2026 BMW iX Facelift Debuts Cheaper $75k Base Model, New Grilles

BMW’s EVs have been showing promise lately, with sales on the rise and plans for its fully electric lineup to make up more than half of total sales by 2030. However, one model that has struggled to hold consumer interest is the iX mid-size SUV, which started to feel a bit stale having been in the market since 2021.

To inject some life, BMW has presented the facelifted iX, with changes to its model hierarchy, exterior and interior updates, and some tweaks under the hood that result in a claimed 10 percent efficiency boost for the xDrive60 volume seller. Crucially for just about every potential owner, power is up over the outgoing model, as is range.

New Model Lineup

The 2026 iX gets a refreshed range of models, including a new entry-level spec. For starters, the models previously known as the xDrive50 and M60 have been bumped up to become the xDrive60 and M70, respectively. This is to reflect their (*cough* relatively modest *cough*) increased outputs, but also — perhaps unintentionally — serves as another way to differentiate pre-facelift vs. post-facelift models.

Read: BMW i5 Gains Range, X3 And 2-Series GC Get New Engines For 2025

The xDrive60 gets 536 hp (400 kW / 543 PS) — up from the xDrive50’s 516 hp (385 kW / 523 PS) , while the M70 gets 650 hp (485 kW / 659 PS), 40 hp more than the M60. The xDrive60 will do the 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) sprint in 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h). The M70 can get to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

That’s all well and good, but we suspect that most people will be more interested in the range improvements, with the new xDrive60 getting a 340-mile range (547 km), which is an increase of around 30 miles (48 km) from the previous model. The M70 sees a similar bump, with 302 miles (486 km) on the board as opposed to the 285 miles (458 km) of the M60. Range figures quoted are on the EPA test cycle.

Meet The Entry xDrive45

Okay, so this update isn’t exactly earth-shattering by the performance metrics. What may be more interesting to sales numbers is the introduction of a third model that will sit below the xDrive60. The xDrive45 comes to the US market, offering 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS) and a 312-mile (502 km) range. It’ll even do the 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) run in a not-too-shabby 4.9 seconds.

The xDrive45 doesn’t ditch a motor or sacrifice all-wheel drive, but instead packs a slightly less potent rear motor and sacrifices a bit of charging speed. Crucially, the starting MSRP will be almost $13,000 cheaper than the xDrive60, with the new entry-level iX priced at $75,150 before a $1,175 destination and handling fee.

Exterior Changes

The iX is still very much an iX, with no significant changes to the exterior design. If anything, the design language — Bugs Bunny grille notwithstanding (now available with illumination, yay) — has become slightly more restrained. The regular models now sport a grille with an internal diagonal treatment similar to other recent BMWs like the X3, while the M70 adopts a pattern reminiscent of the M3 and M4. There are lots of little tweaks around the car, but the main difference you’ll notice is the more seamless front and rear aprons. They’re less messy, with less contrasting black plastic.

Read: BMW Builds First ‘Near Series’ Neue Klasse iX3 SUVs

There are subtle differences for the M70, too, with Shadowline (BMW-speak for black) headlights and taillights, which can also be optioned with the M Sport and M Sport Professional packages. What the M70 gets exclusive to itself is a unique grille, black mirror caps, and exclusive alloy wheels.

Speaking of wheels, the iX comes with 20-inch wheels as standard, while 21- and 22-inch wheels are optional — but only if you go for one of those M packages. Meanwhile, the M70 can be optioned with 23-inch wheels for the first time, while the 21- and 22-inch rims feature 70 percent secondary aluminum, and all of those alloys get plastic inserts for aero-efficiency.

Better Seats And Climate Package

The interior remains a familiar place, with BMW’s curved display, Operating System 8.5, and other tech aspects remaining the same as before. The most significant change inside the 2026 iX is the addition of the new New M Multi-Function seats — they’re standard on the top-of-the-line M70, but to get these enhanced captain’s chairs on the xDrive45 of xDrive60, you’ll need to plump for the M Sport Package.

BMW says the seats get pronounced contouring and improved lateral support with a range of adjustments, including backrest width, lumbar support, and active seat ventilation. They come in a variety of materials, such as microfibre/Sensatec in Atlas Grey/Black with M-specific stitching, Amido natural leather, or Castanea natural leather.

Advances have been made to the heating in the BMW iX, too. There’s a new, more efficient heat pump that allows waste heat from the drivetrain, battery, and surrounding air to be used to warm the cabin. It can also be used to warm the iX battery and driver system as another way of extending the range of the iX.

There’s a new Climate Comfort Package in the 2026 BMW iX that takes full advantage of these advances for cold climates. This package includes seat heating for both the front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a heated armrest. Additionally, it incorporates a 4-zone automatic climate control system, allowing each passenger to customize their preferred temperature settings independently.

Pricing And Availability

While the introduction of the xDrive45 to the 2026 BMW iX range lowers the model’s base MSRP to $75,100, the xDrive60 will start at $88,500 — that’s an increase of $1,250 over the 2025 xDrive50. However, the M70 retains the same starting MSRP of $111,500 as the M60 it replaces. All prices, as mentioned above, do not include a $1,175 destination and handling fee.

The 2026 iX will begin production at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany in March 2025, and deliveries are expected to commence in the second quarter of this year.