When BMW introduced the iX xDrive45 for the U.S. market, we knew we needed to get behind the wheel. That is the primary time this mannequin has been supplied stateside, and it’s positioned because the “entry-level” gateway to the iX household. However after practically a yr of dwelling with the iX M60, we are able to inform you that “entry-level” doesn’t imply what you may assume. The iX stays considered one of our favourite BMWs in the present day—a car that balances practicality, sensible inside design, and a snug trip for day by day use. The query now: how does the extra inexpensive xDrive45 measure up?
Meet the New Entry Level: 2026 iX xDrive45
Earlier than diving into the xDrive45, context issues. We spent practically a yr with the iX M60, and it was the most effective long-term BMWs we’ve had. It was quick, had good vary and the air suspension was elegant for day by day use. However we needed to strive one thing else because the iX M60 was extra of a distinct segment mannequin throughout the iX lineup.
When BMW introduced the refreshed iX household, with the xDrive45 changing the 40, the xDrive60 the 50 and iX M70 the 60, we needed to strive one thing new and extra inexpensive. Cue on this Dune Gray 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 which landed on our door steps for a months-long critiques.
The 2026 iX xDrive45 begins at $76,325—roughly $10,000 lower than what you’d count on from an “entry-level” BMW SUV. Out of the field, you get a 94.8-kWh battery pack, twin electrical motors producing 402 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and an EPA-estimated vary of 312 miles. The 0-60 dash takes 4.9 seconds. On paper, it has nice specs and it’s spectacular for a platform that’s already a number of years. outdated. In observe, it’s extra spectacular than the specs counsel.
Our check car got here outfitted with 21-inch wheels. Should you’re looking for the xDrive45 and vary is a precedence, do not forget that wheel dimension straight impacts effectivity. Bigger wheels improve rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag. The M Sport package deal comes customary with 22-inch wheels, which seems sportier however prices you actual miles. Consumers maximizing vary ought to contemplate sticking with the bottom wheel possibility.
The Effectivity Story: Small Positive aspects, Giant Sufficient Influence
BMW made sensible engineering updates for 2026. Gone are the laser headlights, changed with new LED models that BMW claims enhance power effectivity by about 15%. That interprets to a few additional miles of vary. Add in new silicon carbide inverters, improved bushings, and low rolling resistance tires, and the xDrive45 advantages from small however significant positive factors in real-world effectivity. These aren’t flashy upgrades, however for an EV purchaser, they matter.
The Seating Lastly Received It Proper
One in every of our greatest complaints in regards to the pre-facelift iX was the seating. On lengthy drives, we’d slide ahead, and thigh help left one thing to be desired. BMW addressed this for 2026 with the M Multi-Operate seats, which supply noticeably higher facet bolstering and prolonged thigh help. The seat base is even angled to stop ahead sliding. And so they additionally added a cool suede and leather-based upholstery for thee new M Sport seats which makes them look actually cool.
The Air Suspension
The air suspension remains to be the star of the present. We’ve pushed different iX fashions with metal springs, and the distinction is night time and day. The 2-axle air suspension softens highway imperfections even higher than the X7, making the iX really feel much less like an SUV and extra like the electrical equal of the 7 Sequence. It’s snug for day by day driving, but might be adjusted for those who want a bit extra stiffness in it.
Integral lively steering provides one other dimension. In Chicago, the place we examined the previous-generation iX extensively, this rear-wheel steering system reworked how the car handles metropolis driving. A big SUV this dimension shouldn’t really feel this agile in tight streets, but it does.
BMW widened the hole between Consolation and Sport modes for the up to date iX, and you’ll genuinely really feel the distinction. In Consolation, the automotive feels gentle and floaty—excellent for long-distance cruising on highways. Swap to Sport, and the suspension corporations up, steering positive factors weight, and physique roll tightens simply sufficient to make driving a bit extra partaking for an electrical SUV.
Actual-World Vary Testing
Right here’s the place issues get fascinating. The EPA estimates 312 miles, however we don’t dwell in EPA testing circumstances. We dwell in Chicago. We drive usually. And but the xDrive45 stunned us.
On a 60-degree day, ranging from a 100% cost, we traveled a complete of 338 miles earlier than the battery hit about 5%. That’s 26 miles higher than the EPA estimate—an 8.3% enchancment. We weren’t optimizing for vary both. We drove the automotive the way in which you’d really use it: freeway stretches combined with metropolis driving, various speeds, regular local weather management.
However right here’s the fact examine half: when Chicago temperatures dropped under freezing, we noticed a 20% vary penalty with out pre-conditioning. That’s the cold-weather actuality of EVs. The answer? In case you have entry to a house charger, pre-conditioning the battery earlier than you allow makes a tangible distinction. It’s one thing we didn’t do throughout our preliminary testing, but it surely’s price realizing for those who dwell anyplace that will get winter.
What We’re Lacking: Freeway Assistant
We’re lacking one characteristic that we had on the iX M60: the Freeway Assistant. Within the earlier iX, we had hands-free driving at 80 mph on the freeway, and it was genuinely unbelievable. It reworked lengthy freeway drives into one thing much less fatiguing. The truth that it’s absent right here—by selection—is price noting. We’d say after the air suspension, the Freeway Assistant could be the second selection on our choices listing.
First Impressions
The 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 proves that “entry-level” doesn’t imply compromise. Ultimately, it delivers the identical basic iX expertise that made us love the M60—the air suspension, the integral lively steering, the sensible inside design, the practicality—at a considerably cheaper price level.
At $76,325 (or $92,775 as ours, relying on choices), the xDrive45 is positioned completely between affordability and functionality. Actual-world vary that exceeds EPA estimates, good dealing with for an SUV, and real consolation make it a compelling day by day driver.
However that is only the start. Over the approaching weeks, we’ll conduct a complete 100% to 1% battery discharge check below managed circumstances. We’ll discover what it’s actually prefer to dwell with this automotive day-to-day. We’ll decide whether or not the lacking Freeway Assistant can be a deal breaker for us. We’ll reply the query: is the xDrive45 the sensible selection, or does considered one of its siblings make extra sense? And much more importantly, how does it examine to the upcoming iX3 Neue Klasse?
We’re excited to spend extra time with this one. Keep tuned.
