The BMW iX arrived at the tail end of 2020, bearing a tremendous weight on its shoulders. Firstly, it was the brand’s first-ever electric SUV, and it debuted with angular styling and resculpted kidney grilles in line with the marque’s latest design language. The reaction from fans was mixed. However, as controversial as the iX was back then, it has aged particularly well, especially when you factor in the many egg-shaped electrics that rival it.
Today the German brand introduces its first major refresh. Updated for the 2026 model year, the BMW iX receives precisely the expected revisions. It wears tweaked styling, develops more power, and offers greater range thanks to efficiency improvements. However, the biggest story surrounds the introduction of a new entry-level xDrive45 model.
Let’s start with its performance since we’re talking about a BMW. Although the xDrive45 is the least powerful in the range, it’s still plenty potent. It develops 402 horsepower allowing it to sprint to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The next step up, the xDrive60, produces 536 hp and cuts the time to 60 mph down to 4.4 seconds. That’s thanks to a modest increase of 20 hp. Regardless of trim, the 45 and the 60 are electronically limited to 124 mph.
The BMW iX M70 xDrive (known previously as the M60 xDrive) is the range-topping trim that relies on two electric motors for a combined output of up to 650 hp when in the max power mode. That represents a 40-hp rise from its predecessor. At the same time, its torque figure is an impressive 811 pound-feet when Launch Control is engaged. Its time to 60 mph drops considerably to 3.6 seconds, making it the quickest in the range, while its limited top speed bumps up to 155 mph when equipped with performance rubber.
Alongside improving its performance, BMW now relies on silicon carbide inverters for its powertrain, allowing for more efficient energy transfer from the batter to this SUV’s electric motors. This increased efficiency directly impacts its range, which, combined with more dense batteries, sees improvements as high as 10 percent.
The BMW iX xDrive45 relies on a pack with a net usable capacity of 100.1 kilowatt-hours, allowing it to cover an EPA-estimated range of 312 miles. The xDrive60 uses a larger battery with a 113.4 kWh net usable figure and will cover up to 340 miles on a charge. The range-topping M70 xDrive bumps the net number down slightly to 112.8 kWh but still manages a respectable increase up to 302 miles.
Setting the figures aside for a moment, the refreshed BMW iX receives a handful of welcomed styling updates such as reshaped bumpers, a re-styled front grille adorned with diagonal slats, and a fresh set of headlights wearing the brand’s latest lighting signature. Alongside the current 21 and 22-in wheel offerings, BMW will let you choose a larger set of 23s that wear a V-spoke design. Add on the M Sport Professional Package, and you’ll get darkened M Shadowline lights.
Inside, the updates to the iX’s cabin are comparatively subtle. BMW now offers M multifunction seats as part of its M Sport Package with more lateral support and a unique design. The optional Climate Comfort Package introduces heated surfaces in its instrument panel, glove compartment, door panels, and armrests. At the same time, the Panoramic Eclipsing Roof adds a giant glass panel over both rows.
The introduction of the BMW iX xDrive45 offers the brand’s first electric SUV at a more accessible price point. Including a $1,175 destination fee, it starts at $76,325. The xDrive60 bumps up to $89,675 with fees included, while the range-topping M70 comes in at $112,675. The carmaker’s orderbooks are now open, with production starting in March and deliveries beginning in Q2 this year.
