering and daring tri-color stitching. These are seats meant to carry you in place—not simply cradle you—they usually’re obtainable in every little thing from sustainable microfiber to wealthy pure leather-based.
Elsewhere, the M Sport therapy provides refined upgrades: an M steering wheel, aluminum trim, an anthracite headliner, and—as a result of why not—M pedals. Within the M70, that is all customary fare, reinforcing its place on the top quality.
Practicality and luxury haven’t been forgotten, although. Non-compulsory heated surfaces prolong past the seats to incorporate the door panels, glove field, and even the middle armrest. The panoramic roof, customary on increased trims, makes use of electrochromatic shading as a substitute of a conventional blind—another element that quietly reminds you this isn’t simply any SAV.
Efficiency: Not Simply About Pace
Every iX mannequin advantages from reworked energy electronics and a extra environment friendly drivetrain, and the result’s instantly noticeable in our time behind the wheel. Driving the unique iX may really feel disjointed. The M60 delivered immense velocity, however the flat, undersized seats and lack of suggestions made piloting the automobile really feel extra like steering a spacecraft than driving a high-performance BMW. BMW clearly listened to the critiques, addressing practically each ache level within the 2026 replace. Even the steering wheel is now optionally spherical.Â
The iXÂ advantages from a number of suspension upgrades. The wheel bearings have been revised, whereas different tweaks to the chassis and electronics have improved driving dynamics. A brand new hydraulic rear axle bearing enhances trip consolation with out compromising dealing with precision, leading to a smoother expertise over rougher surfaces.
The xDrive45 and xDrive60 ship all of the torque you could possibly need with a seamlessness that feels nearly unfair, whereas the M70 takes issues to a different degree fully. The M-tuned suspension and chassis upgrades make sure that even with all that energy, the iX M70 stays planted and composed, whether or not you’re carving by a twisty street or consuming up freeway miles.
The chassis refinements are refined however efficient, with recalibrated dampers and air suspension programs that adapt to the elevated efficiency calls for. Rear-wheel steering and M Sport brakes can be found on decrease trims and customary on the M70, additional elevating its athleticism.
Smarter Effectivity, Higher Vary
BMW’s push for effectivity is simply as vital as its efficiency upgrades. Silicon carbide inverters, launched for the primary time right here, permit for higher power switch and lowered losses, contributing to each energy beneficial properties and prolonged vary. The xDrive60 now delivers as much as 340 miles, with the xDrive45 following carefully at 312 miles. Even the M70, regardless of its power-hungry motors, manages a decent 302 miles.
The iX’s adaptive recuperation system is smarter than ever, tailoring power restoration based mostly on site visitors, terrain, and navigation knowledge. You can too manually toggle between coasting and braking modes, relying in your preferences. And if vary anxiousness creeps in, the MAX RANGE mode prioritizes effectivity by limiting velocity and different capabilities, squeezing out as much as 25% extra vary when wanted.
The non-obligatory M Sport brake system, now that includes crimson calipers and M logos, offers sharper stopping energy.
Out on the street, the modifications are refined however significant. BMW has elevated the separation between Consolation and Sport modes. In Consolation, the iX feels plush and composed, absorbing street imperfections with ease. The steering stays mild however exact, and the up to date seats additional improve consolation.
Charging: Plug & Cost Simplified
Charging the iX is as painless as ever, with DC fast-charging speeds of as much as 195 kW on the xDrive60 and M70. BMW’s Plug & Cost performance now eliminates the necessity for apps or playing cards—simply plug in at suitable stations, and the automobile handles authentication. It could not sound like a giant change, however in our expertise, small particulars like this that make the possession expertise really feel easy.
Sustainability: Considering Lengthy-Time period
BMW hasn’t simply up to date the iX to be higher for drivers—it’s additionally taken strides to make it higher for the planet. Secondary uncooked supplies are used extensively in manufacturing, and BMW has partnered with SK tes to recycle important battery supplies like cobalt and nickel. It’s not the form of factor that will get shouted about in headlines, nevertheless it’s an vital step towards the round financial system BMW envisions for its future.
Our Early Verdict
The 2026 BMW iX is strictly the form of refresh we have been hoping for. BMW has systematically addressed the criticism that we and others had with the preliminary iX and created a really compelling product. The brand new iX delivered sharper efficiency, clever effectivity, and a design that feels recent however not pressured. It took a couple of years however BMW is slowly however steadily iterating on its imaginative and prescient for the electrical future—and this time, it’s nailed many extra of the small print.
