Introduced in 2020, with its first deliveries taking place in the latter part of 2021, as 2022 models, the BMW iX has now been around for over half a decade. The marque’s first purpose built all-electric SUV, the iX looked like something out of a science fiction movie when it was unveiled.
The new BMW iX xDrive45 gets some styling updates and can charge from 20% to 80% in as little as 20 minutes.
Perhaps owing to that, opinions about its appearance were somewhat mixed. As time has gone on though, the rest of the world has caught up to the iX in the design department. So much so, the BMW EV now looks almost mainstream.
The 2026 model year brought minor styling updates for the sleek sport utility vehicle. These include a new grille treatment (though it retains the oversized dimensions about which there have also been mixed opinions), exterior lighting revisions and fresh designs for the wheels. Speaking of which, the BMW iX xDrive45 reviewed here was fitted with a set of 22-inch wheels that gave it a powerful stance.
The 2026 model year has also seen some shuffling in the iX lineup. The models formerly known as xDrive50 and M60 are no more. The hierarchy now goes xDrive45, xDrive60 and M70 xDrive, which is the top-tier version of the iX for 2026. Regardless of your choice though, the iX delivers strong performance, commendable handling and a well-appointed interior treatment.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
The EPA quotes a 279-mile maximum range for the xDrive45 with the 22-inch wheels.
The 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 I sampled was fitted with BMW’s 402-horsepower electric propulsion system, which incorporates a pair of motors for all-wheel drive. The EPA quotes a 279-mile maximum range for the xDrive45 with the 22-inch wheels. The agency’s quoted fuel economy rating is 85 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in the city, 82 on the highway and 84 overall.
Rather than letting battery packs discharge completely, I use what I call my “20%/80%” charging strategy. In so doing, it took about 20 minutes to charge the XDrive45’s 100kWh high voltage lithium-ion battery pack from 20% to 80% using a 350kW EVgo charging station. I’ve found this approach to charging gains more than enough range to do whatever I want with an EV, without enduring lengthy stays at charging stations.
By the way, that EPA estimate is pretty low. I got 250 miles of range charging it to 80%. The range counter in the iX claimed 312 miles when the BMW was delivered to me with a 100% charge. Doing the math, this works out — 250 is roughly 80% of 312, which is considerably higher than the EPA’s estimate.
The dash design is clean, with most prominent feature being a 27-inch curved housing.
Interior Accommodations
While the xDrive45 serves as the entry-level iX trim package, its interior accommodations are anything but. The dash design is clean, with most prominent feature being a 27-inch curved housing, which contains a 14.9-inch infotainment monitor and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation screen.
The BMW’s open cockpit design gave the iX a feeling of enhanced spaciousness, which was amplified by the electrochromic panoramic glass roof. Capable of being switched from translucent to opaque at the touch of a button, the roof admitted softly filtered daylight. This was tastefully complemented by a set of crystalline seat adjustment switches on the doors. The same material was applied to the rotary iDrive controller, transmission selector and volume control for the audio system, all of which were placed on a peninsula extending from the center console.
Upholstered in what BMW terms “Sensatec,” seating was comfortable, with good legroom at all of the main seating positions. As perhaps is an indication of the attention to detail paid when designing the interior, the striping on the front and rear seats are aligned such that it appears to flow continuously between the two rows when viewed from the front of the iX. Multicolor adjustable ambient lighting further enhanced the appearance of the BMW’s passenger compartment.
Upholstered in what BMW terms “Sensatec,” seating was comfortable, with good legroom at all of the main seating positions.
Comfort, Convenience & Safety Tech
As perhaps is to be anticipated from a BMW, the iX is graced with an abundance of tech features. This even includes the windshield, which uses infrared glass to keep cabin temperatures to a minimum and help prevent sun damage to interior components. BMW’s iDrive 8.5 operating system underpins the infotainment system, which supports customized menus and graphics as well as a voice activated virtual assistant. The platform also accepts over the air software updates.
CarPlay and Android compatibility are standard equipment, as is wireless device charging and an eSim with 5G capability. The surround audio system is produced by Harman Kardon. The iX also features soft close doors, as well as heat for the seats, steering wheel and center console armrest.
Driver’s aids include parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlamps, and a lane-keeping assist system. Pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and smart cruise control with hands free driving were also fitted to the BMW EV.
The iX is spacious and simple on the inside while offering plenty of passenger comforts.
Driving Impressions
According to my scientifically unscientific testing procedure, the BMW iX xDrive45 did zero-to-60 runs in just under five seconds. The BMW also had air suspension and active steering. Combined, these features made the electric Bimmer quick, agile and comfortable. Body roll was minimal in corners and steering was accurate, though lacking in road feel.
The BMW was also quiet at highway speeds, even with the 22-inch wheels and low-profile tires. One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most about EVs in general is the smooth and sophisticated manner in which their powertrains conduct business. BMW, long known for almost supernatural performance in this regard, makes brilliant use of its electric propulsion systems to further this end.
And yes, sports fans, the iX is also fun to drive — even with the model’s least powerful drive system fitted. Granted, the 536-horsepower XDrive60 and the 650-hp M70 variants are capable of higher performance. However, 402 hp isn’t exactly chintzy — okay? Plus, the xDrive45 delivers respectable driving range. All-in-all, the 2026 BMW IX xDrive45 goes the way you’d expect any product wearing the blue and white roundel to go. BMW hasn’t strayed away from its ultimate driving machine roots, even with its embrace of electrification.
Quiet and plush, with driving range on par with its chief competitors, the iX also proves BMW’s driver first philosophy can be applied to an electric SUV — in grand fashion.
In Summary
Time has been kind to BMW’s first purpose-built all electric SUV. Where once its styling was avant garde, it’s now almost mainstream.
What’s more, the general public has come to appreciate it as well. Quiet and plush, with driving range on par with its chief competitors, the iX also proves BMW’s driver first philosophy can be applied to an electric SUV — in grand fashion.
The iX also bristles with tech, well in keeping with its forward-facing appearance. Long story short, the 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 is a compelling offering for those who are in the market for an electric SUV. My test model’s base price was $75,150. Its price as tested came to $92,775. And yes, in case you couldn’t tell, I like it.
0 Comments