The iX M60 is lifeless. Lengthy reside the 2026 BMW iX M70. BMW’s polarizing electrical SUV has been rebranded because the M Efficiency model for the 2026 mannequin 12 months. Because the upgrades are palpable, the identify change is greater than only a advertising gimmick. With 650 horsepower on faucet, the new EV delivers an additional 40 hp over its predecessor. Torque stays unchanged at a mountain-moving 811 lb-ft.
Apart from the additional oomph, the 2026 BMW iX M70, with its 112.8-kWh battery pack, is shaping as much as be extra environment friendly than its predecessor. Whereas the M60 maxed out at 285 miles based mostly on EPA’s check cycle, BMW estimates the brand new mannequin can do 302 miles. It will signify a 17-mile enhance, however it’s greatest to attend for the ultimate numbers. The luxurious automaker does say the interior assessments it has performed have been based mostly on EPA’s check process requirements. Which means that the EPA’s official ranking most likely gained’t be that totally different from BMW’s personal assessments. In Europe, the iX M70 is rated at as much as 600 km based mostly on the WLTP cycle. The charging capabilities keep the identical: 195 kW however the charging curve has been improved to permit a extra aggressive preliminary charging.
New Kidney Grille, Ã la M4
Whereas seems are subjective, BMW has tried to differentiate the M Efficiency model from the lesser iX fashions. It has a particular kidney grille design with vertical bars and an M badge. Unique 22-inch commonplace wheels and even bigger 23-inch alloys are optionally out there. BMW additionally sells the iX xDrive45 and xDrive60 with these big wheels, that are prone to negatively affect vary.
With the 2026 BMW iX M70 sitting on the prime of the lineup, it has a number of commonplace goodies which might be elective on the cheaper variations. You get the Local weather Consolation Bundle, ventilated seats, and a 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Encompass Sound System from the get-go. The Panoramic roof and Reside Cockpit Skilled are additionally included with out having to tick any packing containers on the choices listing. The kidney grille’s illuminated contour is a part of the usual gear as effectively.
Far Higher Seats Than Earlier than
Talking of the seats, that is, in our opinion, probably the most important improve within the new iX. Not solely they provide extra bolster assist, however additionally they repair certainly one of our pet peeves: they seat was truly too quick for tall individuals with little or no thigh assist. The nonetheless function intensive adjustment choices, together with backrest width and lumbar assist, together with pronounced contouring. They are often upholstered in Atlas Gray/Black microfibre/Sensatec with M-specific stitching and BMW M tri-color accents. Non-obligatory finishes embrace Amido pure leather-based or Castanea pure leather-based. The M Multi-Perform seats come as a part of the M Sport package deal for the iX xDrive45 and xDrive60, whereas being commonplace gear on the high-performance BMW iX M70 xDrive.
One other cool change within the seats has to do with the little cutout within the headrest which was somewhat too huge inflicting points with shorter individuals who bang their head towards it.
BMW iX fashions might be specced with an M Sport Skilled Bundle which provides darkish M Shadowline for headlights and hind lights. The BMW iX M70 xDrive, nevertheless, comes commonplace with the design parts of each the M Sport and M Sport Skilled Packages. It additional enhances its distinct look with an M brand, black exterior mirror caps, and unique 22-inch M alloy wheels. The M Sport package deal enhances the inside with an M leather-based steering wheel, a two-tone instrument panel that includes the M brand, Darkish Silver trim finishers, an anthracite headliner, M pedals, and high-gloss black accents on the middle console. The iX M70 is the one mannequin to get the spherical steering wheel with the 12 o’clock purple marker.
The M70 is the one iX model with commonplace rear-wheel steering and adaptive two-axle ride-level management with electronically managed shock absorbers. The Dynamic Dealing with Bundle additionally presents these goodies on lesser fashions. BMW has tweaked the suspension, damping, and chassis management programs to deal with the additional oomph delivered by the twin electrical motors. The game brake system comes with red-painted brake calipers.
As with the cheaper xDrive45 and xDrive60, the brand new M70 has a extra intelligent warmth pump as commonplace. The Local weather Consolation Bundle is elective for the xDrive45 and xDrive60, commonplace on the M70 xDrive. It options heated surfaces for the instrument panel, glove compartment, door panels, heart armrest, and rear seats. All iX fashions additionally will get silicon carbide semiconductor elements (SiC inverters)—a primary for any BMW mannequin. These inverters optimize the power switch from the battery to the electrical motors, leading to extra vary.
There aren’t any adjustments to the screens measurement nor to the working system. The brand new BMW iX M70 comes with iDrive 8.5 which remains to be based mostly on the Linux platform. The Android OS-based iDrive is out there for vehicles with iDrive 9 and future iDrive 10. Fortunately, the iDrive controller remains to be there.
Regardless of notable upgrades, the 2026 BMW iX M70 doesn’t price greater than the M60 it replaces. It carries over the $112,675 beginning worth. Manufacturing of the 2026 BMW iX will start in March of 2025 at BMW’s Plant Dingolfing. Deliveries are anticipated to start within the second quarter of 2025. [Source: BMW]
