We're now more than 18 months and nearly 19,000 miles into ownership of our 2024 BMW iX xDrive50, and it's been a good year and a half. When we bought it, we intentionally got a machine with as few options as possible, the smallest wheels, and the least amount of power. At the time, I remember wishing there was an even lower-spec trim available.
For 2026, BMW has introduced exactly that: a new xDrive45 trim with less power, less torque, and a lower MSRP than the 2024 model carried when new. It has a smaller battery, too, but its improved efficiency promises an EPA-rated maximum range of 312 miles, five more than mine is rated for.
On paper, it certainly seemed like an attractive prospect, and when BMW offered me a chance to sample the new trim, I couldn't resist heading down to their U.S. headquarters in New Jersey.
Road-Tripping To Test The New BMW iX
Naturally, I drove my iX down. I confess I felt a little weird about this, taking the old and familiar to meet the new and fresh, but I have a feeling the car didn't mind. I have always had a habit of humanizing machines a little too much.
It was a roughly 125-mile trip down for me, and yet again, BMW's range estimate was spot-on. It predicted I'd arrive with 57% remaining. I arrived with 60 percent on the clock. That, in theory, meant a 250-mile round-trip with plenty left in the tank, yet again exceeding the EPA estimate despite my spending the bulk of that time at speed on the highway.
But, while I was out sampling the new hotness, my ride was supping on electrons courtesy of one of BMW's on-site chargers, meaning range for the return trip would not be a concern.
2026 BMW iX: First Impressions
On to the new machine, then. First impressions of the new 2026 iX were good. The exterior revisions are subtle, to say the least, with refined headlights and new graphics on the kidney grille being the big new changes, while the lower trims now get basically the same front fascia that the older M60 xDrive featured.
Yes, lower trims, as there are three now, starting with the 402 hp, 312-mile xDrive45 at $75,150. Next up is the 536 hp, 340-mile, $88,500 xDrive60, which effectively replaces the old xDrive50. Finally, there's the 650 hp, 302-mile M70 xDrive, which replaces the old M60 and gets a new, even more aggro-looking front fascia than before.
BMW didn't make any substantial revisions to the interior layout, meaning that the controversial front cupholder placement is still the same as before. Design changes inside and out are slight, to say the least, meaning if you didn't like the look of the iX before, you ain't going to like it now.
I will, though, guarantee you'll like the way it drives. The first time I dipped into the throttle in the new xDrive45, I was convinced it was the right choice for most people. It still scoots off the line with way more aggression than is necessary or expected from an SUV of this size.
It feels every bit as quick as my xDrive50 until you get up to about 45 mph or so. Only above there can you start to feel a slight lack of urgency, but stress on the word "slight." This is a quick machine at any speed, and the $13,000 savings over the xDrive60 means you just have more money to throw at options, like the new sports seats, which are a huge improvement over the iX's flat, base units.
Stepping up to the xDrive60, it honestly didn't feel noticeably quicker than my xDrive50, but the extra 30-odd miles of range is a nice upgrade, considering it costs basically the same as the old model. That range boost is at least in part thanks to a revised 110.4 kWh battery pack, up about five over the old xDrive50 and roughly 10 bigger than that in the new xDrive45.
The new M70 also has the larger of the two battery packs, and like the old M60, it's remarkably quick. The extra 40 hp here compared to last year feels positively unnecessary, more frosting on an already decadent cake, but again, the extra range is appreciated.
Why The Base Version Is Just Right
For me, I'd stick with the xDrive45. The savings over the outgoing xDrive50 can be put towards adding back on the panoramic glass roof, which is a $2,600 option on the xDrive45. The $1,600 Dynamic Handling package is well worth the cost. This gives the iX both a pillowy-smooth ride over broken asphalt and a surprisingly tight turning radius thanks to the rear-steering.
The $2,550 Driving Assistance Professional package is also worth the spend. For the 2026 model, BMW has added its glance-to-pass feature, meaning you can now confirm overtakes on the highway just by looking at the left or right mirror, making the system truly hands-free. Sadly, that feature will not be added to earlier iX models, even though I know they totally could if they wanted to.
And that's probably about all I would add. I'd stick with the smallest wheels available to maximize range, though I might indulge in spending a little extra for one of the new colors that have been added to the iX's otherwise disappointing palette of hues. I'd be tempted to spend the $500 for the lovely wool upholstery, too.
But that's all just theory. We're still delighted with our 2024 model—which is good, because we still have 18 months left on our lease. We'll stick with it for now, but if an opportunity to step up to the '26 arrives, well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Gallery: 2026 BMW iX First Drive
Tim Stevens is a veteran editor, analyst, and expert in the tech and automotive industries. He helmed CNET's automotive coverage for nine years and acted as Vice President of Content. Prior to that, Tim served as Editor-in-Chief at Engadget and even led a previous life as an Enterprise Software Architect. Follow Tim on X at @tim_stevens and catch his Substack.
