The 2026 BMW iX introduces a bigger 113 kilowatt-hour battery that provides as much as 340 miles of estimated vary. A brand new entry-level xDrive45 trim comes with a smaller 100 kWh battery, offering a variety of 280 to 300 miles. This upgraded mannequin additionally contains a new silicon carbide inverter, enhancing the effectivity of power switch from the battery to the motors.
The BMW iX is acknowledged for its spectacular vary capabilities. In a long-term take a look at performed by InsideEVs final 12 months, it managed to journey 351 miles on a single cost, exceeding its 307-mile EPA score. Whereas favorable summer season circumstances performed a job, it has confirmed to be a stable possibility for long-distance journey even in winter. The latest upgrades to the iX embody new trim choices and an enlarged battery, leading to improved vary and efficiency.
The iX’s newest iteration, often called the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) or mid-cycle refresh, does away with the earlier trims. The xDrive50 and M60 choices have been changed with the xDrive45, xDrive60, and M70, that are designed to replicate the improved energy ranges. Every trim options “elevated power content material,” as revealed by BMW officers throughout an early announcement.
The xDrive45 contains a 100.1-kilowatt-hour (usable) battery, estimated to ship a variety of 279 to 312 miles. In distinction, the xDrive60, geared up with a bigger 113.4 kWh (usable) battery, is predicted to attain 316 to 340 miles of vary. This battery capability is an improve from the earlier 105.2 kWh pack, which had a peak vary of 307 miles within the former xDrive50. The M70 variant comes with 112.6 kWh of usable capability, providing an estimated 283 to 302 miles of vary; nonetheless, the EPA figures are but to be introduced.
The brand new silicon carbide inverter enhances effectivity by optimizing power switch from the battery to the motors and bettering thermal administration. This leads to decreased power losses and prolonged driving vary. Moreover, revised wheel bearings and extra environment friendly headlamps contribute to total vary enhancements. Collectively, these developments are anticipated to make the brand new iX roughly 10% extra environment friendly.
Whereas the voltage structure stays unchanged, the utmost charging price stays at 195 kW. A earlier InsideEVs charging take a look at confirmed that the iX can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 41 minutes.
The bigger battery capability additionally equates to improved energy output. The bottom xDrive45 model delivers 402 horsepower, whereas the xDrive60, which supersedes the 516 hp xDrive50, now boasts 536 hp. The M70 pushes energy to 650 hp with a Increase Mode, marking a big enhance over the 610 hp obtainable within the earlier M60 model. Torque figures are nonetheless pending launch from BMW; updates can be offered when obtainable.
Visually, the upgrades are refined. The beforehand non-obligatory $2,500 Sport Package deal is now customary on the xDrive60, introducing darker accents for a sportier look, together with blacked-out bumpers, darkened hind lights, and new kidney grille graphics that stretch into the headlamp housing. 4 new coloration choices are added: Arctic Race Blue Metallic, Frozen Deep Grey, Area Silver Metallic, and Tanzanite. For these eager on particulars, M Sport brakes with pink calipers and an M emblem can be found as an possibility.
The iX LCI seeks to reverse a latest development of declining gross sales. Regardless of BMW attaining file EV gross sales within the U.S. final 12 months, the iX skilled an 11% drop in gross sales, partly on account of its larger price ticket of $87,250 and a rising presence of extra inexpensive electrical crossovers. In distinction, its extra economical sedan counterparts, the i4 and i5, have discovered success in a market more and more inclined in the direction of SUVs.
With the refreshed iX, BMW goals to regain misplaced traction by introducing the brand new entry-level variant and increasing the vary on its higher trims. Deliveries are anticipated to start out within the second quarter of this 12 months, with the xDrive45 priced at $75,150, the xDrive60 at $88,500, and the M70 at $111,500, excluding vacation spot fees.
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