2026 BMW iX M70: The Quick, Quiet, and Controversial BMW SUV

I’ve pushed dozens of recent BMWs over the previous few years, however few have shocked me just like the 2026 BMW iX M70. On paper, it’s the identical electrical SUV we’ve identified since 2021—solely quicker, quieter, and extra refined after its mid-cycle refresh. Most individuals choose a automotive by the numbers: horsepower, charging pace, or vary. However the iX M70 proves that the true story begins when you drive it. This up to date flagship brings significant upgrades throughout the lineup—the 45, 60, and this M70—and it fully modified my opinion of BMW’s polarizing electrical SUV.

The BMW iX has been out since 2021, however for this mannequin yr, it receives a refresh throughout all three fashions: the 45, 60, and M70. A really fast rationalization of the lineup is that the 45 is the entry-level, most inexpensive model with the smallest battery; the 60 is the longest-range model that also provides nice efficiency; and the M70 is the ludicrously overpowered BMW electrical mother automotive.

This was the one I had the fortune of driving for per week. Between the best way the iX has at all times seemed and the specs of the automotive, I wasn’t significantly excited to obtain it. However after per week with it, this was really the BMW, of all of the BMWs I’ve pushed in the previous couple of years, that I’d really wish to dwell with day by day. Let me clarify why this refreshed iX is much better than you may assume—and why you’ll must drive one to know. Let’s discuss in regards to the good, the unhealthy, and the ugly.

Consolation, Efficiency, and On a regular basis Luxurious within the BMW iX M70

Flat out, the BMW iX is among the most pragmatic and splendid vehicles in BMW’s lineup. In a automotive world stuffed with even the most cost effective vehicles now containing nice tech, true luxurious and functionality are what separate the entry degree from the highest of the road. Some vehicles declare to be quiet, however the iX is single-handedly the quietest automotive I’ve ever pushed. That is all of the extra spectacular given the frameless doorways and carbon fiber chassis elements. Whereas the door doesn’t sound luxurious when it shuts, as soon as inside, the world fades away and the stress melts off.

iDrive 8.5 and Inside Options

Then there may be the inside. This was one among BMW’s first autos to have iDrive 8 (now 8.5), and the cabin format is each open and luxuriously appointed. BMW actually took benefit of the EV structure to create an ethereal cabin with loads of area. Whereas the iX is one inch longer in each wheelbase and total size in comparison with an X5, it feels a lot bigger inside. The again seats, with the low ground and entrance seats you’ll be able to simply slide your toes beneath, can accommodate nearly anybody, no matter top.

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The Castanea Chestnut leather-based inside seemed unbelievable and felt costly. The seats provide heating, cooling, and therapeutic massage capabilities. The crystal seat and iDrive controls solely add to the upscale feeling. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system is the very best I’ve heard in any trendy automotive. The inflexible chassis from the EV structure, together with the inclusion of carbon fiber and the extremely efficient sound deadening, doesn’t simply make for a extra luxurious expertise—it enhances the sound system’s skill to ship clear, distortion-free audio.

Driver Assistant Options

Then there’s the driving tech. The refreshed iX now comes with the most recent model of BMW’s Driver Help Skilled Package deal, which incorporates Freeway Help. This new function extends hands-free driving from final yr (as much as 40 mph) to now as much as 85 mph. It primarily permits hands-free driving in any freeway situation, visitors jam or not.

The iX blew me away by way of trip consolation and refinement. Whereas it’s optionally available on different trim ranges, the M70 has the two-chamber air suspension and adjustable dampers as commonplace. The automotive at all times felt compliant and gentle over highway imperfections however nonetheless managed to really feel planted and confidence-inspiring. That is fairly a feat for a 5,800-pound EV. That doesn’t imply it could actually’t be pushed tougher than a automotive like this must be. A fast journey up Angeles Crest Freeway revealed that that is secretly athletic. The M on the badge does, actually, imply one thing.

A lot of Energy

As you’d hope with something carrying an M badge, this M70 variant of the iX is critically fast. With 650 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque, this SUV has extra torque than a McLaren 750S, a Porsche 992 Turbo S, or a Dodge Demon. Saying that out loud made me chuckle, and launching from a stoplight on this automotive made me outright giggle. BMW claims 0–60 in 3.6 seconds, however unbiased testing exhibits it’s far quicker. This can be a critically fast automotive.

Longer Vary Than the iX M60

The vary on this iX was additionally spectacular and simply surpassed EPA numbers. On the 23-inch wheels outfitted on this M70 mannequin, with a 112 kWh battery, it’s rated for simply over 280 miles. In my testing, I achieved just below 300 miles whereas nonetheless having 3% state of cost (plus the buffer in-built under 0%). If this spec is the worst-case situation for the iX, different fashions might simply obtain 320–360 miles. The vary in comparison with the pre-refresh fashions has elevated due to a number of updates.

The primary notable change is the brand new headlights, that are extra environment friendly. Individuals neglect simply how a lot energy headlights eat, and as LED expertise has superior, they’ve develop into brighter and extra environment friendly in each power use and cooling necessities.

Crucial change enhancing effectivity within the iX is the brand new silicon carbide inverter, which converts DC to AC (and vice versa), transferring energy effectively between the motors and the battery. There are at all times parasitic losses on this course of, however the extra environment friendly the switch, the extra usable power reaches the motors.

