LEAKED: BMW’s Weirdest EV Is Several Big Changes For 2026

Information on the 2026 BMW iX facelift has just been leaked. An entry to the Bimmerpost forum from a reliable source claims that BMW’s electric SUV will offer more power with an accompanying change in model names. The EV will also add more battery pack capacity, promising that the models will deliver a longer range. Paint colors for the facelifted model are also part of the leak.

BMW launched its first purpose-built electric crossover in July 2021. The BMW iX was X5-sized on the outside but much larger inside thanks to its all-electric powertrain. It wasn’t based on the X5, either; instead, it had a dedicated platform that used aluminum and carbon fiber for the chassis and a mix of materials for the body panels.

BMW Giving 2026 iX More Power, More Battery

Bimmerpost user ynguldyn reports that with the facelift, BMW is boosting power for each model, essentially making each grade one better than before. The report says that the base xDrive40 will be replaced by an xDrive45, boosting power from 322 horsepower to 400. The xDrive50 will become the xDrive60, moving to 535 hp instead of 516, and the old M60 will now be the M70 and produce 650 hp instead of 610. Torque figures stay the same, with 564 lb-ft for both xDrive models and 811 lb-ft for the new M70.

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According to the report, all three versions of the 2026 iX will get slightly larger battery capacity. The lowest spec gets bumped from 71 to 96 kWh, while the top to 105.2 to 109.6. With the small increases, don’t expect a large increase in range, but do expect a slight increase over the 324 miles of the current xDrive50 model.

The same post says that there are currently 11 colors listed as options. That is more colors than BMW offers on the 2025 model, with some of the changes including the loss of Phytonic Blue and Blue Ridge Mountain.

Unconfirmed 2026 BMW iX Color Options

• Alpine White
• Sapphire Black
• Carbon Black
• Aventurin Red
• Mineral White
• Arctic Race Blue
• Storm Bay
• Dune Grey
• Frozen Deep Grey
• Dark Graphite
• Tanzanite Blue

Light-Up Grilles Coming For 2026 iX

Other reported changes include new Iconic Glow kidney grilles. That’s the light-up grille that BMW offers on most of its new models. New wheel choices are also expected.

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Not mentioned but also likely are the usual LCI – BMW for mid-cycle refresh – changes. BMW normally uses these cycles to mildly update the front bumper, make minor cabin changes, and similar.

No word on when BMW plans to announce the changes to the iX. If the information is starting to leak, though, BMW is likely planning to reveal the new model in the next few months. Our sources have said to expect it in March.

Source:
Bimmerpost