BMW has improved the iX with a larger battery and new trim options that more accurately reflect the significant increase in power.
- The 2026 BMW iX features a larger 110-kilowatt-hour (usable) battery, which offers an estimated 330 miles of range.
- A new entry-level xDrive45 trim, featuring a smaller 96 kWh battery, can run on approximately 280-300 miles on a single charge.
- The vehicle is equipped with a new silicon-based inverter designed to facilitate more efficient energy transfer from the battery to the motors.
BMW has now upgraded the iX with new trims and a larger battery that provides increased range and power, along with enhanced efficiency.
The iX LCI, which stands for Life Cycle Impulse, or a middle-cycle update, gets rid of the old trim levels. The xDrive50 and M60 trims are replaced with new trims that BMW says better reflect the increased performance, namely xDrive45, xDrive60 and M70. As BMW officials stated in November during an early unveiling at Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, they all feature "greater energy content".
The xDrive45 comes equipped with a 95-kilowatt-hour battery pack, offering an estimated range of 280-300 miles as specified by BMW. In contrast, the xDrive60 model boasts a larger 110 kWh (usable) battery pack, enabling a range of up to 330 miles. This represents a minor increase compared to the previous xDrive50 model, which had a 105.2 kWh pack capable of up to 307 miles of EPA-estimated range. The M70 model, meanwhile, features the larger battery, but experiences a slight decrease in range due to the additional power and larger 23-inch wheels; official EPA numbers have yet to be released.
A high-performance, upgraded silicon-based inverter is a key component of the revamped powertrain design, company officials stated. This results in a more efficient transfer of energy from the battery to the motors, enabling 10% better fuel economy. Additionally, new wheel bearings and low-energy-consuming headlamps also contribute to improved driving range by minimizing energy losses.
The iX ran from 10-80% state of charge in approximately 41 minutes.
The updated battery in the vehicle also provides increased power. While the outgoing iX model's power supply was not insufficient, the upgraded versions take it to a higher level. The base model, xDrive45, boasts 402 horsepower. The xDrive60 model, which replaces the previous xDrive50 model's 516 horsepower, now has 536 horsepower. The M70 model has 650 horsepower with the Boost Mode activated, representing a significant jump from the 610 horsepower of the outgoing M60 model. Unfortunately, BMW has yet to share the torque figures at this time.
Visually, the changes are tastefully understated. The previously optional $2,500 Sport Package is now included as standard on the xDrive60 model. This addition brings darker and sportier trim elements to the exterior, such as blacked-out front and rear bumpers, dark tinted rear lights and new graphics for the kidney grille that also extend into the headlamp housing. Four new colour options are being added to the palette: Arctic Race Blue Metallic, Frozen Deep Grey, Space Silver Metallic and Tanzanite. And for those who are particular about details, M Sport brakes with red calipers and an M logo are also available as an option.
Some models of compact cars have proven to be rare successes in a world that popularizes sports utility vehicles.
BMW is aiming to regain some momentum with the recycled iX, thanks to the addition of a new entry-level model and expanded range for its top trims. Deliveries of the updated model are set to start in the first half of this year, with pricing information to be announced at a later time.
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