2026 BMW IX Comparative Collection: XDrive45, XDrive60 and M70 Review

BMW IX was one of the most powerful SUVs that spoke since its first appearance, and over the past 2026, you get a series of updates through the squad. But although the design changes may seem hidden at first glance, the real buyers who will offer it are simple: which should I buy it?

To find out this, I spent one day in New Jersey to lead all three versions of the ninth updated back-xdrive45, xdrive60, and pioneering M70. One of the highways that extend to the background is mostly, this was the ideal environment to compare it not only on paper, but where it really matters – on the road.

Starting with the new expatriate: IX XDrive45

Let’s start with IX XDrive45, the latest and most added to the IX family, and the first time that this version is presented in the United States. At a price of 76325 dollars, IX XDrive45 may wear “beginners” badge, but it is naked. This model replaces xdrive40, which has never been sold in the United States and brings with it a 100.1 kW battery package, giving it an estimated range of the Environmental Protection Agency of 312 miles. This is more than enough for most daily movements and even longer trips without worrying about the domain anxiety.

But xdrive45 not only beat efficiency. Thanks to the double electric motors that produce 402 hp and 516 pounds of torque, they accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.9 seconds. It is fast enough to surprise you when you form the pedal, even if the quality of the comfortable and luxurious car may not suggest it at first glance.

One of the prominent features in all the 2026 IX models, including 45, is the optional axis optional air. Frankly, it turns the driving experience. I have paid previous versions of IX with steel springs, the difference day and night. Aerobic suspension reduces road defects while maintaining control, which makes the ninth feel like a series of 7 BMW electrical four -wheel drive vehicles. It is comfortable, composed, and incredibly calm on the highway. During previous tests in Europe, I measured the cabin noise at 65 dB only at highways – impressive even with luxury car standards.

Integrated active router, BMW rear system, is another that should be in my opinion. It makes these large user sports cars feel amazingly flexible in the city’s narrow and sharp streets and consists of back roads. After widespread system testing with ninth before the face in cities like Chicago, I can confirm that it makes the maneuver of these large multi -use sports cars less intimidated than you expected.

The journey is not only comfortable – it’s intelligently align. BMW has expanded the gap between the updated comfort and sport modes, and you can feel the difference. At comfort, IX feels Blaikh and easy to drive, and is perfect for wandering long distances. Go to sports, suspension companies up, gain guidance, and tighten the body roll enough to make the back road lead more attractive. However, this is the SUV that was built for rest first and foremost.

BMW has also made some smart efficiency updates for 2026. The optional laser headlights have been replaced, which have been replaced by more efficient LED units. According to BMW, these new lights improve the energy efficiency of about 15 %, translating into an additional few miles of the range. This is mixed with new silicone carbide tasks, improved buds, and low resistance tires, and the entire collection benefits from small but significant gains in the real world efficiency.

Inside, BMW finally treated one of the largest complaints about the ninth before the ninth-seats. New Multi -functional Multims now provides much better side support and extended thigh support, which will be estimated by the truly tallest gay drivers on long trips. BMW to the angle of the seat base to prevent you from slipping forward, and improving the total comfort. And if you are wondering if these seats make a difference, try the phone you did: put your phone on the seat between your legs – if you stay instead of slipping forward, you have the updated seats without looking at them.

Movement line: IX XDrive60

Next is IX XDrive60, the model that replaces xdrive50 issued. At a price of 88,500 dollars, it sits directly in the middle of the squad, and in many ways, it looks like the most complete package. The energy climbs to 536 hp and 564 pounds of torque, which falls from 0 to 60 mph to only 4.4 seconds. The difference is not day and night compared to the 45, but it is sufficient to notice when bypassing or integrating on the highway.

Where Xdrive60 really shines. Thanks to the larger battery of 113.4 kWh, it features a range of 364 miles classified by the Environmental Protection Agency, with the ability to increase more depending on the driving style and selection of wheels. I tested it on the 22 -inch wheels, which look great but it will eat naturally in your range a little compared to the 21 -inch standard. The efficiency of the car was very impressive, as it managed to get about 3.2 kW per mile, although the car enjoyed the most effective road.

