The BMW iX is the German luxury brand’s first ground-up electric vehicle (EV). It was introduced for the 2022 model year and sees significant updates for 2026. Competitors include the Lucid Gravity, Mercedes-Benz EQE, Rivian R1S, and Audi Q8 e-tron.
2026 BMW iX Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 BMW iX
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 BMW iX
The iX gets powertrain, styling, and technology updates for 2026. The exterior design gets a new front fascia with an updated version of BMW’s big, polarizing grille, filled in with a new diagonal line design that’s reflected in the sheet metal’s numerous lines, angles, and distinctive surfaces. This electric crossover SUV offers up five sumptuous seats with new upholstery and comfort options. The iX’s trim lineup has been adjusted to reflect its powertrain updates, which improve power, charging speed, and range, and they even enable towing capacity with the available hitch. The iX also gains Plug & Charge compatibility.
Design
BMW says the iX’s exterior is “simplified,” though it’s no less polarizing. The front end is still a tribute to design excess, and if the new grille is somehow too subtle, it can be illuminated. A new headlight design features new turn signal and daytime running light (DRL) integration. More surfaces are body colour compared to the outgoing design. The iX comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels and is available in a range of new aerodynamic designs up to 23 inches. The new M Sport package adds different exterior elements, and the M Sport Professional package adds darkened lighting and grille illumination.
Powertrain
Each trim of the iX represents a different powertrain, more powerful and efficient than before thanks to improved battery technology. The xDrive45 is rated for 402 horsepower, 516 pound-feet of torque, and an estimated 502 kilometres of range with the 20-inch wheels. The xDrive60 makes 536 hp and 564 lb-ft, with expected range of up to 586 kilometres with the smallest 20-inch wheel size. The M70 xDrive is rated for up to 650 hp, up to 811 lb-ft, and an estimated 488 kilometres of range with the base 21-inch wheels. All feature all-wheel drive (AWD) and a single-speed transmission.
The xDrive45 and xDrive60 have an electronically limited top speed of 200 km/h, while the M70 can go up to 250 km/h. The iX uses a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle suspension system in the two base trims, while the M70 gets an adaptive air suspension system as well as upgraded M Sport brakes with red calipers. Other new features include convenient Plug & Charge technology (where available) and a tow hitch capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms (3,500 pounds).
Interior
The iX seats five in a modern, airy cabin. For upgraded comfort, the M Sport package’s new M Multifunction seats offer plenty of adjustments and a microfibre and synthetic leather finish with M-themed accents and stitching. Genuine leather is optional, along with cooling. The M Sport package also adds a leather steering wheel, dark silver trim, and M motifs throughout. The Premium Enhanced package heats numerous surfaces, such as the instrument panel, door panels, and armrest, while the optional panoramic roof can be darkened with the touch of a button.
Technology
The 2026 iX features a curved touchscreen display with a ton of available configurations, plus an overhauled menu for a better user experience. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an upgraded version of BMW’s voice-activated personal assistant. BMW’s configurable digital cockpit is optional and includes a head-up display (HUD) and augmented navigation. The infotainment system is capable of over-the-air (OTA) updates. Other options include premium audio, streaming video access, and gaming capability.
Safety
As of this writing, neither the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash-tested the BMW iX. The SUV comes standard with a surround-view camera, front collision warning, front automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist alert, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, an exit warning system, traffic sign recognition, and headlights with automatic high beams. BMW offers adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, a highway driving assist system, active lane-change assist, remote parking, and a head-up display (HUD).
Pricing and Release Date
The 2026 BMW iX is available to order now. As of this writing, BMW Canada lists pricing starting at $89,900 for the iX in base xDrive45 trim, $94,900 for the xDrive60, and $129,900 for the M70 xDrive. These prices do not include BMW’s $2,555 destination charge, any applicable federal luxury tax, or additional fees.