The 2026 BMW IX xDrive45 is the new entry-level offering in the manufacturer’s trio of electric sport utility vehicles. It replaces the xDrive50 with two overt changes.
As a midsize SUV, it has more than a $12,000 lower starting price than its predecessor and is the carmaker’s lowest-priced SUV. It also has a freakish-looking exterior design perhaps originally conceived as a vehicle prototype for a dystopian movie.
A less powerful (but still more than adequate) engine is the primary reason for the price reduction. The xDrive45 offers 402 horsepower, 112 less than xDrive50. It also has a smaller battery, an increase in range to 312 miles and a top speed of 155 miles.
Acceleration has improved one second to 4.9 seconds in the standard 0-to-60 miles per hour test. Economy estimates from the EPA are a combined 84 MPGe.
It’s difficult to consider the xDrive45 a base model. The xDrive60 and M70 are more powerful and more expensive, but the trio can all be equipped with 22-inch wheels and BMW’s Dynamic Handling package. It adds rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension.
The upgrades provide sharper steering and handling. Regenerative braking remains; drivers can opt for one-pedal driving or traditional braking.
The vehicle’s larger wheels reduce the xDrive45’s range to 279 miles, but the driving improvement is worth it. The range can improve with smaller wheels offered as optional equipment.
Like vehicles throughout the BMW lineup, the xDrive45 is at its best on the open road. The drive is confident and quiet, with the “whine” prominent in many EVs kept to a minimum. The well-designed, plush and spacious interior adds to the attractiveness of the ride. It’s what top-end BMWs do best.
Seating is marketed for five, but three second-row occupants are transported intimately. Overall space is adequate. With second row seating folded, the 35.5 cubic feet of storage area expands to 77.9 cubic feet.
Technology offerings are similar to other luxury SUVs. A 14.9-inch infotainment display combines with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to form the iX’s dashboard design. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with all trims. BMW offers a Wi-Fi hotspot with a 5G cellular connection as an option. An 18-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo system is standard; a 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is optional.
Aesthetics matter. The SUV has a large panoramic sunroof featuring electrochromic shading as an option. Power front seats are also heated and feature integrated speakers for the iX’s stereo system. Faux leather, genuine leather upholstery and a textile microfiber cloth seat fabric called “Loft” is available.
Safety is a BMW strength. Standard driver assistance features include: adaptive cruise control (worth hands-free driving mode), automatic high-beam headlamps, autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), lane-keeping assist and parking sensors.
Competition in the segment is keen. Upgrades keep the BMW on par with the vast praise received for Audi Q8 e-tron, Cadillac Lyriq and Rivian R1S.
The BMW’s driving dynamics and upscale interior match top rivals. But the SUV’s overall appeal is skewed by its appearance. It’s a mess, particularly the head-on front view.
The adjoined kidney-shaped grilles remain from previous years’ models. But they’re too large for the size of the vehicle and are awkwardly positioned. Slimmer headlights with vertical LED configurations are also part of the 2026 exterior facelift. It’s all a wickedly aggressive look without continuity and a BMW conundrum.
From its base MSRP of $75,150, options push the total 2026 BMW IX xDrive45 tally to $92,775. The carmaker’s followers may see innovation and a vehicle of the future. But it’s unlikely a brand switcher for non-BMW consumers considering something new. The SUV’s handsome interior is foiled by its atrocious exterior.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also contributes business, lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications. E-mail: [email protected].