xDrive45, xDrive60, and M70 Assessment

The BMW iX has been some of the talked-about electrical SUVs since its debut, and for 2026, it will get a collection of updates throughout the lineup. However whereas the design modifications may appear delicate at first look, the actual query patrons will likely be asking is straightforward: Which one ought to I purchase?

To seek out out, I spent a day in New Jersey driving all three variations of the up to date iX back-to-back—the brand new xDrive45, the xDrive60, and the flagship M70. From some freeway stretches to principally curvy backroads, this was the right surroundings to check them not simply on paper, however the place it actually issues—on the street.

Beginning With the Newcomer: The iX xDrive45

Let’s begin with the iX xDrive45, the latest and most inexpensive addition to the iX household, and the primary time this model is being provided in the US. Priced from $76,325, the iX xDrive45 may put on the “entry-level” badge, nevertheless it’s something however barebones. This mannequin replaces the xDrive40 that was by no means bought within the U.S. and brings with it a 100.1 kWh battery pack, giving it an EPA-estimated vary of 312 miles. That’s greater than sufficient for many each day commutes and even longer journeys with out worrying an excessive amount of about vary nervousness.

However the xDrive45 doesn’t simply win on effectivity. Because of twin electrical motors producing 402 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in simply 4.9 seconds. It’s fast sufficient to shock you while you flooring the pedal, even when the automobile’s comfy and splendid journey high quality won’t counsel it at first look.

One of many standout options in all 2026 iX fashions, together with the 45, is the elective two-axle air suspension. Truthfully, it transforms the driving expertise. I’ve pushed earlier variations of the iX with metal springs, and the distinction is night time and day. The air suspension softens street imperfections whereas sustaining management, making the iX really feel just like the 7 Sequence of BMW’s electrical SUV lineup. It’s comfy, composed, and extremely quiet on the freeway. Throughout earlier checks in Europe, I measured cabin noise at simply 65 decibels at freeway speeds—spectacular even by luxurious automobile requirements.

Integral Lively Steering, BMW’s rear-wheel steering system, is one other must-have in my view. It makes this huge SUV really feel surprisingly agile in tight metropolis streets and sharp and composed on backroads. Having examined the system extensively with the pre-facelift iX in cities like Chicago, I can affirm it makes maneuvering this massive SUV far much less intimidating than you’d count on.

The journey isn’t simply comfy—it’s neatly tuned. BMW widened the hole between Consolation and Sport modes for the up to date iX, and you’ll really feel the distinction. In Consolation, the iX feels gentle and simple to drive, supreme for long-distance cruising. Swap to Sport, and the suspension companies up, the steering positive factors weight, and the physique roll tightens simply sufficient to make backroad driving extra partaking. Nonetheless, that is an SUV constructed for consolation at first.

BMW additionally made some good effectivity updates for 2026. Gone are the elective laser headlights, changed with new, extra environment friendly LED models. In keeping with BMW, these new lights enhance vitality effectivity by about 15%, which interprets to a few additional miles of vary. Mix that with new silicon carbide inverters, improved bushings, and low rolling resistance tires, and the whole lineup advantages from small however significant positive factors in real-world effectivity.

Inside, BMW lastly addressed one in every of my largest complaints concerning the pre-facelift iX—the seating. The brand new M Multi-Operate seats now supply a lot better facet bolstering and prolonged thigh help, one thing taller drivers like me will actually recognize on lengthy journeys. BMW even angled the seat base to forestall you from sliding ahead, enhancing total consolation. And in the event you’re questioning whether or not these seats make a distinction, attempt the cellphone take a look at I did: place your cellphone on the seat between your legs—if it stays put as a substitute of sliding ahead, you’ve received the up to date seats with out even them.

Shifting Up the Line: The iX xDrive60

Subsequent up is the iX xDrive60, the mannequin that replaces the outgoing xDrive50. Priced from $88,500 vary, it sits proper in the course of the lineup, and in some ways, it seems like probably the most full bundle. Energy climbs to 536 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque, dropping the 0 to 60 mph dash to simply 4.4 seconds. The distinction isn’t night time and day in comparison with the 45, nevertheless it’s sufficient to note when overtaking or merging on the freeway.

The place the xDrive60 actually shines is vary. Because of a bigger 113.4 kWh battery, it boasts an EPA-rated 364 miles of vary, with the potential to go even additional relying in your driving type and wheel alternative. I examined it on 22-inch wheels, which look incredible however will naturally eat into your vary barely in comparison with the usual 21-inch setup. The effectivity on the automobile was fairly spectacular, managing to get round 3.2 kWh per mile, regardless of having some enjoyable with the automobile in probably the most inefficient method.

