The BMW iX launched in 2021 as BMW’s first purpose-built EV SUV. Practically yearly since has seen small tweaks and modifications to enhance on it. Now, BMW has opted for a real refresh, bringing new exterior design parts, choices, and – maybe most notably – drastically improved efficiency. So how does it stack up towards the previous mannequin, precisely? We place ‘em facet to facet to see for ourselves.
Exterior Design
The brand new BMW iX will get tweaks that, total, ought to make the SUV look somewhat bit extra like the remainder of the present BMW lineup. Narrowed headlights with new lighting signatures, like these you’ll discover on the brand new M3 and M4, pair with a revised entrance grille to make it rather less ‘alien’ than the present model. Don’t fear – the grille nonetheless self-heals. It additionally lights up, commonplace on the M70 trim.
As an alternative of 1 grille, there are two now. The lesser fashions – xDrive45 and xDrive60 – get a brand new kidney grille design which aligns with the one on the bottom X3. It’s the identical measurement as earlier than, however the “slats” are actually slanted forming a “V”form and aligning with the angle of the double LEDs.
Across the again, the brand new BMW iX has a redesigned rear apron, and the M70 will get a brand new built-in diffusor. You’ll see that diffusor elsewhere within the lineup, too – any iX that’s optioned with the newly-available M Sport Package deal. New 21-inch and 22-inch wheel designs can be found, additionally as a part of the brand new bundle, as are huge 23-inchers. That is, after all, doubly notable as a result of there hasn’t truly been an M Sport Package deal out there for the iX until you step as much as the M Efficiency mannequin (no less than, within the US).
Lastly: paint. BMW brings some actual fan favorites to the brand new BMW iX. Metallic paint choices new for the 2026 iX embody traditional shades like Carbon Black, Tanzanite Blue, and – what we are able to solely think about is just like Area Grey – Area Silver. Arctic Race Blue, Dune Gray, Frozen Deep Gray, and Frozen Pure Gray additionally be part of for the most recent mannequin yr. Glorious modifications throughout that make the brand new BMW iX stand out much more than final yr’s mannequin.
Inside Design
The BMW iX has at all times had a fairly distinctive inside format, and that development contiunues with the most recent mannequin. Loads stays the identical, however there’s one fairly vital addition. The M Sport Package deal now lets you go for particular M seats, an anthracite headliner, and M pedals.
BMW can also be providing three distinct inside themes, known as “variations.” Dubbed Atelier, Loft, and Suite, They’ll mix pre-existing upholstery and colours into their very own distinctive vibe – i.e., the Suite model touts leather-based everywhere in the cabin and Amido or Castanea upholstery. BMW has additionally added new choices like walnut wooden trim to the brand new iX. Once more, the brand new modifications are all welcome.
Efficiency
The iX’s new seems are joined by enhanced capabilities below the sheet steel, too. The brand new BMW iX xDrive45 takes the place of the xDrive40, boasting 300 kW/408 horsepower and 700 nM/516 pound-feet of torque. Final yr’s numbers? 240 kW/326 horsepower and 630 nM. Throughout the board, energy rises, with the iX xDrive60 now providing 400 kW/544 horsepower (up from 516) and the brand new range-topping iX M70 supplying drivers with a blistering 485 kW/659 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque.
Because the BMW iX is electrical, there’s somewhat bit extra to the ‘efficiency’ metric than simply pace and energy. Vary issues, too. There, the brand new iX handily outshines older fashions. When examined by way of European WLTP requirements, the brand new iX xDrive60 can journey as much as 701 kilometers (435 miles) on a full cost. And the modifications throughout the lineup are equally spectacular. It’s beginning to seem like the most recent iX is unquestionably going to be the perfect one but.
Know-how
With enormous steps ahead nearly in every single place else, you would possibly count on the brand new BMW iX to additionally tout some wild new tech. You’d, in reality, be mistaken. BMW upgraded the iX to iDrive 8.5 with QuickSelect for the 2024 mannequin yr. It’s the identical system you’ll see within the new BMW iX. Issues keep the identical as they ever had been right here, however the brand new iX nonetheless gives Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, an AR-infused head-up show, navigation, and extra.
The brand new BMW iX is an enormous leap ahead for the mannequin. It’s cool to see how far it has are available just some quick years. The tuned-up efficiency, mixed with aesthetics that deliver it somewhat bit extra in-line with the remainder of the BMW lineup, will hopefully make this EV even simpler for drivers to like. We all know it’s working for us! Now, think about what BMW might’ve performed with the unique i3…
