When BMW announced the iX xDrive45 for the US market, we knew we had to get behind the wheel. This is the first time this model has been offered in the US and is considered an entry-level model in the iX family. But after living with the iX M60 for almost a year, we can tell you that “entry-level” doesn’t mean what you might think. The iX remains one of our favorite BMWs to this day – a vehicle that combines functionality, intelligent interior design and a comfortable driving experience for everyday use. The question now is: How does the cheaper xDrive45 perform?
Meet the new entry point: 2026 iX xDrive45
Before you dive into the xDrive45, context matters. We spent almost a year with the iX M60 and it was one of the best long-term BMWs we’ve ever had. It was fast, had good range and the air suspension was excellent for everyday use. But we wanted to try something different as the iX M60 was more of a niche model within the iX range.
When BMW announced the updated iX family, with the xDrive45 replacing the 40, the xDrive60 replacing the 50 and the iX M70 replacing the 60, we wanted to try something new and more affordable. Get inspired by this 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 in Dune Gray that landed on our doorstep for a month-long test.
The 2026 iX xDrive45 starts at $76,325 – about $10,000 less than you’d expect for an “entry-level” SUV from BMW. Out of the box, you get a 94.8 kWh battery pack, two electric motors with 402 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and an EPA-estimated range of 312 miles. The 0-60 sprint takes 4.9 seconds. On paper it has great specs and is impressive for a platform that is already a few years old. old. In practice, it’s more impressive than the specs suggest.
Our test vehicle was equipped with 21-inch wheels. If you’re buying the xDrive45 and range is a priority, remember that wheel size has a direct impact on efficiency. Larger wheels increase rolling resistance and air resistance. The M Sport package comes standard with 22-inch wheels, which looks sportier but costs real miles. Buyers looking to maximize range should consider sticking with the base wheel option.
The story of efficiency: small gains, big impact
BMW has made smart technical updates for 2026. The laser headlights are gone and replaced with new LED units, which BMW claims improve energy efficiency by around 15%. That means a few extra miles of range. Add new silicon carbide inverters, improved bushings and low rolling resistance tires and the xDrive45 benefits from small but significant real-world efficiency gains. These aren’t flashy upgrades, but they’re important to an electric vehicle buyer.
The seating finally got everything right
One of our biggest complaints about the iX before the facelift was the seats. On long rides we found ourselves sliding forward and the thigh support left a lot to be desired. BMW has addressed this problem for 2026 with the M multifunction seats, which offer noticeably better side padding and an extended thigh support. The seat is even angled to prevent forward sliding. And they’ve also added some cool suede and leather upholstery for the new M Sport seats, giving them a really cool look.
The air suspension
The air suspension is still the star of the show. We’ve driven other iX models with steel springs and the difference is night and day. The dual-axle air suspension smooths out road bumps even better than the X7, making the iX feel less like an SUV and more like the electric equivalent of the 7 Series. It’s comfortable for everyday riding, but can be adjusted if you need a little more rigidity.
Integral active steering adds another dimension. In Chicago, where we extensively tested the previous generation iX, this rear-wheel steering system changed the way the vehicle handles city driving. A large SUV this size shouldn’t feel this nimble on narrow roads, but it does.
BMW has widened the gap between Comfort and Sport modes in the updated iX, and you can clearly feel the difference. In Comfort mode, the car feels soft and floaty – perfect for long-distance highway driving. When you switch to Sport, the suspension firms up, the steering adds weight, and the body roll becomes just enough to make driving a little more engaging for an electric SUV.
Real range tests
This is where things get interesting. The EPA estimates 312 miles, but we don’t live in EPA testing conditions. We live in Chicago. We drive normally. And yet the xDrive45 surprised us.
On a 60-degree day, starting from a 100 percent charge, we logged a total of 338 miles before the battery reached about 5 percent. That’s 26 miles better than the EPA estimate – an 8.3% improvement. We haven’t optimized for range either. We drove the car the way you would actually use it: highway sections mixed with city driving, different speeds, normal air conditioning.
But here’s the reality check: When temperatures dropped below freezing in Chicago, we saw a 20% loss in range without preconditioning. This is the reality of electric vehicles in cold weather. The solution? If you have access to a home charger, pre-conditioning the battery before you leave will make a noticeable difference. This is something we didn’t do in our initial testing, but it’s worth knowing if you live somewhere that gets winter.
What we’re missing: highway assistant
We’re missing one feature we had on the iX M60: Highway Assistant. In the previous iX, we were able to drive hands-free on the highway at 80 miles per hour, and it was truly fantastic. It turned long highway rides into something less tiring. The fact that it is missing here – voluntarily – is worth mentioning. After the air suspension, we’d say the Highway Assistant would be the second choice on our options list.
First impressions
The 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 proves that “entry level” doesn’t mean compromise. Ultimately, it offers the same basic iX experience that excited us about the M60 – the air suspension, the integrated active steering, the intelligent interior design, the practicality – at a significantly cheaper price.
At $76,325 (or $92,775 for us, depending on options), the xDrive45 sits perfectly between affordability and performance. Real-world range that exceeds EPA estimates, good handling for an SUV, and real comfort make it a compelling everyday driver.
But that’s just the beginning. In the coming weeks we will be conducting a comprehensive 100% to 1% battery discharge test under controlled conditions. We’re going to find out what it’s really like to live with this car every day. We’ll find out if the lack of Highway Assistant is really a deal breaker for us. We answer the question: Is the xDrive45 the smart choice or does one of its siblings make more sense? And more importantly, how does it compare to the upcoming iX3 Neue Klasse?
We look forward to spending more time with it. Stay tuned.
