The 2026 BMW iX introduces a new base model, set to launch in mid-2025, reducing the starting price by over $10,000 to $76,325. The mid-size luxury SUV gets more power, and the iX’s more fuel-efficient engine adds about 15 miles to its range between charges. Along with the performance updates, the iX receives a minor facelift, altering the appearance of the front grille and the headlight design. For the 2026 model year, the BMW iX is much easier for more people to afford, thanks to a new base model that cuts the price by more than $10,000. BMW has not only changed the price of the electric SUV but also made it look better and added more power. The iX lineup has grown for the next model year. Last year, the range had the $88,245 xDrive50 and the $112,495 top-of-the-line M60. By getting rid of the xDrive50 and replacing it with the slightly cheaper xDrive45, the 2026 range brings down the starting price to $76,325. The xDrive60 is in the middle of the lineup. It starts at $89,675. The new top dog is the M70 xDrive, which starts at $112,675. Enhanced Power The entry-level model this year costs less than last year’s xDrive50, which had two motors that combined to make 516 horsepower. The company says that the new xDrive45 has 402 horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The new xDrive60 model has 536 horsepower, 20 more than the xDrive50 that came before it. Since the M70 has 650 horsepower, which is 40 more than its predecessor, it gives you more speed. Range estimates have been changed because BMW has optimized the engine for better fuel economy. The company says that the new model’s range is about 10% longer than the old one. This is because it uses silicon carbide semiconductors and a new breed of batteries. But slightly bigger batteries are the real key. The xDrive45 can hold 100.1 kWh of power, the xDrive60 113.4 kWh, and the M70 112.8 kWh. In terms of range, BMW says the base model can go 312 miles, the xDrive60 can go 340 miles, and the M70 can go 302 miles. Because the battery is bigger, the iX is heavier and moves less quickly. The 2023 iX M60 we drove weighed 5778 pounds, while BMW says the 2026 M70 weighs 5849 pounds. It took us less than 3.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph in the 2023 model. BMW says it takes 3.6 seconds in the current model. A Fresh Perspective The shape of the iX will be changed a bit for 2026. The design of the grille has been simplified, and the crowded look of older models has been replaced with more subtle lines. The headlights have also been changed. Instead of the thin horizontal lines, there are now two vertical beams. If you’re ready to spend more on the M70 (or the M Sport Package on the cheaper models), the back of the car looks different. The car now has a diffuser that helps break up the back end. If you choose the extra M Sport package, you’ll get seats with the M logo, a two-tone instrument panel, M pedals, and a leather steering wheel. The new model will start being delivered in the second quarter of 2025, and production will begin in March of that year.
