BMW iX Spied With Fresh Design, Facelifted Iteration Should Launch as a 2026 Model

Case in point, meet the 2026 BMW iX, a facelifted iteration with the usual design updates at both ends and a few other modifications that should make it a bit more appealing in the eyes of its future owners, given that you’re into its quirky looks, which aren’t going anywhere for now.

You may need a magnifying glass to spot the differences between the upcoming iX and the outgoing one. Either that or a side-by-side comparison, and we’ve got this one covered. That said, we can see that it has new headlamps with different daytime running lights. The bumper looks slightly cleaner, and the central air intake is smaller.

Unfortunately, the closed-off kidney grille is just as big as before and will supposedly feature the Iconic Glow package. It appears the side mirrors are also new, and so is the rear bumper. Although they retain their shape and proportions, the taillights have fresh graphics. The tailgate carries over and still incorporates the license plate holder below the BMW roundel that sits between the taillamps.

Zooming in on certain images reveals that the curved display hasn’t gone anywhere, yet we’re willing to bet that BMW has at least given it new software for a smoother feel. It is possible that the steering wheel and center console were also tweaked, yet that’s just our two cents. We will find out if we’re right, probably early next year when the model is expected to debut.

BMW is said to launch the xDrive45, xDrive60, and M70 versions of the car, which will replace the xDrive40, xDrive50, and M60, respectively. The trim levels should have a bit more power to justify using the new badges, with the range-topper supposedly getting the same power as the eponymous i7, meaning 650 hp (660 ps/485 kW), up from the current M60’s 610 hp (619 ps/455 kW). The range should also be boosted, which is a well-deserved upgrade that would keep the iX interesting for a few more years until its successor arrives.

While the rest of the world will get the facelifted BMW iX as a 2025 model, North America will welcome it for the 2026 model year. The current 2025 iX xDrive50 starts at $87,250 and the 2205 iX M60 at $111,500, and it is likely that their successors will become a bit pricier to justify the boosted range, added power, and other upgrades that we will discover when the time comes, perhaps in the first half of next year.