Lastly, new friction-reducing bearings within the drivetrain enhance energy supply to the wheels.

Charging Velocity, Ergonomics, and Usability Issues

Sadly, not all is nicely with the iX M70. BMW EVs have had one thing of an Achilles’ heel: charging. The 400V structure and prismatic cells at the moment are thought of outdated in comparison with the newer 800V structure and cylindrical cells within the newest EVs. The charging speeds on the iX aren’t horrible however are now not aggressive.

When testing the iX to see if the charging curve had modified, I documented the outcomes. From 3% to 38%, I used to be in a position to obtain a gentle 198–200 kW charging pace. It started to drop off after 40% state of cost to 190 kW, then all the way down to 150 kW at 50%. The charging slowed extra quickly, reaching solely 110 kW by 70%, and after 80% state of cost, it dropped to 75 kW. The fact is, that is ok to get you 150–200 miles of vary added in about 13 minutes at 40% state of cost. That’s a lot for most individuals, given the automobile’s already spectacular 300+ mile vary on this automotive’s largest wheel setup.

Is that this an ideal 800-mile highway journey automotive in comparison with different EVs? Most likely not. I believe that is the one actual situation for lengthy journeys in what’s in any other case an amazingly snug road-trip automotive. L.A. to Vegas, Palm Springs, or San Diego isn’t any drawback for the iX. A highway journey to San Francisco might take an extra 37 minutes to get an 80% cost from almost empty.

There are a number of different minor complaints in regards to the iX. One is the ergonomics of among the inside format decisions, significantly the cupholders. For some purpose, the cupholders are positioned low, almost on the ground, in entrance of the iDrive controls and equipment selector. It’s important to attain down and across the console awkwardly to entry them. On one hand, this creates an ethereal, open format with a pleasant spot on the ground to position small baggage or meals from the drive-thru between the driving force and passenger footwells. On the opposite, it’s actually annoying—and borderline unsafe—to achieve down like that each time you need a sip of your drink.

Small Quirks, Like The Middle Console Format

The opposite small grievance is the middle console format leaves little room for a correct place to mount your telephone. Whereas there’s a small phone-holding bin on the entrance of the middle console, it leaves simply sufficient area on your telephone to flop round unsecured, partially hiding your display screen. The opposite possibility is to position it on the wi-fi charging pad, however that’s positioned low on the ground by the cupholders. This additionally isn’t safe, and sudden maneuvers can ship the telephone flying.

I at all times suggest a safe mount that’s simple to achieve—it’s helpful if iDrive, CarPlay, or Android Auto fail, and it ensures your telephone gained’t develop into a projectile. The sprint format additionally makes inserting an aftermarket mount tough. There are aftermarket 3D-printed mounts that add a MagSafe charger within the telephone pocket on the entrance of the console, and console extenders to fill the hole between the pocket and the dashboard.

BMW iX Design Controversy and the Neue Klasse Problem

We have to discuss in regards to the elephant within the room. This automotive was by no means a handsome automotive. The truth is, previous to the refresh, it was downright awkward. The refresh helps. The decrease entrance fascia on the pre-refresh vehicles had an excessively busy design with too many conflicting traces. Now, it’s been cleaned up with easier, sharper aspect air vents that assist with aerodynamics. That is each practical and much cleaner than earlier than.

The entrance grille additionally receives updates to make it look extra conventional. Together with the brand new headlights, the entrance finish is kind of a bit improved. Nevertheless, I nonetheless can’t assist however marvel why BMW would put such a big pretend grille on an EV that doesn’t want one in any respect. The Neue Klasse iX3 redesign is a major step in the best course. That brings us to the opposite main drawback the iX faces proper now.

The Neue Klasse of BMW EVs will very quickly be upon us. The iX did so much to pave the best way for BMW’s present technology of EVs. The teachings realized from this automotive and the developments in design to make the following technology as spectacular as we imagine it will likely be are vital. However the situation is timing—this refresh arrived simply because the Neue Klasse was introduced. For a fraction of the worth, the iX3 can be on sale on the identical time.

When you’re keen to sacrifice a bit inside area, the extra trendy iX3 provides the brand new iDrive 10 interface, higher battery tech with quicker charging and larger vary, and a extra broadly accepted exterior design. At first, they might not look like vehicles individuals would cross-shop, however in the event you’re in search of an electrical BMW SUV, it’s laborious to justify selecting the iX over the iX3.

Closing Verdict: Why the BMW iX M70 Nonetheless Impresses Regardless of Its Flaws

I got here away not anticipating a lot from my time with the iX, however now I perceive why its house owners like it a lot. There’s a lot extra to a automotive than what you learn on a spec sheet. Dwelling with this automotive appears like driving the quickest, strangest-looking isolation chamber—a automotive that genuinely makes your life higher. It’s extremely snug, very sensible, simple to drive, and only a pleasure to commute in.

For all its faults in design and charging, a whole lot of that may be forgiven for the way fantastic it’s in day by day life. I genuinely want I might have saved that iX and pushed it day by day. Whereas it might already be outclassed in some methods, it’s nonetheless a beautiful SUV—and if that is five-year-old expertise, we now have so much to be enthusiastic about with BMW EVs of the longer term. Don’t take this automotive with no consideration; it’s nonetheless among the best electrical SUVs in the marketplace.

First printed by https://www.bmwblog.com