Like 45, IX 60 benefits the air suspension and integrated active guidance, making it comfortable and easy despite its size. The journey is still formed even on the lower sidewalk than the ideal, although the shift to the sporting situation significantly stresses things. Again, this is not a vehicle that will take it to the path, but for family four -wheel drive vehicles, they feel well. Is there a difference between the IX 45 ride quality for 60? No, it is not really, unless you give up that the first may weigh a little more than it may also affect the quality of the passengers.

Shipping speeds are also improved, with support to up to 195 kW DC imposing fast fees of 175 kW in IX 45. BMW says you can move from 10 to 80 % in about 30 minutes, making long trips more manageable.

IX XDrive60 provides more specialization than IX 45, multiple internal trim, and the same excellent multi -function seats. A mixture of fine fibers and Alcantara feels distinctive, even if it is not the whole skin.

Expecting expected driving experience if you have spent time in xdrive45. Additional energy is present if you need it, but today to today, the real advantage is the additional range and the fastest charging. For many buyers, this is likely to be the sweet place in the IX assortment. You see somewhat where I am really going with this …

Pioneer: BMW IX M70

Finally, I jumped to IX M70, a model that leads the range that replaces IX M60. With 650 hp and 811 pounds of torque, M70 missiles from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds required-although they look faster in the real world. It is a quick four -wheel drive vehicle, and although it is not a full M model in the traditional sense, it is the most aggressive and ninth dynamic you can buy.

BMW M70 has made more comfortable than the M60 that is replaced, especially in rest. The trip is more compatible, even on 22 -inch wheels, making it a daily driver better than before. However, the sporty situation again increases everything to a large extent, stiffness of the suspension and adding weight to the guidance. It is a more cultivated and response feeling than other IX models, although the guidance still lacks some of the comments that you may expect from the real M car – it is in fact not anyway. If you are worried about riding quality compared to IX M60, don’t be. BMW listened to you and made driving in general a lot better.

The range decreases slightly to 302 miles on the EPA cycle, which is still respected due to the displayed performance. Such as xdrive60, M70 supports fast 195 kW shipping, and the improved shipping curve of BMW ensures that you get the fastest energy renewal process in the first ten minutes of the shipping session.

Inside, the M70 features itself with exclusive interior details, including a round steering wheel with 12 o’clock, specific color options, and a collection of fully loaded features. You can get everything from the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surrounding sound to the CommonE Comfort Pack as a standard.

From the perspective of driving, the M70 is undoubtedly fun, with an explosive acceleration that appears to be more than a large SUV. The rear guidance makes it amazingly graceful for its size, and controlling the improved comfort is that it is a SUV ultimately it can drive it realistically every day.

Ruling

So, after driving the three successive, which should you buy it?

BMW IX XDrive45 is a conscious budget option, providing a lot of features, energy and features that are distinguished by a more achieved price point. It is the ideal introduction to the BMW electrical SUV squad for those looking to jump to Electric without breaking the bank.

IX XDrive60 looks like the most complete package, as it provides the longest range, more powerful, and all the appropriate luxurious touches without adventure in the six numbers area. For most buyers, this will be the ideal balance of performance, efficiency and price.

Then there is IX M70 – the ninth final. If the money is not an object and you want the fastest and most reinforced with the features of IX BMW, this is the person to get it. It is a louder voice, more acute performance, and more luxurious inside and out.

The ninth may not be wandering forever, as it is expected that future electric allue electrical drive vehicles are expected to turn into the BMW Neu Klasse structure. But after a day behind the wheel of these updated models, there is one clear thing – the 2026 IX lineup represents the BMW SUV at its best. If you are looking for value, scope, or pure performance, there is a ninth for you.

My personal choice? BMW IX XDrive60!