BMW’s refreshed iX now comes with lit kidneys

BMW’s flagship electric SUV is getting a facelift that includes new LED outlines for its signature kidney grille and new vertical daytime running lights surrounding each headlight. The new 2026 iX now more closely matches the facades of other models like the X7 and the all-electric i7, while continuing with the bucktooth-looking design that started with the 4 Series in 2021.

As reported by Electrek, the iX is the first BMW to include silicon carbide semiconductor components, which when paired with the new larger battery gives it more range than before. The outgoing model could go up to 309 miles on a single charge, and the new one now goes 340 miles, which could be a boon for those who often go on road trips.

The interior of the new iX mostly looks the same, but its curved digital instrument cluster and infotainment screens are now running BMW’s OS 8.5. The new software comes with the latest version of BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant with more verbal commands to control settings and navigation. There are also more entertainment options, including YouTube and live TV channels, when paired with a connectivity package, plus an AirConsole gaming platform to play some questionably fun games (UNO Car Party, anyone?)

The 2026 iX comes with a starting price of $75,150 before destination and handling charges for the base xDrive45 version, which is lower compared to the 2022 XDrive50 model, which has a base version price of $83,200. The new XDrive45 still has the same trapezoidal-shaped steering wheel, while the upper models, including the xDrive60, have rounded ones.

The xDrive45 has a 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.9 seconds compared to the higher end ($111,500 starting) M70 xDrive version’s 3.6 seconds. If you dig the lit kidneys, you can get the new iX in the US starting in the second quarter of this year after production begins in March.