2026 BMW iX review: Something great lurks beneath

2026 BMW iX review with The Road Beat

Words and pictures: Mitchell Weitzman

UPDATE: BMW announced just this past week that the iX will be discontinued after the 2026 model year. It will be replaced by the upcoming iX3 by late summer.

This review is inevitably going to hinge on subjectivity—but opinions do matter. And the fact of the matter is this: the BMW iX is among the ugliest new cars on sale today, if not the ugliest. BMW has taken plenty of criticism in recent years for its ever-expanding trademark kidney grille, but here, the nose is only part of the design catastrophe. Sure, the beige color doesn’t help, but beneath this deeply unfortunate exterior lies a remarkably good EV—and a surprisingly convincing BMW.

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While there are no classic and sonorous Bavarian inline-six soundtracks to be had here, obviously, I was genuinely shocked—pun somewhat intended—by how genuinely well the iX drives and how much it still behaves like a BMW on the move. Like it or not, this has a genuine dose of the BMW DNA present. And it may not have the same vigor and sparkle as the brand’s greatest hits, but among EV peers, it still has a legitimate claim to being the “Ultimate Driving Machine.” Relatively speaking.

The steering lacks the feedback of the brilliant Chris Bangle–era cars of the 'aughts, but there’s real precision and weight here. Direction changes are handled with confidence, and there’s a genuine appetite for corners. On a favorite local B-road, the iX stands apart from other modern EVs that feel merely competent but emotionally flat; This one hunkers down and encourages you to push harder. It’s fast, grippy, and—crucially—engaging (enough) in a way most electric crossovers simply aren’t.

Out on the highway, the iX settles into a different strength: It’s exceptionally quiet and composed. The ability to carry whisper-level conversations at speed is an understated luxury, and the ride strikes an excellent balance—comfortable without being overly soft or artificially firm, even on the André the Giant–spec 22-inch wheels. Range may be outright limited on a single charge, but this does chew up on the miles with ease and comfort.

Yes, there are synthetic driving sounds from the electric powertrain, but they can be toggled on or off to your liking. Normally I’d dismiss them outright, but I actually didn’t mind the Star Trek–esque tones under acceleration. More importantly, throttle application is as smooth and predictable as you’d hope. What’s most impressive, though, is efficiency. For a compact luxury SUV pushing over 400 horsepower, the iX delivers genuinely strong real-world numbers.

Averaging a tick over 3 miles per kWh, a 300-mile range is entirely realistic—and that’s not just theory. Car and Driver managed 290 miles in its typically demanding 75-mph highway test. That puts the iX among the more efficient electric crossovers available today, doing a lot to ease range anxiety an make everyday use that little bit more thoughtless while helping keep your sanity in check.

The optional M Sport Package seats are another highlight, offering excellent comfort and lateral support. Rear passengers had no complaints on a trip out to Lodi, and the audio system impresses as well. I don’t even mind the large central display or most of the interior design as the dash feels expansive and aids in feeling spacious, though the long-term durability of the Alcantara-style ultrasuede remains a question mark.

This new '45' trim replaces last year’s '40,' bringing a larger 100-kWh battery and—surprisingly—a lower starting price. Though, let’s be clear, it’s still expensive. As the entry vehicle in the iX range, having an increased capability and range, but at a lower price is a good accomplishment.

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Peak charging tops out at 175 kW, which trails several key rivals. It’s not slow, but it is objectively behind the established curve now. BMW also sticks with a CCS charging port rather than adopting Tesla’s increasingly common NACS standard, meaning access to the more widespread and reliable Supercharger network requires an adapter workaround.

As for the design—yes, we’re back to that—it doesn’t get much better inside. Even at over $90,000 as tested, the cabin doesn’t consistently feel like a $90K space. The leather-look seats aren’t actually leather, the center console latch feels flimsy, and the doors close with a hollow, unsatisfying sound instead of the vault-like thunk you expect at this price point. Even worse, the rear windows barely lower halfway—an inexcusable oversight here.

The worst offenders, though, are the seat controls. Mounted awkwardly on the upper door panels, they’re not just inconvenient—they’re visually offensive. BMW insists they’re glass, but they look like cheap plastic straight imitations from Temu. They clash with the rest of the interior and sit directly in your line of sight, often reflecting incoming light, making them impossible to ignore. The glass in the center console plays it more lowkey, but these seat adjusters are insanely distasteful because of the attention they command and how actually bad they are to use.

BMW’s iDrive system has also grown overly convoluted. There’s a steep learning curve, and the glass rotary controller lacks tactile satisfaction. The move away from physical controls continues to be a misstep, and some basic functions—like adjusting brake regeneration—are buried in menus where they don’t belong.

A great car underneath

Beneath it all, the BMW iX is fundamentally and mechanically excellent. It’s more engaging to drive than any other mainstream EV I’ve tested, and its real-world efficiency is genuinely impressive. Yes, it gets expensive quickly, especially when optioned up—but the real issue isn’t the price.

It’s the styling and lack of tastefulness.

For all its strengths, the iX’s design will be the deciding factor for most buyers. And unfortunately for BMW, that’s a battle it’s unlikely to win.

2026 BMW iX xDrive45 Specifications

As-tested price: $92,775

Powertrain

• Dual electric motors (AWD)

• Combined output: 402 hp / 516 lb-ft

• Transmission: Single-speed direct drive

• 0–60 mph: 4.7 seconds

Battery & Charging

• Battery capacity: 100 kWh

• EPA range: 279 miles

• DC fast charging: up to 175 kW

• 10–80% fast charge: ~30 minutes

• Observed efficiency: 3.1 mi/kWh

• Real-world range: ~290–310 miles

Drivetrain & Chassis

• Layout: Dual-motor AWD

• Suspension: Multi-link (front & rear)

• Steering: Electric power steering

• Wheels: 22" (optional)

Dimensions

• Wheelbase: 118 in

• Length: 195 in

• Width: 78 in

• Height: 68 in

• Curb weight: ~5,500 lbs

• Seating: 5 passengers

• 36 cu ft cargo capacity (rear seats up)

• ~78 cargo capacity cu ft (max, seats folded)

• Infotainment: 14.9-inch central display

Pricing

• Starting MSRP: $76,325

• As tested: $92,775

Warranty

• Basic: 4 years / 50,000 miles

• Powertrain: 4 years / 50,000 miles

• Battery: 8 years / 100,000 miles

• Complimentary maintenance: 3 years / 36,000 miles

More photos of the 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 in Dune Grey Metallic and M Sport Black Sensatec interior.