Meet the updated BMW iX: Now with more range, a light-up kidney grille, and a lower price
BMW’s electric SUV is now better in every way. The updated 2026 BMW iX packs more power and has up to 340 miles of driving range. It also gains sleek new design elements, like a light-up kidney grille. Even better, a new entry-level trim is over $12,000 cheaper than the outgoing model. Check out BMW’s new SUV below.
2026 BMW iX prices, range, and trim options
Almost four years after launching the iX, BMW has revamped the all-electric SUV, taking it “to a new level.” BMW introduced the 2026 iX for the first time with drastic improvements.
The 2026 iX is BMW’s first vehicle to use silicon carbide semiconductor components (SIC inverters). The new tech is more efficient and powerful, offering up to 10% more range than the outgoing model.
Combined with its fifth-gen eDrive system, BMW claims the updated 2026 iX has a driving range of up to 340 miles, up from 309 miles in the 2025MY. It also includes new battery cell technology, providing up to 113.4 kWh of net usable energy.
The 2026 BMW iX is available in three trims, including a new xDrive45 model, starting at $75,150. The new entry-level trim translates to a $12,100 price cut from the outgoing 2025 iX ($87,250).
The iX xDrive45 has 402 hp and an estimated range of up to 312 miles. Meanwhile, the XDrive60 packs 536 hp with an expected range of up to 340 miles. For the performance fans, the 2026 BMW iX M70 xDrive now features up to 650 hp, 40 hp more than its predecessor, and 811 lb-ft of max torque.
Using launch control, the new M model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically controlled).
Check out the updated interior and exterior
BMW didn’t just give the 2026 iX more range and power, but it also restyled the interior and exterior, adding to its already impressive design.
You can see the iconic massive BMW kidney grille is still there but with a new look. BMW redesigned the frame with a new pattern, which can even light up. The illuminated grille comes standard on the M70 xDrive model and is optional for the xDriv45 and xDrive60 trims.
The headlights have also been redesigned with new daytime running lights and turn signals, giving the iX a new look up front.
Inside, the updated iX is the first BMW production vehicle to include its new Curved Display OS system. BMW’s OS 8.5 enables video streaming and in-car gaming.
It also features new icons for apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new SUV now includes the new BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Amazon Alexa integrated.
BMW is offering the M Sport Package with new M Multi-Function seats for the first time. The package includes an M leather steering wheel, a two-tone instrument panel with an M logo, Dark Silver trim finishers, M pedals, and more. Active seat ventilation is an option. The package is optional for xDrive45 and 60 models and is standard on the M70 trim.
Other optional features include a Climate Comfort Package (standard on M70) with a heated instrument panel, door panels, center armrest, and rear seats. A Panoramic sunroof is standard on all trims except the xDrive45.
BMW also announced that a tow hitch will be available for all trims this summer, enabling a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs.
| Horsepower | Starting Price* | Driving Range | |
| 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 | 402 hp | $75,150 | 312 miles |
| 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 | 536 hp | $88,500 | 340 miles |
| 2026 BMW iX xDrive45 | 650 hp | $115,500 | 302 miles |
Production for 2026 iX models is slated to begin at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany this March, followed by deliveries in Q2 2025.
What do you think of the BMW’s new electric SUV? Would you buy one for around $75,000? Let us know in the comments.
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Environment
Uber launches true driverless robotaxi operations in the Middle East with WeRide [Video]
![Uber launches true driverless robotaxi operations in the Middle East with WeRide [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/Uber-Middle-East-WeRide.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Just over a year after Uber announced a strategic partnership in the Middle East with autonomous vehicle specialist WeRide, the companies have officially begun offering the public robotaxi rides without a driver or safety operator present on board.
Today’s latest milestone involving robotaxi operations in the Middle East dates back to September 2024, when Uber and WeRide initially announced a strategic partnership to bring autonomous rides to the UAE.
Three months later, the partner officially launched autonomous rides in Abu Dhabi, but with a safety operator present in the vehicle. At the time, Uber and WeRide said the supervised rides were “laying the groundwork” for a true driverless commercial operations planned for 2025.
That day has come.
WeRide and Uber have confirmed that commercial robotaxi operations are officially underway in Abu Dhabi without any safety operators on board – a first for the Middle East.
Uber rolls out Middle East robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi
Uber shared details of its latest milestone late this evening or in the afternoon in the Middle East, depending on where you are.
