Energy, Consolation, and Seat Upgrades

BMW’s M badge has at all times carried weight, a promise of efficiency, precision, and driving dynamics. However when it lands on an electrical SUV, that promise comes with some skepticism. The 2026 BMW iX M70 steps in as the brand new prime canine within the iX lineup, changing the M60 with extra energy, improved effectivity, sharper dealing with, and a long-overdue improve to the seats. However is that this simply BMW taking part in the numbers sport, or have they really reworked the iX into one thing extra particular? I took it by way of its paces on Barcelona’s winding backroads and lengthy stretches of freeway to seek out out.

Delicate Design Adjustments, New Colour Selections

Visually, the facelifted iX doesn’t scream “new mannequin,” however the updates convey a extra fashionable, refined look. The kidney grille, nonetheless huge and illuminated, now options horizontal slats that give it a cleaner, extra structured look. The headlights are slimmer, and their vertical LED signature aligns the iX with BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse fashions.

Across the again, the bumper has been reworked barely, however probably the most noticeable change is the vertical reflectors, a basic BMW design trick to make the automobile look wider and extra planted. The M70 rides on new wheels, together with the 22-inch set fitted to my take a look at automobile, which pairs effectively with the signature crimson M brake calipers. For these seeking to push the visible drama, there’s additionally a 23-inch wheel choice.

BMW can also be increasing the colour palette. Arctic Gray Blue Metallic, Frozen Deep Gray, Frozen Pure Gray, Tanzanite Blue, Dune Gray, Aventurine Crimson, Carbon Black, Mineral White, Alpine White, and Storm Bay are all out there, with House Silver arriving in July. Sophisto Gray is reserved completely for the iX xDrive45, and the Frozen finishes are locked behind the M Sport bundle or M Efficiency Additions.

Extra Energy, Faster Acceleration, Sharper Response

The brand new BMW iX M70 retains the dual-motor setup from the M60, however with recalibrated software program, the system now pushes out 650 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque, launching this 5,800-pound SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 3.45 seconds. I personally examined this with a RaceBox GPS. That places it in the identical league as an M3 Competitors xDrive, which is totally absurd for one thing this huge.

However uncooked velocity isn’t the total story. BMW has tweaked the pedal mapping in order that throttle response is even sharper. Flooring it, and the ability supply is extra fast than earlier than, with the M70 feeling livelier in each scenario. Sport Plus mode now options mounted regenerative braking, enhancing brake pedal really feel and permitting for extra exact inputs when pushing the automobile.

There’s one other main change that BMW quietly snuck in: now you can totally disable DSC (Dynamic Stability Management). For the primary time, the iX M70 allows you to slide it round if circumstances permit, one thing that wasn’t potential in earlier fashions. In a world the place most EVs err on the facet of overprotective stability methods, this can be a welcome shift towards driver engagement.

Dealing with and Suspension – Small Adjustments, Huge Influence

Having owned an iX M60 for a number of months, I can confidently say it was among the best BMWs I’ve pushed in recent times. Not solely was it extremely snug, however it additionally felt genuinely luxurious, full of tech, and ultimate as a household automobile. It was clean, quiet, and easy to drive whereas nonetheless delivering robust efficiency. The one space the place it wanted enchancment, nevertheless, was its trip stiffness, notably in Consolation mode. BMW clearly listened.

Beneath, BMW has barely tweaked the suspension {hardware}. There’s a new hydraulic rear axle bearing which will increase consolation and reduces vibrations. There are much more modifications on the software program facet although. BMW’s engineering staff has reworked the software program to create a extra noticeable distinction between Consolation and Sport modes. One of many greatest complaints in regards to the M60 was its overly stiff trip, making it really feel too agency for every day driving. BMW has addressed this by softening Consolation mode, making the M70 extra relaxed when cruising.

However flick it into Sport, and the story modifications. The dampers stiffen up, the throttle response turns into extra aggressive, and the steering beneficial properties weight. It’s nonetheless a heavy automobile, and you are feeling that, however it strikes with stunning precision. The brand new calibration means the iX M70 corners flatter than earlier than, with improved physique management that makes it really feel extra composed on a winding highway. The steering, whereas nonetheless an electrical BMW setup, is considerably direct and predictable, although not brimming with suggestions. Going again to a spherical steering wheel as an alternative of BMW’s hexagonal form additionally felt extra pure when pushing the automobile by way of tight bends.

