The BMW iX was heralded as an all new kind of BMW. A reinvention of the ultimate driving machine, it was intended to be a bold statement by BMW as it entered the EV market. But things weren’t perfect. The styling was bold and interesting in places, and awkward in others. The seats lack typical BMW levels of lateral support and the interior looked more space-age lounge than driver’s cockpit. Worst of all its range wasn’t quite what we’d expect for such a technically impressive vehicle. Luckily BMW heard the feedback.

Behold the 2025 BMW IX. It’s been evolved in just about every way with more power, better range, and smarter efficiency and loads of design enhancements. Best of all we can confirm from our early drive that BMW has indeed listened to the feedback. In our brief time with the new 2026 BMW iX, we found it to be less of a radical reinvention and more about thoughtful refinement. By addressing key criticisms like seating, improving efficiency, and refining both the interior and exterior, BMW has transformed the iX into a more complete and compelling product.

The Lineup: Three Personalities, One Purpose

The updated iX lineup keeps things simple: the xDrive45, xDrive60, and the top-dog M70 xDrive. The xDrive45 now delivers 402 horsepower and up to 312 miles of range, making it the volume leader. The xDrive60 raises the stakes with 536 horsepower and a range of up to 340 miles—10% better than the model it replaces.

And then there’s the M70 xDrive. With 650 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque (when launch control is engaged), it’s not just the quickest iX—it’s one of the quickest SUVs on the road going to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. But what really stands out is how easily it deploys that power, paired with all the refinement and composure you’d expect. The range takes a hit at 302 miles, but you don’t buy the M70 for max efficiency.

Production starts in March 2025, with deliveries shortly after.

Design: The Less-is-More Evolution

Visually, the changes to the iX are subtle but very effective. BMW leans further into the minimalist aesthetic here, with a design that feels deliberate rather than fussy. The oversized kidney grille gets a freshened-up pattern with vertical and diagonal lines (illuminated on certain trims), while the slimmer headlights feature a new vertical element for the daytime running lights and indicators.

BMW has made the M Sport bumper designs standard and painted them body color – adding both a more aggressive look at more subtlety.

Out back, the tailgate remains clean and uninterrupted, spanning the entire width of the vehicle, while the rear apron and diffuser see minor updates. Body-colored surfaces are now standard across the lineup, with the M Sport Package adding even sharper lines and more aggressive detailing. The M70 goes further with blacked-out accents, an exclusive grille design, and 22-inch wheels, making it clear which model is king.

New colors, like Arctic Race Blue and BMW Individual Frozen Deep Grey, round out the update, but if that’s too subtle, there’s always the optional Titanium Bronze trim for a bit more flash.

Interior: Quiet Luxury, With a Sporty Twist

Inside, the iX continues to feel like the future, but BMW has added a few more dials to turn for buyers who want something edgier. The new M Sport Package brings a touch of aggression to the cabin, with optional M multifunction seats that feature deeper bolstering and bold tri-color stitching. These are seats meant to hold you in place—not just cradle you—and they’re available in everything from sustainable microfiber to rich natural leather.

Elsewhere, the M Sport treatment adds subtle upgrades: an M steering wheel, aluminum trim, an anthracite headliner, and—because why not—M pedals. In the M70, this is all standard fare, reinforcing its position at the top of the range.

Practicality and comfort haven’t been forgotten, though. Optional heated surfaces extend beyond the seats to include the door panels, glove box, and even the center armrest. The panoramic roof, standard on higher trims, uses electrochromatic shading instead of a traditional blind—one more detail that quietly reminds you this isn’t just any SAV.

Performance: Not Just About Speed

Each iX model benefits from reworked power electronics and a more efficient drivetrain, and the result is immediately noticeable in our time behind the wheel. Driving the original iX could feel disjointed. The M60 delivered immense speed, but the flat, undersized seats and lack of feedback made piloting the car feel more like steering a spacecraft than driving a high-performance BMW. BMW clearly listened to the critiques, addressing nearly every pain point in the 2026 update. Even the steering wheel is now optionally round. 

The iX  benefits from several suspension upgrades. The wheel bearings have been revised, while other tweaks to the chassis and electronics have improved driving dynamics. A new hydraulic rear axle bearing enhances ride comfort without compromising handling precision, resulting in a smoother experience over rougher surfaces.

The xDrive45 and xDrive60 deliver all the torque you could want with a seamlessness that feels almost unfair, while the M70 takes things to another level entirely. The M-tuned suspension and chassis upgrades ensure that even with all that power, the iX M70 stays planted and composed, whether you’re carving through a twisty road or eating up highway miles.

The chassis refinements are subtle but effective, with recalibrated dampers and air suspension systems that adapt to the increased performance demands. Rear-wheel steering and M Sport brakes are available on lower trims and standard on the M70, further elevating its athleticism.

Smarter Efficiency, Better Range

BMW’s push for efficiency is just as important as its performance upgrades. Silicon carbide inverters, introduced for the first time here, allow for better energy transfer and reduced losses, contributing to both power gains and extended range. The xDrive60 now delivers up to 340 miles, with the xDrive45 following closely at 312 miles. Even the M70, despite its power-hungry motors, manages a respectable 302 miles.

The iX’s adaptive recuperation system is smarter than ever, tailoring energy recovery based on traffic, terrain, and navigation data. You can also manually toggle between coasting and braking modes, depending on your preferences. And if range anxiety creeps in, the MAX RANGE mode prioritizes efficiency by limiting speed and other functions, squeezing out up to 25% more range when needed.

The optional M Sport brake system, now featuring red calipers and M logos, provides sharper stopping power.

Out on the road, the changes are subtle but meaningful. BMW has increased the separation between Comfort and Sport modes. In Comfort, the iX feels plush and composed, soaking up road imperfections with ease. The steering remains light but precise, and the updated seats further enhance comfort.

Charging: Plug & Charge Simplified

Charging the iX is as painless as ever, with DC fast-charging speeds of up to 195 kW on the xDrive60 and M70. BMW’s Plug & Charge functionality now eliminates the need for apps or cards—just plug in at compatible stations, and the car handles authentication. It may not sound like a big change, but in our experience, small details like this that make the ownership experience feel effortless.

Sustainability: Thinking Long-Term

BMW hasn’t just updated the iX to be better for drivers—it’s also taken strides to make it better for the planet. Secondary raw materials are used extensively in production, and BMW has partnered with SK tes to recycle critical battery materials like cobalt and nickel. It’s not the kind of thing that gets shouted about in headlines, but it’s an important step toward the circular economy BMW envisions for its future.

Our Early Verdict

The 2026 BMW iX is exactly the kind of refresh we were hoping for. BMW has systematically addressed the criticism that we and others had with the initial iX and created a truly compelling product. The new iX delivered sharper performance, intelligent efficiency, and a design that feels fresh but not forced. It took a few years but BMW is slowly but steadily iterating on its vision for the electric future—and this time, it’s nailed many more of the details.