Beginning today (Wednesday) customers in Abu Dhabi can select an UberX or Uber Comfort ride that enables them to be matched with a fully autonomous WeRide robotaxi without a driver inside. Riders in the Middle East can also increase their chances of hailing one of these driverless rides by select the “Autonomous” option in the Uber app.
In order to qualify, the prosepctive rider’s route must be part of WeRide’s operating territory in Abu Dhabi and a dedicated WeRide GXR Robotaxi vehicle (seen in the featured image above) must be available.
Similar to Uber’s partnership with Waymo in Austin and Atlanta, the global rideshare network will oversee fleet operations for WeRide vehicles, handling end-to end rider support. It has tapped Tawasul Transport to facilitate vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging, and depot management. WeRide will remain responsible for vehicle testing.
As you may recall last spring, Uber and WeRide announced an expansion to their strategic partnership beyond the Middle East (although Dubai will be the city for its next robotaxi rollout). Over the next five years, Uber and WeRide intend to deploy true driverless public rides in 15 additional cities, some of which will be in Europe.
As promised, here’s some b-roll footage from Uber showing how riders in Abu Dhabi can order a WeRide robotaxi:
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Metro Detroit is about to get a big boost of fast EV chargers, with more than 40 new ChargePoint ports set to come online across multiple sites owned by the Dabaja Brothers Development Group.
The first ultra-fast charging site just opened in Canton, Michigan. It’s owned and operated by Dabaja Brothers, who plan to follow it with additional ChargePoint-equipped locations in Dearborn and Livonia.
“We started this project because we saw a gap in our community – there was almost nowhere to charge an EV in Canton, and a similar lack of charging across metro Detroit,” said Yousef Dabaja, owner/operator at Dabaja Brothers.
Each metro Detroit site will feature ChargePoint Express Plus fast charging stations, which can deliver up to 500 kW to a single port, can fast-charge two vehicles at the same time, and are compatible with all EVs. The stations feature a proprietary cooling system to deliver peak charging speeds for sustained periods, ensuring that charging speed remains consistent.
The stations operate on the new ChargePoint Platform, which enables operators to monitor performance, adjust pricing, troubleshoot issues, and gain real-time insights to keep chargers running smoothly.
Rick Wilmer, CEO at ChargePoint, said, “This initiative will rapidly infill the ‘fast charging deserts’ across the Detroit area, allowing drivers to quickly recharge their vehicles when and where they need to.”
Read more: ChargePoint just gave its EV charging software a major AI upgrade
If you’re looking to replace your old HVAC equipment, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you’re finding a trusted, reliable HVAC installer near you that offers competitive pricing on heat pumps, check out EnergySage. EnergySage is a free service that makes it easy for you to get a heat pump. They have pre-vetted heat pump installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions. Plus, it’s free to use!
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Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging and Starbucks have officially opened their first DC fast charging hub together, off the I-5 in Red Bluff, California.
The 400 kW Mercedes-Benz chargers are capable of adding up to 300 miles in 10 minutes, depending on the EV, and every stall has both NACS and CCS cables – they’re fully open DC fast chargers.
Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, a joint venture between subsidiaries of Mercedes-Benz Group and renewable energy producer MN8 Energy, first announced in July 2024 that it would install DC fast chargers at Starbucks stores along Interstate 5, the main 1,400-mile north-south interstate highway on the US West Coast from Canada to Mexico. Ultimately, Mercedes plans to install fast chargers at 100 Starbucks stores across the US.
Mercedes-Benz HPC opened its first North American charging site at Mercedes-Benz USA’s headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia, in November 2023 as part of an initial $1 billion charging network investment. As of the end of 2024, Mercedes had deployed over 150 operational fast chargers in the US, but it hasn’t disclosed an official number of how many chargers are currently online.
Andrew Cornelia, CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, is leaving the company at the end of the month to become global head of electrification & sustainability at Uber.
Read more: Mercedes-Benz is deploying 400 kW US-made EV fast chargers with CCS and NACS cables
If you’re looking to replace your old HVAC equipment, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you’re finding a trusted, reliable HVAC installer near you that offers competitive pricing on heat pumps, check out EnergySage. EnergySage is a free service that makes it easy for you to get a heat pump. They have pre-vetted heat pump installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions. Plus, it’s free to use!
Your personalized heat pump quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. – *ad
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
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