Extra Vary And not using a Greater Battery

As an alternative of accelerating battery capability by an enormous marging, BMW targeted on enhancing effectivity. The pack is now barely bigger than earlier than at 112.8 kWh within the U.S. and 108.9 kWh in Europe, however the M70 sees a bump in vary, now rated at 302 miles (EPA) and 600 km (WLTP) when fitted with 21-inch wheels. This can be a a 17-mile enchancment over the earlier mannequin’s 285 miles.

This improve isn’t magic however comes from a number of small tweaks. The brand new silicon carbide inverters play an enormous position, contributing to a couple of third of the general effectivity acquire. Friction-optimized wheel bearings alone add about 3 km to the WLTP vary, whereas an A-label rated tire setup additional reduces rolling resistance. Even the redesigned headlights and bonnet enhance aerodynamics sufficient to squeeze out one other 3 km of vary.

Charging speeds, nevertheless, stay the identical. The M70 nonetheless maxes out at 195 kW DC quick charging, which means a 10-80% top-up takes round 34 minutes.

BMW has additionally improved the warmth pump system, which now works alongside the electrical motor to heat up the battery extra effectively. This enables for quicker pre-conditioning, optimizing charging speeds, particularly in colder circumstances.

Lastly – Correct M Sport Seats

If there’s one change that instantly stands out, it’s the seats. The previous ones had been a weak level, feeling too flat with little facet bolstering and poor thigh assist—particularly for taller drivers. Now, BMW has prolonged the seat base by about an inch, added higher facet bolstering, and adjusted the seat angle to maintain your legs from sliding ahead.

The distinction is night time and day. The brand new M Sport seats truly maintain you in place when cornering and make lengthy drives way more snug. As somebody who’s 6’2” (188 cm), I immediately seen that my telephone now not slid off my lap, a small however telling element of how significantly better these seats are. They aren’t excellent—there’s nonetheless no adjustable thigh assist—however they’re a large enchancment. The brand new seats come customary on the M70, whereas the iX xDrive45 and 60 supply them as an choice.

Freeway Consolation – The 7 Sequence of SUVs

The iX has at all times excelled at long-distance cruising, and the M70 takes that even additional. Consolation mode is softer than earlier than, making it even higher for freeway driving, whereas the cabin stays extremely quiet. At 70 km/h, sound ranges measure simply 57 dB, making this some of the refined EVs you should purchase. BMW’s Freeway Assistant (hands-free driving) is similar as earlier than, however sadly Degree 2+ didn’t appear to work in Spain so it reverted to the same old Degree 2 driving help options. General, it’s nonetheless a bundle I extremely advocate in the event you stay within the U.S. or Germany.

The upgrades could be small total, however for individuals who spend plenty of time behind the wheel every single day, the iX will ship probably the most 7 Sequence-like expertise of any BMW SUV. I definitely stay up for testing the brand new Consolation and Sport modes in Chicago which is now famend for its potholes.

Ultimate Verdict – Is the iX M70 Value It?

At $112,675, the 2026 BMW iX M70 is priced practically equivalent with the outgoing iX M60. The added efficiency, sharper dealing with, larger effectivity, and much-improved seats make it a higher automobile throughout. If you happen to already personal an M60, the modifications won’t be drastic sufficient to justify upgrading. However in the event you’re out there for a high-performance luxurious EV, the M70 is definitely the perfect iX but.

If the MSRP appears excessive, fortunately BMW is now providing three variants in the USA: the bottom iX xDrive45 (changing the iX 40 bought in different components of the world) and the iX xDrive60 (changing the iX 50). The iX xDrive45 begins at $76,325 (together with vacation spot and dealing with charges), $12,100 extra inexpensive than the earlier least expensive iX, the xDrive50. If you happen to improve to the brand new xDrive60, you’ll pay barely greater than you probably did for its predecessor. The midlevel trim is now $89,675, a rise of $1,250 over the outgoing mannequin.

BMW has refined what was already among the best luxurious EVs on the market, making it quicker, extra snug, and extra environment friendly. Now, if they may simply add adjustable thigh assist, it could be excellent.

Reader Questions Answered: What You Needed to Know Concerning the 2026 BMW iX M70