The BMW IX was one of the most spoken electrical SUVs since its debut and for 2026 a number of updates will be received in the entire line -up. But while the design changes may seem subtle at first glance, the real question that buyers ask is simple: which should I buy?
To find out that I spent a day in New Jersey to drive all three versions of the updated IX back of the new XDRIVE45, XDRIVE60 and the flagship M70. From some highways to mainly curvy back streets, this was the perfect surroundings to not only compare them on paper, but where it is really important – on the street.
Starting with the newcomer: The IX XDrive45
Let’s start with the IX XDRIVE45, the latest and most affordable addition to the IX family, and the first time that this version is offered in the USA. The price of $ 76,325 could bear the IX XDRIVE45 the “entry level” badge, but it is anything but barebones. This model replaces the XDRIVE40, which was never sold in the USA and brings a 100.1 kWh battery with it, which offers an EPA estimated range of 312 miles. This is more than enough for most daily commuters and even longer trips without getting too reached.
Good
- Improved performance and range
- Improved inner comfort
- Great sports seats
Bad
- Limited outer development
- Complex infotainment system
- Absence of a seat option in the third row
But the XDRIVE45 not only gains efficiency. Thanks to dual electric motors that produce 402 hp and 516 pound foot torque, it accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.9 seconds. It is quick enough to surprise you when you poll the pedal, even if the comfortable and luxurious driving quality of the car does not indicate it at first glance.
One of the outstanding features in all 2026 IX models, including the 45, is the optional two-axis air suspension. To be honest, it changes the driving experience. I drove earlier versions of the IX with steel springs, and the difference is day and night. The air suspension alleviates the imperfections of the road while keeping control, which makes the IX feel like the 7 SUV SUV setup of BMW. It is comfortable, composed and incredibly quiet on the highway. In earlier tests in Europe, I measured the cabin noise with only 65 decibels for motorway speeds – even for luxury car standards.
Integral active steering, BMWS rear steering system, is in my opinion another must. This large SUV can surprisingly feel agile and spicy and composed on the side streets in tight streets in the city. After testing the system in detail with the pre-facelift-ix in cities like Chicago, I can confirm that it makes this large SUV much less intimidating than you would expect.
The journey is not only comfortable – it is cleverly coordinated. BMW expanded the gap between comfort and sports modes for the updated IX, and you can feel the difference. The IX feels soft and easy to drive in comfort, ideal for long -distance cruises. Switch to sports and the suspension companies, the handlebar, increase, and the body role intensifies just enough to make driving more appealing in the deficit. Nevertheless, this is an SUV that was primarily built for comfort.
BMW has also carried out some intelligent efficiency updates for 2026. Gone are the optional laser headlights that have been replaced by new, more efficient LED units. According to BMW, these new lights improve energy efficiency by around 15%, which leads to some additional miles. Combine this with new silicon carbide interrichments, improved sockets and low rolling resistance tires, and the entire installation benefits from small but meaningful profits in real efficiency.
Inside, BMW finally spoke one of my biggest complaints about the pre-ix-the seat-for. The new M multi-functional seats from M multi-function now offer a much better side strength and the extended thigh support, which larger drivers like me will really appreciate on long trips. BMW even angled the sitting base to prevent it from slipping forward and improving overall comfort. And if you wonder if these seats make a difference, try the telephone test that I have carried out: place your phone on the seat between your legs – if it stays, instead of sliding forward, you have the updated seats without looking at them.
Move the line up: the IX XDRIVE60
Next comes the IX XDrive60, the model that replaces the outgoing XDRIVE50. It is in the middle of the list of 88,500 US dollars, and in many ways it feels like the most complete package. The force rises to 536 hp and £ 564 and falls from the sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour to just 4.4 seconds. The difference is not day and night compared to 45, but it is enough to notice when overtaking or fusion on the highway.
