2026 BMW iX xDrive45 Evaluation: Vary, Efficiency, and Worth

BMW’s iX has been one of many model’s most fascinating electrical experiments—high-tech, luxurious, and controversial in design. However till now, the U.S. market lacked an entry-level model that really made monetary sense. Enter the 2026 BMW iX xDrive45, a direct substitute for the iX 40 bought in Europe, now arriving within the U.S. with extra energy, improved vary, and a value lower. Beginning at $76,325, the iX 45 undercuts the iX 50 (now known as iX 60) by $12,000, making it BMW’s most reasonably priced electrical SUV. However is that this only a budget-friendly model, or does it deliver significant upgrades? I had an opportunity to drive the brand new iX 45 in Barcelona, again to again with the iX M70.

Refined Design with Delicate Enhancements

The 2026 facelift doesn’t drastically alter the iX’s appears, however there are sufficient design modifications to offer it a brand new life. The kidney grille’s dimension stays the identical, however the graphics are completely different. Whereas the iX M70 will get horizontal bars within the kidneys, the iX 45 and iX 60 takes a special strategy with slanted traces which remind us of the bottom BMW iX G45. The new, slimmer headlights with vertical LED signatures are the identical as on the iX M70 and, as soon as once more, it appears to arrange us for the upcoming Neue Klasse design language. On the rear, redesigned bumpers and vertical reflectors give the iX a wider stance. The wheel lineup consists of contemporary 22-inch designs, however you possibly can order any wheels from 20 to 23 inches in dimension. 

Extra Energy, Greater Battery, Longer Vary

The 2026 BMW iX 45 isn’t only a new badge—it’s a major improve over the outgoing iX 40. Energy jumps to 402 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, an enhance of 82 hp over the earlier mannequin. This cuts the 0-60 mph time to 4.9 seconds, a full second faster than earlier than. However the actual headline is vary. Due to a bigger 100.1 kWh battery pack, the brand new BMW iX 45 now achieves a WLTP vary of 490-602 km (305-374 miles), with an estimated EPA vary of 312 miles. That’s a 41% enchancment over the pre-facelift iX 40.

Charging stays capped although at simply 175 kW, which means a 10-80% recharge takes about 34 minutes—only a minute longer than earlier than, regardless of the larger battery. I do want BMW would have provided the 195 kW from the iX 60 and iX M70 since, in my view, charging occasions are extra vital than vary.

Extra Effectivity, Smarter Engineering

Because the iX xDrive45 encompasses a bigger battery than the outgoing iX 40, BMW has not solely elevated capability but in addition made focused effectivity enhancements to maximise vary. The new silicon carbide inverters play a serious position, enhancing power conversion effectivity by about one-third. Moreover, friction-optimized wheel bearings contribute an additional 3 km to the WLTP vary, whereas A-label rated tires assist scale back rolling resistance for higher general effectivity. Even the redesigned headlights and bonnet have been aerodynamically refined, including one other 3 km to the automobile’s whole vary.

How Does It Drive? A Balanced Method

The 2026 BMW iX xDrive 45 would be the entry-level mannequin, but it surely doesn’t really feel like a base model on the street. In Sport Mode, the steering tightens up, the throttle response sharpens, and the adaptive suspension stiffens, making the iX 45 surprisingly pleasant on twisty roads. I’ve solely briefly drove the iX 40 in Europe a number of years in the past, so my reminiscence may not be contemporary sufficient. However this iX 45 feels a bit sportier within the highest setting and appears to cover its weight a bit higher. 

Nevertheless it was the Consolation mode that I used to be largely thinking about. The bottom and center variants of the iX lineup (40 and 50) all the time felt like a Magic Carpet on the street. The air suspension was extraordinarily plush and forgiving, making each day driving easy and pleasant. I’m comfortable to report that the Consolation mode is now even softer absorbing the bumps and potholes with ease.

How was that achieved? BMW has reworked the suspension tuning as a result of further weight from the bigger battery pack. The new suspension calibration gives a extra refined stability between consolation and agility. The journey stays softer than within the iX M70, however the physique management is well-managed, making it a stable freeway cruiser that also feels succesful on a backroad. 

Regenerative braking stays adjustable, permitting drivers to decide on between one-pedal driving or a extra conventional braking really feel. The torque supply is clean and responsive, making freeway merges and passing easy. In comparison with the iX M70, which might be brutally quick, the ability and torque supply within the iX xDrive45 is extra gradual, delivering a smoother, extra balanced expertise. 

Inside Upgrades – Small Fixes That Matter

Inside, the whole lot is almost the identical, however the seats. Oh, the seats! BMW has lastly listened to its clients and are providing correct seats. The newly accessible, however non-obligatory within the iX 45, M Sport seats lastly handle one of many greatest complaints from earlier iX fashions—flat cushions and poor thigh assist. As somebody 6’2” (188 cm) tall, I instantly observed the longer seat base and higher bolstering, which retains you correctly supported on lengthy drives.

The hexagonal steering wheel stays within the base fashions, however now you can choice a standard spherical wheel, which feels much better for spirited driving. One ergonomic flaw stays—the floating heart console. It’s nonetheless awkwardly positioned, making it a little bit of a stretch to seize drinks or small objects. BMW doubtless didn’t need to redesign the complete inside for a facelift (pricey), however that is one space that would nonetheless be improved.

A Extra Inexpensive iX for the U.S.

For a lot of patrons, the 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 is essentially the most logical alternative within the lineup. It delivers extra vary than the iX 60, extra affordability than the iX M70, and sufficient energy for each day use. At $76,325, the 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 lastly offers U.S. patrons a extra reasonably priced entry into BMW’s electrical SUV lineup. With a $12,000 value drop in comparison with the iX 60, and potential federal EV tax credit, it turns into one of many best-value BMW EVs on sale.

If you happen to’re searching for a well-balanced, luxurious EV that doesn’t break the financial institution, that is the one to get. Simply make certain to choice the M Sport seats—they’re price it.