The iX M60 is lifeless. Lengthy reside the 2026 BMW iX M70. BMW’s polarizing electrical SUV has been rebranded because the M Efficiency model for the 2026 mannequin 12 months. Because the upgrades are palpable, the title change is greater than only a advertising gimmick. With 650 horsepower on faucet, the new EV delivers an additional 40 hp over its predecessor. Torque stays unchanged at a mountain-moving 811 lb-ft.
Apart from the additional oomph, the 2026 BMW iX M70, with its 112.8-kWh battery pack, is shaping as much as be extra environment friendly than its predecessor. Whereas the M60 maxed out at 285 miles primarily based on EPA’s check cycle, BMW estimates the brand new mannequin can do 302 miles. It could signify a 17-mile enhance, but it surely’s greatest to attend for the ultimate numbers. The luxurious automaker does say the inner assessments it has performed have been primarily based on EPA’s check process requirements. Which means the EPA’s official ranking in all probability gained’t be that completely different from BMW’s personal assessments. In Europe, the iX M70 is rated at as much as 600 km primarily based on the WLTP cycle. The charging capabilities keep the identical: 195 kW however the charging curve has been improved to permit a extra aggressive preliminary charging.
New Kidney Grille, Ã la M4
Whereas appears to be like are subjective, BMW has tried to differentiate the M Efficiency model from the lesser iX fashions. It has a particular kidney grille design with vertical bars and an M badge. Unique 22-inch customary wheels and even bigger 23-inch alloys are optionally accessible. BMW additionally sells the iX xDrive45 and xDrive60 with these large wheels, that are more likely to negatively influence vary.
With the 2026 BMW iX M70 sitting on the high of the lineup, it has a number of customary goodies which might be non-obligatory on the cheaper variations. You get the Local weather Consolation Package deal, ventilated seats, and a 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Encompass Sound System from the get-go. The Panoramic roof and Dwell Cockpit Skilled are additionally included with out having to tick any packing containers on the choices checklist. The kidney grille’s illuminated contour is a part of the usual tools as properly.
Far Higher Seats Than Earlier than
Talking of the seats, that is, in our opinion, essentially the most vital improve within the new iX. Not solely they provide extra bolster assist, however additionally they repair one in all our pet peeves: they seat was really too brief for tall individuals with little or no thigh assist. The nonetheless characteristic intensive adjustment choices, together with backrest width and lumbar assist, together with pronounced contouring. They are often upholstered in Atlas Gray/Black microfibre/Sensatec with M-specific stitching and BMW M tri-color accents. Non-obligatory finishes embrace Amido pure leather-based or Castanea pure leather-based. The M Multi-Operate seats come as a part of the M Sport bundle for the iX xDrive45 and xDrive60, whereas being customary tools on the high-performance BMW iX M70 xDrive.
One other cool change within the seats has to do with the little cutout within the headrest which was just a little too huge inflicting points with shorter individuals who bang their head towards it.
BMW iX fashions may be specced with an M Sport Skilled Package deal which provides darkish M Shadowline for headlights and tail lamps. The BMW iX M70 xDrive, nevertheless, comes customary with the design parts of each the M Sport and M Sport Skilled Packages. It additional enhances its distinct look with an M emblem, black exterior mirror caps, and unique 22-inch M alloy wheels. The M Sport bundle enhances the inside with an M leather-based steering wheel, a two-tone instrument panel that includes the M emblem, Darkish Silver trim finishers, an anthracite headliner, M pedals, and high-gloss black accents on the middle console. The iX M70 is the one mannequin to get the spherical steering wheel with the 12 o’clock purple marker.
The M70 is the one iX model with customary rear-wheel steering and adaptive two-axle ride-level management with electronically managed shock absorbers. The Dynamic Dealing with Package deal additionally presents these goodies on lesser fashions. BMW has tweaked the suspension, damping, and chassis management programs to deal with the additional oomph delivered by the twin electrical motors. The game brake system comes with red-painted brake calipers.
As with the cheaper xDrive45 and xDrive60, the brand new M70 has a extra intelligent warmth pump as customary. The Local weather Consolation Package deal is non-obligatory for the xDrive45 and xDrive60, customary on the M70 xDrive. It options heated surfaces for the instrument panel, glove compartment, door panels, middle armrest, and rear seats. All iX fashions additionally will get silicon carbide semiconductor parts (SiC inverters)—a primary for any BMW mannequin. These inverters optimize the power switch from the battery to the electrical motors, leading to extra vary.
There aren’t any modifications to the screens dimension nor to the working system. The brand new BMW iX M70 comes with iDrive 8.5 which continues to be primarily based on the Linux platform. The Android OS-based iDrive is on the market for vehicles with iDrive 9 and future iDrive 10. Fortunately, the iDrive controller continues to be there.
Regardless of notable upgrades, the 2026 BMW iX M70 doesn’t value greater than the M60 it replaces. It carries over the $112,675 beginning value. Manufacturing of the 2026 BMW iX will start in March of 2025 at BMW’s Plant Dingolfing. Deliveries are anticipated to begin within the second quarter of 2025. [Source: BMW]
