BMW’s electric vehicle (EV) sales in 2024 have been stellar. Globally, its EV sales have grown by 11.6 percent to 368,523 units and account for nearly 20 percent of the brand’s overall sales. Clearly, the German luxury automaker is making the right steps in its EV strategy. One of its pioneering EV models is the 2026 BMW iX, which is the brand’s only model in a bespoke EV platform. However, it’s now nearly four years since the original model came out, and is therefore starting to feel a bit stale.
Thankfully, this mid-cycle facelift will bring interest back into the BMW iX. Starting with its design, the iX was always a controversial design piece, but this mid-cycle facelift has significantly improved its design. The monolithic design theme of the iX has been toned down for this iteration, with the vehicle now featuring less black cladding on all versions that give this electric SUV a more cohesive look.
The tall kidney grilles are still there, but at least the surrounding fascia looks more streamlined this time around. Ditto the M Sport and M70 models, which have a cleaner aesthetic provided by the vertical side intakes. These models also get unique grille patterns, wherein the M Sport models have diagonal lines, while the range-topping M70 features horizontal lines. Topping the changes off are new LED lighting designs, revised rear bumper and fascia, and new alloy wheel designs that range from 20 to 22 inches.
As for the interior, the design remains largely similar, but that’s no bad thing since the iX’s lounge-like layout was always a highlight. The two curved displays running iDrive 8.5 are still there, and so are features like a Harman Kardon surround sound system or an even more exquisite Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.
New for the 2026 model year are the optional M Multi-Function seats, which can only be bundled with the M Sport versions, but are standard in the performance-oriented iX M70. Furthermore, the interior is upholstered in a blend of microfiber and Sensatec upholstery as standard, while optional upholstery choices include Amido natural leather or Castanea natural leather.
All versions of the 2026 BMW iX feature performance and range improvements. Reflective of the performance improvements are tweaks to their nomenclatures. Formerly known as the base xDrive40, the new xDrive45 has a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) layout that produces 402 horsepower (+80 hp) and 700 Nm of torque. Thanks to a new 94.8 kWh lithium-ion nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery with more energy density, the iX xDrive45 has a WLTP range of up to 600 km.
Serving as the middle of the range is the iX xDrive60 (formerly xDrive60). This variant also has a dual-motor AWD layout that produces 536 horsepower and 765 Nm of torque. Thanks to its larger 109.1 kWh battery, the xDrive60 has the highest range among all iX models, with a WLTP-rated range of up to 685 km.
Finally, the performance-oriented iX M70 (formerly the M60) has up to 659 horsepower and an astonishing 1,100 Nm of torque. This is good for a 0-100 kph time of just 3.8 seconds, while its 108.9 kWh battery pack is good enough for a WLTP-rated range of up to 590 km.
Production of the 2026 BMW iX is set to begin in March 2025, with global deliveries expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025. A Philippine launch could most likely happen either near the end of 2025 or in early 2026.
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