Just like the 45, the iX 60 advantages from air suspension and Integral Lively steering, making it simply as comfy and simple to deal with regardless of its dimension. The journey stays composed even on less-than-perfect pavement, although switching to Sport mode noticeably tightens issues up. Once more, this isn’t a automobile you’ll be taking to the monitor, however for a household SUV, it feels remarkably well-balanced. Is there a distinction between the journey high quality of the iX 45 vs. 60? No, not likely, until you’re nitpicking that the previous may weigh a bit extra which might additionally barely affect the journey high quality.

Charging speeds are additionally improved, with help for as much as 195 kW DC quick charging from 175 kW within the iX 45. BMW says you possibly can go from 10 to 80% in about half-hour, which makes lengthy journeys way more manageable.

Inside, the iX xDrive60 gives extra customization than the iX 45, a number of inside trim choices, and the identical glorious M Multi-Operate seats. The mixture of microfiber and Alcantara feels premium, even when it isn’t full leather-based.

The driving expertise is predictably acquainted in the event you’ve frolicked within the xDrive45. The additional energy is there in the event you want it, however day-to-day, the actual benefit is the extra vary and faster charging. For a lot of patrons, this can possible be the candy spot within the iX lineup. You kinda see the place I’m going with this already…

The Flagship: BMW iX M70

Lastly, I jumped into the iX M70, the range-topping mannequin that replaces the iX M60. With 650 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque, the M70 rockets from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 3.6 seconds—although it feels even quicker in the actual world. This can be a severely fast SUV, and whereas it’s not a full M mannequin within the conventional sense, it’s probably the most aggressive and dynamic iX you should buy.

BMW has made the M70 extra comfy than the M60 it replaces, particularly in Consolation mode. The journey is extra compliant, even on 22-inch wheels, making it a greater each day driver than earlier than. That stated, Sport mode once more sharpens the whole lot up significantly, stiffening the suspension and including weight to the steering. It feels extra planted and responsive than the opposite iX fashions, although the steering nonetheless lacks a few of the suggestions you may count on from a real M automobile – which is basically not anyway. In case you had been anxious concerning the journey high quality in comparison with the iX M60, don’t be. BMW listened to you and made the general drive rather a lot higher.

Vary drops barely to 302 miles on the EPA cycle, which continues to be respectable given the efficiency on supply. Just like the xDrive60, the M70 helps 195 kW DC quick charging, and BMW’s optimized charging curve ensures you get the quickest attainable vitality replenishment within the first 10 minutes of a cost session.

Inside, the M70 distinguishes itself with unique inside particulars, together with a spherical steering wheel with a pink 12 o’clock marker, M-specific colour choices, and a fully-loaded function set. You get the whole lot from Bowers & Wilkins Diamond encompass sound to the Local weather Consolation Package deal as commonplace.

From a driving perspective, the M70 is undeniably enjoyable, with explosive acceleration that feels extra like a efficiency sedan than a big SUV. Rear-wheel steering makes it surprisingly agile for its dimension, and the improved consolation tuning means it’s lastly a efficiency SUV you may realistically drive each day.

The Verdict

So, after driving all three back-to-back, which one do you have to purchase?

The BMW iX xDrive45 is the budget-conscious alternative, providing loads of vary, energy, and premium options at a extra attainable worth level. It’s the right introduction to BMW’s electrical SUV lineup for these seeking to make the soar to electrical with out breaking the financial institution.

The iX xDrive60 seems like probably the most full bundle, providing the longest vary, extra energy, and all the precise luxurious touches with out venturing into six-figure territory. For many patrons, this would be the supreme stability of efficiency, effectivity, and worth.

After which there’s the iX M70—the final word iX. If cash is not any object and also you need the quickest, most feature-packed iX BMW gives, that is the one to get. It’s louder in design, sharper in efficiency, and extra luxurious inside and outside.

The iX won’t be sticking round ceaselessly, with future electrical SUVs anticipated to shift to BMW’s Neue Klasse structure. However after a day behind the wheel of those up to date fashions, one factor is obvious—the 2026 iX lineup represents BMW’s electrical SUV at its highest. And whether or not you’re searching for worth, vary, or pure efficiency, there’s an iX for you.

My private alternative? The BMW iX xDrive60!