BMW has refreshed its all-electric iX “sport activity vehicle” for 2026 and thankfully, it’s less ugly than before. Whether it’s just because we’ve gotten used to BMW’s polarizing design of late is another matter, but what everyone can agree on is that the new iX is less harsh on the eyes.
The same “monolithic” design remains, but BMW has redesigned the grille introducing not just a new shape, but new vertical and horizontal inserts echoing the all-new X3, for example. And like most modern BMWs, it can be ordered to make that maw illuminate. Thanks to the new grille, BMW also reprofiled the headlights which now contain vertical elements for the DRLs and turn indicators. At the back, the rear bumper’s been redesigned to better match the unbroken tailgate design.
Oh, and for the first time, BMW is offering the M Sport package on the iX and this adds distinctive air intakes, the Shadowline head- and taillight package, the kidney grille adorned with the M logo, and black exterior caps. Wheel sizes range from 20 to 23 inches, with the iX M Sport receiving 22s as standard.
Inside, the seats now offer enhanced lateral support and adjustment (including backrest width). The earth-conscious vegetable tanned leather’s gone in favor of microfiber/Sensatec, or in higher trims, Amido and Castanea natural leather. Oh, and they come with active ventilation too.
As BMW’s electric flagship, the iX has a wealth of features all for the sake of well-being. This includes heated surfaces for the instrument cluster and glove compartment, door panels, center arm rest, and rear seats; an electrochromatic tinting glass roof; and a 30-speaker Bower & Wilkins sound system. The infotainment system remains powered by the BMW Operating System 8.5.
For the 2026 update, the iX has a retuned drive system and power electronics for increased performance. The BMW iX xDrive45 (replacing the xDrive40) delivers 408 horsepower and 700 Nm (0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds). Moving up, there’s the iX xDrive60 (replacing the xDrive50) with 544 horsepower and 765 Nm (0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds), and capping the range off, the iX M70 xDrive with 659 horsepower and 1,015 Nm (0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds).
In terms of battery capacity, the 2026 iX has been significantly increased with a 30 percent jump in the BMW iX xDrive45 (now at 94.8 kWh). The iX xDrive60 rises to 106.1-kWh and the iX xDrive70 goes up to 108.9-kWh.
And thanks to new inverter tech and a new heat pump, the energy efficiency has been boosted across the line-up resulting in up to 40 percent more range. The iX xDrive45 does 602 kilometers, the iX xDrive60M Sport does 685 kilometers, and the iX M70 xDrive does 589 kilometers. And this is before activating the “Max Range” function. Once drivers do, it’ll increase the remaining range by as much as 25 percent.
Due to the new battery, the weight balanced has changed and because of that, BMW had to tweak the chassis and suspension. The general setup continues, by a hydraulic rear axle support bearing ensures a balance between sporty dynamics and ride comfort. On the iX M70 xDrive, adaptive ride and electronically controlled shock absorbers are standard, and these have been given an M-specific tune. It also has integral active steering with rear-wheel steering.
The refreshed BMW iX starts rolling off the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing plant in March. US and European markets get it first (as early as March) with the rest of the world to follow.
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