Real Range, Comfort and Daily Driving

When BMW introduced the iX xDrive45 for the U.S. market, we knew we needed to get behind the wheel. That is the primary time this mannequin has been provided stateside, and it’s positioned because the “entry-level” gateway to the iX household. However after nearly a year of living with the iX M60, we will inform you that “entry-level” doesn’t imply what you may suppose. The iX stays one in every of our favourite BMWs as we speak—a automobile that balances practicality, sensible inside design, and a cushty trip for every day use. The query now: how does the extra inexpensive xDrive45 measure up?

Meet the New Entry Level: 2026 iX xDrive45

Earlier than diving into the xDrive45, context issues. We spent almost a yr with the iX M60, and it was among the best long-term BMWs we’ve had. It was quick, had good vary and the air suspension was elegant for every day use. However we needed to attempt one thing else because the iX M60 was extra of a distinct segment mannequin inside the iX lineup.

When BMW introduced the refreshed iX household, with the xDrive45 changing the 40, the xDrive60 the 50 and iX M70 the 60, we needed to attempt one thing new and extra inexpensive. Cue on this Dune Gray 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 which landed on our door steps for a months-long opinions.

The 2026 iX xDrive45 begins at $76,325—roughly $10,000 lower than what you’d anticipate from an “entry-level” BMW SUV. Out of the field, you get a 94.8-kWh battery pack, twin electrical motors producing 402 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, and an EPA-estimated vary of 312 miles. The 0-60 dash takes 4.9 seconds. On paper, it has nice specs and it’s spectacular for a platform that’s already a number of years. previous. In follow, it’s extra spectacular than the specs counsel.

Our check automobile got here outfitted with 21-inch wheels. In case you’re purchasing for the xDrive45 and vary is a precedence, do not forget that wheel dimension immediately impacts effectivity. Bigger wheels improve rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag. The M Sport bundle comes normal with 22-inch wheels, which appears to be like sportier however prices you actual miles. Patrons maximizing vary ought to think about sticking with the bottom wheel possibility.

The Effectivity Story: Small Features, Massive Sufficient Influence

BMW made sensible engineering updates for 2026. Gone are the laser headlights, changed with new LED items that BMW claims enhance power effectivity by about 15%. That interprets to a few additional miles of vary. Add in new silicon carbide inverters, improved bushings, and low rolling resistance tires, and the xDrive45 advantages from small however significant positive factors in real-world effectivity. These aren’t flashy upgrades, however for an EV purchaser, they matter.

The Seating Lastly Received It Proper

Certainly one of our greatest complaints concerning the pre-facelift iX was the seating. On lengthy drives, we’d slide ahead, and thigh assist left one thing to be desired. BMW addressed this for 2026 with the M Multi-Operate seats, which provide noticeably higher aspect bolstering and prolonged thigh assist. The seat base is even angled to forestall ahead sliding. And so they additionally added a cool suede and leather-based upholstery for thee new M Sport seats which makes them look actually cool.

The Air Suspension

The air suspension remains to be the star of the present. We’ve pushed different iX fashions with metal springs, and the distinction is evening and day. The 2-axle air suspension softens street imperfections even higher than the X7, making the iX really feel much less like an SUV and extra like the electrical equal of the 7 Sequence. It’s comfy for every day driving, but might be adjusted in the event you want a bit extra stiffness in it.

Integral energetic steering provides one other dimension. In Chicago, the place we examined the previous-generation iX extensively, this rear-wheel steering system remodeled how the automobile handles metropolis driving. A big SUV this dimension shouldn’t really feel this agile in tight streets, but it does.

BMW widened the hole between Consolation and Sport modes for the up to date iX, and you’ll genuinely really feel the distinction. In Consolation, the automobile feels mushy and floaty—excellent for long-distance cruising on highways. Change to Sport, and the suspension companies up, steering positive factors weight, and physique roll tightens simply sufficient to make driving a bit extra participating for an electrical SUV.

Actual-World Vary Testing

Right here’s the place issues get attention-grabbing. The EPA estimates 312 miles, however we don’t dwell in EPA testing circumstances. We dwell in Chicago. We drive usually. And but the xDrive45 stunned us.

On a 60-degree day, ranging from a 100% cost, we traveled a complete of 338 miles earlier than the battery hit about 5%. That’s 26 miles higher than the EPA estimate—an 8.3% enchancment. We weren’t optimizing for vary both. We drove the automobile the best way you’d truly use it: freeway stretches combined with metropolis driving, various speeds, regular local weather management.

However right here’s the fact examine half: when Chicago temperatures dropped beneath freezing, we noticed a 20% vary penalty with out pre-conditioning. That’s the cold-weather actuality of EVs. The answer? In case you have entry to a house charger, pre-conditioning the battery earlier than you allow makes a tangible distinction. It’s one thing we didn’t do throughout our preliminary testing, nevertheless it’s price figuring out in the event you dwell anyplace that will get winter.

What We’re Lacking: Freeway Assistant

We’re lacking one function that we had on the iX M60: the Freeway Assistant. Within the earlier iX, we had hands-free driving at 80 mph on the freeway, and it was genuinely improbable. It remodeled lengthy freeway drives into one thing much less fatiguing. The truth that it’s absent right here—by selection—is price noting. We might say after the air suspension, the Freeway Assistant can be the second selection on our choices listing.

First Impressions

The 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 proves that “entry-level” doesn’t imply compromise. Ultimately, it delivers the identical basic iX expertise that made us love the M60—the air suspension, the integral energetic steering, the sensible inside design, the practicality—at a considerably cheaper price level.

At $76,325 (or $92,775 as ours, relying on choices), the xDrive45 is positioned completely between affordability and functionality. Actual-world vary that exceeds EPA estimates, good dealing with for an SUV, and real consolation make it a compelling every day driver.

However that is only the start. Over the approaching weeks, we’ll conduct a complete 100% to 1% battery discharge check beneath managed circumstances. We’ll discover what it’s actually wish to dwell with this automobile day-to-day. We’ll decide whether or not the lacking Freeway Assistant can be a deal breaker for us. We’ll reply the query: is the xDrive45 the sensible selection, or does one in every of its siblings make extra sense? And much more importantly, how does it examine to the upcoming iX3 Neue Klasse?

We’re excited to spend extra time with this one. Keep tuned.