By: Krish Persaud
June 16, 2026
When BMW first introduced the iX, much of the conversation centred around its styling. The oversized grille quickly became a talking point, and many questioned whether BMW had gone too far with its latest electric SUV.
After spending a week with the refreshed 2026 BMW iX xDrive60, I found myself focusing on something entirely different.
What stood out wasn’t the styling, the technology, or even the performance. It was how effortlessly the iX handled everything asked of it. Whether navigating city traffic, cruising down the highway, or carrying passengers and cargo, the iX consistently felt like a luxury SUV that had been engineered to make life easier.
Finished in Dune Grey Metallic, our tester attracted compliments throughout the week. While the design remains unconventional by BMW standards, the iX has a presence that’s difficult to appreciate in photos. The wide stance, large proportions, and distinctive shape give it a planted, substantial appearance that feels more luxury SUV than futuristic experiment.
Inside, the cabin immediately reminds you why BMW remains one of the benchmarks in the premium segment.
Our tester featured Amido Perforated Leather, BMW’s curved display running Operating System 8.5, and a long list of premium features that helped justify its six-figure price tag. The overall design feels modern without becoming overwhelming, and despite the amount of technology on board, the iX never feels complicated to operate.
That’s something BMW deserves credit for.
Many manufacturers continue adding larger screens and more features, often at the expense of usability. The iX manages to feel advanced while remaining intuitive. Menus are easy to navigate, common functions are simple to access, and the entire experience feels polished rather than experimental.
Space is another area where the iX excels.
Rear seat accommodations are generous, even with a child seat installed. Adults have plenty of room to stretch out, and the flat floor helps create an open, airy feeling throughout the cabin. For younger families looking to make the transition to an electric luxury SUV, the iX handles daily family duties surprisingly well.
Under the skin, the 2026 iX xDrive60 produces 536 horsepower and 564 lb-ft. of torque, improvements over the previous model. On paper, those numbers are impressive. On the road, they’re completely believable. The instant torque delivers the kind of acceleration EV buyers expect, and when you put your foot down, the iX responds with genuine urgency. At the same time, it never feels aggressive or difficult to manage.
What impressed me more was how easy it was to drive calmly.
Around town, the iX feels relaxed and refined, only revealing its performance potential when asked. Despite its size, it never felt cumbersome. The available Integral Active Four-Wheel Steering helps the SUV shrink around you, making parking lots, tight turns, and urban driving far less intimidating than you might expect.
Ride quality is equally impressive.
Equipped with the Dynamic Handling Package, including adaptive air suspension, the iX delivered a ride that felt appropriately luxurious without becoming floaty or disconnected. Even riding on optional 22-inch wheels, it remained comfortable and composed throughout the week.
The same can be said for refinement.
At highway speeds, the iX is almost whisper quiet. Wind noise is minimal, tire noise is well controlled, and conversations between passengers never require raised voices. Combined with the smooth power delivery and comfortable suspension tuning, long-distance travel feels effortless.
BMW’s Highway Assistant and advanced driver assistance technologies also performed exactly as expected. More importantly, nothing felt intrusive or unfinished. The systems operated smoothly in the background, reinforcing the premium nature of the overall experience.
Range anxiety never entered the conversation during my week with the iX. With more than enough range available for my planned driving, I simply got in and drove without constantly checking battery percentages or planning charging stops. That’s perhaps the biggest compliment I can give an electric vehicle. The iX quickly faded into the background and behaved like a normal luxury SUV, allowing me to focus on the driving experience rather than the battery.
One option that deserves special mention is the available Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.
Audio quality was exceptional. Whether listening to music or podcasts, the system delivered remarkable clarity and separation, making it easy to pick out individual instruments and details within a track. At times, it felt less like listening to a stereo and more like having an orchestra performing inside the cabin.
Pricing for our tester came in at $122,800 before incentives.
That’s a significant investment, but unlike some luxury vehicles that struggle to justify their price tags, the iX largely feels worth it. From the materials and technology to the ride quality and overall refinement, there are very few reminders that you’re driving anything other than BMW’s flagship electric SUV.
After a week behind the wheel, I came away respecting the iX more than anything else.
It may not stir the soul in the same way as an M car, and if I were personally spending BMW money, there are other models that would likely tempt me first. What the iX does exceptionally well, however, is deliver a complete luxury EV experience.
The 2026 BMW iX xDrive60 is quick, comfortable, practical, technologically advanced, and remarkably easy to live with. More importantly, it accomplishes all of those things without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard. For buyers looking for a premium electric SUV that blends performance, luxury, and everyday usability, the iX continues to make a compelling case for itself.
