2026 BMW iX Going Under the Knife, Will Sport a New Face and Pack More Punch

We wouldn't hold our breath for a prettier design, as it will still look controversial. The latest spy shots that ended up in our inbox show a few camouflaged prototypes that feature some styling tweaks, and even though it is hard to make out some of the differences, others are evident.

For instance, BMW's design team revised the headlamps. The main clusters were not separated from the daytime running lights in a split arrangement akin to other modern-day Bimmers. Instead, the DRL signature has different graphics, and we believe the headlights might have been improved.

Unfortunately, the bucktooth grille is just as big as before, albeit with a fresh pattern. The Munich auto marque also gave the facelifted iX a new bumper with a narrower central intake separated by a vertical slat in the middle. The side trim is less aggressive than before, and it appears the clamshell-like hood carries over from the current car.

The camouflage wrapped around the side mirror casings suggests these could've been updated, yet they look pretty much the same to us. Out back, the 2026 BMW iX has a different bumper. The license plate holder sits in the same recess on the tailgate, and the taillamps seem to carry over for now. Nevertheless, the car manufacturer may at least revise the graphics by the time the battery-electric crossover debuts.

Besides the visual updates, the 2026 BMW iX is expected to be more powerful and travel farther on a full charge. The mechanical upgrades will be more evident thanks to the new names. For instance, the M60 should be christened the M70, the xDrive45 could replace the xDrive40, and the xDrive50 will likely be known as the xDrive60. The range-topper could adopt the eponymous i7's assembly, meaning it might pack 650 hp (660 ps/485 kW) instead of the current one's 610 hp (619 ps/455 kW).

The U.S. lineup comprises the xDrive50 and M60 trim levels. The former has 516 hp (523 ps/385 kW) to play with, taking 4.4s to 60 mph (97 kph) and traveling 305-311 miles (491-501 km) on a full charge. The latter enjoys 610 hp (619 ps/455 kW), is 0.8s faster to 60, and has a 296-mile (476 km) driving range. Pricing for the iX M60 starts at $111,500, and the iX xDrive50 has an MSRP of $87,250. We expect BMW to slightly bump the pricing of all models once the facelifted iX premieres, likely early next year, before arriving stateside as a 2026 model.