Where the XDrive60 really shines is range. Thanks to a larger 113.4 kWh battery, it has an EPA range of 364 miles, whereby the potential to go even further depending on the driving style and radius selection. I tested it on 22-inch wheels that look fantastic, but of course eat slightly in your area in your area compared to the 21-inch setup. The efficiency of the car was very impressive and managed to achieve about 3.2 kWh per mile, even though he had fun in the most inefficient way.
Like the 45, the IX 60 benefits from the air suspension and integral active steering and, despite its size, makes it just as comfortable and easy to handle. The journey remains composed on less than a perfect sidewalk, although the conversion to sports mode noticeably tightens things. This is also not a vehicle that you drive on the track, but it feels remarkably balanced for a family SUV. Is there a difference between the driving quality of the IX 45 compared to 60? No, not really, unless they are a little more weighing, which could easily influence driving quality.
The charging speeds are also improved, with the support of up to 195 kW DC fast charging of 175 kW in IX 45. BMW says you can change from 10 to 80% in about 30 minutes, which makes long journeys much more manageable.
Inside, the IX XDrive60 offers more adjustment than IX 45, several interior design options and the same excellent M multi-function seats. The combination of microfiber and alcantara feels Premium, even if it is not full of leather.
The driving experience is predictable if you have spent time in XDrive45. The additional service is available if you need it, but every day the real advantage is the additional area and the faster loading. For many buyers, this will probably be the Sweet Spot in the IX list. You somehow see where I go with it …
The flagship: BMW IX M70
Finally I jumped into the IX M70, the range-toping model that replaces the IX M60. With 650 hp and 811 pound-foot torque, the M70 missiles from 0 to 60 miles per hour have felt even faster in the real world in a used 3.6 second-to-do. This is a serious faster SUV, and although it is not a full M model in the traditional sense, it is the most aggressive and dynamic IX that you can buy.
BMW has made the M70 more comfortable than the M60 that it replaces, especially in comfort mode. The journey is compliant even on 22-inch wheels, which makes it a better daily driver than before. However, the sports mode significantly sharpens everything, stiffens the suspension and gives the steering weight. It feels more planted and reacted to the other IX models, although the steering still lacks part of the feedback that you may expect from a real M car -which is actually not. If you were worried about driving quality compared to the IX M60, you shouldn’t do it. BMW listened to them and made the overall drive much better.
The range is slightly on 302 miles in the EPA cycle, which is still respectable given the performance offered. Like the XDRIVE60, the M70 supports a 195 -kW -DC -fast shop, and the optimized loading curve from BMW ensures that you receive the fastest possible energy filling in the first 10 minutes of a loading session.
Inside, the M70 differs with exclusive interior design details, including a round steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock marker, M-specific color options and a fully loaded feature set. You can get everything from Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound to the standard climate comfort package.
From the point of view of the driving point of view, the M70 is undeniably fun, with an explosive acceleration, which feels more like a performance sedan than a large SUV. The rear steering makes it surprisingly agile for its size, and the improved comfort means that it is finally a performance SUV that you can drive realistically every day.
The judgment
Which should you buy back operation after driving all three back in a row?
The BMW IX XDrive45 is the budget-conscious choice and offers a lot of reach, electricity and premium functions at an achievable price. It is the perfect introduction to the electrical SUV list of BMW for those who want to make the leap to electrical without breaking the bank.
The IX XDrive60 feels like the most complete package and offers the longest range, more electricity and the right luxury return conductors without venturing into six -digit areas. For most buyers, this is the ideal balance between performance, efficiency and price.
And then there is the IX M70 – the ultimate IX. If money is not an object and you want the fastest and fairy IX BMW offers, this is the one you can receive. It is louder in design, sharper in performance and luxurious inside and outside.
The IX does not stay nearby forever, and future electrical SUVs are expected to move to the new class architecture from BMW. But after a day behind the tax of these updated models, one thing is clear: the IX setup 2026 represents the electrical SUV from BMW from its best side. And whether you are looking for value, range or pure performance, there is an IX for you.
My personal decision? The BMW IX XDrive60!
