It’s hard to believe that the BMW iX arrived five years ago. This behemoth was the brand’s first large electric SUV, one that introduced its somewhat controversial new design language.
Of course, when the iX was revealed back in 2021, BMW fans had much to say about the way it looked. How do I know? Because I had to do a double take when I first saw the way it looked. Some would describe it as a bit unwieldy-looking or downright unattractive, but there is no doubt it has presence. Last year, the refreshed version of the iX arrived with some minor design tweaks, range improvements, updated tech, and revised model names.
2026 BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport: what’s new?
When first laying eyes on the LCI (life cycle impulse) version of the BMW iX, you’d be right to ask, “What’s different?”
Firstly, LCI is BMW’s way of saying it’s been updated, rather than using the term ‘facelift’. However, rather than a mere facelift that usually entails styling tweaks and equipment changes, BMW has paid more attention to what’s under the metal, with all models getting bigger batteries and improved range, more power, and faster 0-62mph times.
In the mid-range xDrive60 M Sport spec, you now get a 109.1kWh battery, up from 105.2kWh, which is officially capable of up to 426 miles of range, a 46-mile improvement over the old xDrive50 model. Power is up to 536bhp and 765Nm of torque with a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds. Flat out, it’ll do 124mph.
Outside, updated bits include the light-up kidney grilles at the front, which you can switch off, and a refreshed front end with an updated headlight design. The iX options list has also been expanded to include seven new paint finishes and six new alloy wheel designs that range from 20- to 23-inches in size.
Trim levels are unchanged, with Sport reserved for the base powertrain only, while M Sport and the flagship ‘M’ model sit at the top of the range. Other additions include a new sporty steering wheel design for the ‘M’ models and a quartet of optional interior packages to choose from that add extra tech, comfort features, or exterior design changes.
Still divisive and imposing to look at
As I said earlier, the design of the iX is divisive-looking to some and downright ugly to others. It comes from when BMW hit us with a bunch of controversial designs at the turn of the decade, including the M3 and M4 and the new 7 Series.
In facelifted form, it’s still very snouty looking, with the oversized kidney grilles dominating the nose. The new headlight design helps bring it into line with BMW’s Neue Klasse design ethos, while the rest of the car is chock full of angular strakes, giving it a muscular look. However, I think it looks good. Now some five years from its initial launch, it still looks futuristic and has plenty of presence on the road. Like it or loathe it, I have no doubt that it’s instantly recognisable as a radical evolution of BMW design. Which is a good thing.
A fantastic-looking and techy cabin
On the inside, for me, the interior of the iX is fabulous. Like the outside, it still feels like a significant leap forward in both design and tech.
When sitting in the driver’s seat, it feels spacious with plenty of light and ultra luxurious throughout with a mix of Alcantara, leather, and fabric trim. The seats feel like armchairs, with the LCI update adding a tweaked design for improved comfort. Support is excellent even for taller folk like myself, and there is a wealth of adjustability, too.
A pair of curved screens are mated together to form the infotainment and dial cluster setup, measuring in at 14.9-inches and 12.3-inches respectively. All of the main controls and settings for the car are contained in the larger screen, which is easy to use with a little practice. It looks very similar to a vast smartphone, as once I’d got used to where the menu options were, tapping through them became quick and easy to do. The same applies to the smaller dial cluster, which is clear and easy to read and is capable of showing useful functions like the radar cruise control. The iX’s ease of use is helped by the steering wheel button layout, which is simple and effective, giving you quick access to the cruise control and the infotainment when you need it.
All of the options, but at a price
My test car was lavishly equipped, to say the least. Highlights include the very expensive Sky Lounge Panoramic Sunroof (£3,200), alongside the M Sport package Pro (£1,350), with the latter adding Anthracite roof lining, M spec electric sports seats and a matching leather-trimmed steering wheel, as well as darkened headlights. The Comfort (£1,650) and Technology (£3,250) packs are also worth optioning too, adding useful features like 22kW high-speed charging (useful for charging at home), ventilated front seats, parking assistance pro, and heating for the front and rear seats.
Other less useful options include a towbar (£1,150) and the illuminated kidney grills (£500).
In terms of how I’d spec an iX, the M spec seats are worthwhile, as they give you ‘M’ colour stripes dotted around the interior, while the Integral Active Steering (£1,400) adds an active rear axle, making it more agile. Air Suspension (£2,050) is also a must-have, as it gives the iX a smooth, cosseting ride quality similar to far more expensive luxury SUVs.
But can a heavyweight, very large EV drive be the Ultimate Driving Machine?
You may be surprised by this, but yes, the BMW iX is brilliant to drive.
In xDrive60 guise, it’s super agile through corners with grip aplenty, belying its 2.4-tonne kerbweight; the steering is feelsome, quick, and accurate, too. Yes, more challenging corners will expose its weight a bit, but overall, it feels poised and sporty. Basically, exactly what you’d expect of a high-end BMW.
It’s quick, too, taking 4.6 seconds to sprint from 0 to 62 mph. Switching it into Efficient mode for a fast take-off makes the nose rise up as you hit the throttle, while engaging Sport or Sport Plus pushes you back into your seat with a fierce wave of electric torque as you accelerate, something that helps make it a bit of a thrill to drive. Have no doubt that even in mid-range xDrive60 spec, the iX has sufficient grunt for every scenario, with getting up to speed or overtaking being simple tasks.
During my test I saw an average of 3.1 miles/kWh, a decent figure for a car this large that’s packed with tech, a figure that would be easily improved on longer runs. With 75% charge remaining, the predicted range sat around 290 miles, meaning that close to around 400 miles should be possible. Note that this was achieved on a warm early summer day with the air con on the medium setting.
All of the space, comfort, and practicality you’d ever need
The iX is a big car, vast in fact. The boot measures 500 litres, which isn’t the best in class, as both the Mercedes EQE (520 litres) and Lotus Eletre (688 litres) offer more space. It is easy to access via the wide opening, helped by the full-width tailgate, though. Folding down the rear seats increases storage to 1,750 litres, a figure that beats both the rival Mercedes and Lotus.
The interior feels spacious, with plenty of room for five passengers, and as I mentioned earlier, there’s plenty of room for the tall people, and both the front and rear seats are supremely comfortable.
Refinement and comfort are also excellent. When on the move, the iX glides along, soaking up any road imperfections with ease. It’s serenely quiet, too, with only a faint sniff of wind noise noticeable and no sign of any electric motor whine either. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that it is relaxingly quiet inside on the move, cosseting you from the outside world.
Verdict: a class-leading luxury electric SUV for the drivers
Love or hate the looks, there is no doubt that the BMW iX is one of the most polished offerings in the luxury electric SUV section. It drives brilliantly, with tactile and feelsome handling that is both sporty and engaging. The inside offers a high-tech premium experience that is simple to operate, along with swathes of luxury and a serene level of refinement that some rival car markers simply cannot match.
Of course, all of this brilliance has a high cost. With prices for the xDrive60 starting from £93,205 before options, at which point you could add another £20k to that with ease. However, with the era of the luxury electric SUV upon us, the refreshed iX is one of the best options available to those with deep pockets.
2026 BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport: full gallery
