The 2026 BMW iX: More Range, More Power, and Enhanced Efficiency
- evautos2
- Mar 8
- 3 min read
The electric vehicle (EV) industry continues to evolve rapidly, and BMW is making significant strides with its latest update to the iX. The 2026 BMW iX receives a mid-cycle refresh, known as the Life Cycle Impulse (LCI), bringing a larger battery, improved efficiency, and newly named trims that better reflect its enhanced performance.
Increased Battery Capacity and Range
BMW has upgraded the iX with a larger 113.4 kilowatt-hour (usable) battery in the xDrive60 trim, which now offers an estimated 316-340 miles of range. The new base-level xDrive45 trim features a 100.1 kWh battery, providing a respectable 279-312 miles of range.
Meanwhile, the high-performance M70 trim comes with a 112.6 kWh battery, delivering an estimated 283-302 miles of driving distance.
These improvements represent a significant increase over the outgoing models. For example, the previous xDrive50 trim, which has now been replaced by the xDrive60, had a 105.2 kWh battery and maxed out at 307 miles of range according to the EPA. With its refreshed battery technology and increased energy content, the iX now offers greater mileage on a single charge.
Technological Enhancements for Better Efficiency
BMW has integrated an upgraded silicon carbide inverter, which helps enhance the efficiency of energy transmission from the battery to the motors. This improvement reduces energy losses and increases overall driving range. Additionally, enhanced wheel bearings and less energy-hungry headlamps contribute to better efficiency, with BMW claiming a 10% increase in overall energy efficiency compared to the previous model.
Despite the larger battery and improved efficiency, the iX retains its voltage architecture and max charging rate of 195 kW. In a real-world charging test conducted by InsideEVs, the previous iX model charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 41 minutes, a performance level expected to remain consistent in the new iteration.
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More Power Across the Board | BMW iX
BMW has also boosted the power output of the iX lineup. The xDrive45 produces 402 horsepower, while the xDrive60 now delivers 536 horsepower, up from the 516 hp of the outgoing xDrive50. The high-performance M70 variant benefits from a significant power increase as well, jumping from 610 hp to an impressive 650 hp in Boost Mode.
Although torque figures have yet to be officially released, these power upgrades indicate that the new iX models will be even more capable and exhilarating to drive than their predecessors.
Subtle Exterior Changes and New Trim Naming
While the 2026 BMW iX retains its distinctive design, the LCI update brings a few subtle visual tweaks. The Sport Package, previously a $2,500 optional upgrade, is now standard on the xDrive60. This includes sportier blacked-out accents on the front and rear bumpers, dark clear tail lamps, and fresh graphics for the kidney grille, which extend into the headlamp housing.
BMW has also introduced four new exterior colors: Arctic Race Blue Metallic, Frozen Deep Gray, Space Silver Metallic, and Tanzanite. Additionally, buyers can opt for M Sport brakes with red calipers and an M logo for an extra touch of performance-oriented styling.
Competitive Pricing and Market Positioning
The BMW iX has faced a sales decline despite BMW's record-breaking EV sales in the U.S. last year. The iX saw an 11% drop in sales, partly due to its steep $87,250 price tag and growing competition in the electric crossover market.
To counteract this, BMW is introducing the more affordable xDrive45 variant, starting at $75,150. The xDrive60 will be priced at $88,500, while the high-performance M70 will retail for $111,500 before destination fees.
With the refreshed lineup, BMW aims to regain momentum in the luxury electric SUV market. The new entry-level variant, combined with the improved range and efficiency, should make the 2026 iX a compelling option for buyers looking for a premium EV with cutting-edge technology and performance.
Conclusion
BMW’s commitment to innovation is evident in the 2026 iX update. With more range, more power, and improved efficiency, the refreshed iX lineup is poised to take on the growing EV competition. Deliveries are expected to begin in the second quarter of this year, and it remains to be seen if these enhancements will help the iX reclaim its position as one of the most desirable electric crossovers on the market.
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