BMW is updating the iX for the 2026 model year, with the electric SUV gaining increased power, range and efficiency and a bold body design.

The starting Canadian manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $88,900. Production is beginning in March at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany and customer deliveries are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025.

The 2026 iX will be offered in three variants. They include:

• xDrive45 – 402 hp and estimated range of up to 502 kilometres
• xDrive60 – 536 hp and an expected range of up to 547 kilometres
• M70 xDrive – 650 hp and expected range of 486 kilometres

The estimated range is based on BMW’s testing based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) test procedures. The outgoing 2025 iX, depending on trim selected, has an EPA estimated driving range of 340 to 497 kilometres.

The M70 model features unique M-specific design elements.

The exterior of the iX has been revised, now featuring a bolder design, which BMW says gives it an expressive presence and monolithic appearance.

Up front, there’s a large BMW kidney grille, which includes vertical and diagonal lines.

The updated grille can be ordered with contour illumination on the xDrive45 and xDrive60 models, while it’s standard on the M70.

The headlights gain vertical elements for daytime running lights and turn signals.

BMW points out the rear end has distinctive lines and the tailgate extends over the entire rear section.

The rear apron now features an integrated diffuser on the M70 model, which is also available on the others when the M Sport Package is ordered.

The M Sport Package adds accents and lines, distinctive air intakes and new M alloy wheels, as well as dark Shadowline headlights and tail lights, a unique kidney grille and red brake calipers. The M70 model comes standard with these features.

Performance

BMW provides some performance figures for each of the three models.

Zero to 100 km/h acceleration times are reported as follows:

• xDrive45 – 5.1 seconds
• xDrive60 – 4.6 seconds
• M70 – 3.8 seconds

The xDrive45 and xDrive60 models are electronically limited to a top speed of 200 km/h while the M70 tops out at 250 km/h, when equipped with performance tires.

The xDrive60 has 20 hp more than the xDrive50 model it is replacing, while the M70 has 40 hp more than the M60 model it is replacing.

The towing capacity is 1,587 kilograms on all models and a trailer hitch is available as an option.

Wheels

The wheels have an aerodynamic design. The xDrive45 and xDrive60 come standard with 20-inch wheels, while 21- and 22-inch M alloy wheels in four variants are available, either as stand-alone options or as part of the M Sport Package and M Sport ProPackage.

The M70 model gets exclusive 22-inch M alloy wheels, while 23-inch wheels with a V-spoke are available.

All wheel styles have aluminum inserts to help reduce drag.

The iX also rides on high-efficiency tires.

Interior

The 2026 iX is gaining new M multifunction seats, which enhance lateral support and offer a wide range of adjustments, including a backrest width adjustment, lumbar support and pronounced contouring in the thigh and shoulder areas.

These are available as part of the M Sport Package on the xDrive45 and xDrive60 models and standard on the M70.

The package also adds other goodies in the interior, including an M leather steering wheel, two-tone instrument panel, leather upholstery, dark silver trim finishes and M pedals.

Comfort

BMW is throwing a bunch of comfort and luxury features into the iX. We’ll just highlight a few items.

The Heat Comfort Package, which is optional on the xDrive45 and xDrive60 models and standard on the M70, adds heated surfaces for the instrument panel, glove compartment, door panels, centre armrest and rear seats to help provide a comfortable temperature for all passengers.

The panoramic glass sunroof, which is optional on the xDrive45 and xDrive60 models and standard on the M70, consists of a one-piece viewing areas that extends over both rows of seats.

It features electrochromic shading (like on airplane windows) that can be activated at the touch of a button.

The iX’s Bowers & Wilkins audio system has 30 speakers.

The BMW curved display and iDrive run on the BMW Operating System 8.5. There’s an intelligent personal assistant and vehicle controls can be operated through the touch screen or voice commands.

Canadian pricing

The starting MSRP for the 2026 BMW iX is as follows:

• xDrive45 – $88,900
• xDrive60 – $94,900
• M70 xDrive – $129,000

The MSRP doesn’t include additional fees or levies.

Prices are changing slightly compared to the outgoing iX. The 2025 iX xDrive40 has a starting MSRP of $82,000, the xDrive50 has a starting MSRP of $98,000, and the M60 has an MSRP of $129,000.

For updates, visit the BMW Canada website.

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