Massive Grille Or Falcon Wings? 2026 BMW iX M70 Vs. Tesla Model X Plaid

As the auto industry fumbles its way into the electrified era, consumers are finding themselves with a variety of interesting – some might say weird – options. Luxury automakers like BMW have been scrambling to catch up to EV pioneer Tesla and the results have been, well, varied. For 2026, both BMW and Tesla offer large crossovers with 300+ miles of range and blistering performance.

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  BMW

  Founded

  1916

  Headquarters

  Munich, Germany

  Current CEO

  Oliver Zipse

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  Tesla

  Founded

  July 1, 2003

  Headquarters

  Austin, Texas, USA

  Current CEO

  Elon Musk

Over at Mister Musk’s Imaginarium, buyers with a need for speed can have a Model X Plaid. It has anonymous styling, doors that look like bird wings, it can make fart noises on command, and hit 60 in less than 3 seconds. BMW has avoided references to Spaceballs and a 9-year-old child level of maturity with its all-new 2026 iX M70. This range-topping electric speedster has a front grill that is, um, polarizing. Decisions, decisions…

Design: Bird Wings Versus Bucktooth Grilles

Tesla’s calling card with its Model X Plaid – aside from entering the domain of Plaid speed a la Spaceballs – are the so-called Falcon Wing doors. The front doors of this three-row crossover open in the traditional format. But the rears are hinged at the roof and partway down the door, enabling a gullwing-like effect when opened. In theory, this allows for easier access in tight spaces. In practice, it’s a bit gimmicky and is sure to be less exciting in a parking garage.

Otherwise, the design of the Model X Plaid is simple at best, bland at worst. On sale since 2016, the latest Model X – traditional model years are beneath Tesla – looks pretty much the same as it did 9 years ago. It certainly follows the rest of Tesla’s lineup in terms of style, which is neither interesting nor off-putting. It just is.

The same cannot be said of the 2026 BMW iX M70. BMW’s have long sported a pair of front kidney grilles. But since 2010, they have continued to swell in size, leading to what you see on the new iX – giant cartoon buck teeth that glow. BMW uses words like “expressive” and “striking” to describe the front end of its EV SUV. It cannot be argued that the design is bold and one sure to be polarizing.

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of this BMW iX M70 versus Tesla Model X Plaid comparison, it’s worth touching on the key points any EV buyer wants to know. How much do they cost, and how far can they go on a full charge? Tesla approaches six figures, BMW cracks that ceiling and then some, and the Model X boasts an extra 12 miles of range. Tesla: 1, BMW: 0.

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Powertrain: Fast and Faster

The 2026 BMW iX M70 offers staggering performance from its dual electric-motor setup. Capable of 650 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque, the M70 can do the 0-60 run in 3.6 seconds. But the Model X Plaid will well and truly smoke the Bimmer with its tri-motor configuration good for 1,020 hp and a 2.5-second blitz in the all-important 0-60 metric.

To drain the battery further, you can tow with these SUVs. Up to 3,500 pounds for the iX M70 and 5,000 for the Model X Plaid. The good news is that both can fill that battery pack from 10-80% in roughly 30 minutes using DC fast charging.

Both EVs ride on adaptive air suspension, feature double wishbones up front, and a multi-link design out back, but only the BMW comes with four-wheel steering. These days, wheel size is an important indicator of luxury and on that front, the BMW noses ahead of the Tesla with available 23-inch rollers. The Model X tops out with 22s.

As for advanced driver-assistance aids, Tesla and BMW stack their electric crossovers with a similar array of systems, including the ability to drive with your hands off the wheel using Level 2+ technology. Tesla will charge you an extra $8,000 for the possibility of Full Self-Driving Capability down the road, while BMW fits every iX M70 with automated lane-changing tech that will do your bidding based on eye movement.

Interior: Spartan Or Luxurious

A lack of cabin frills has been a Tesla’s signature design theme from day one. In the current Model X Plaid, there’s a steering wheel – or a new and improved yoke if you’re so inclined – a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a tilt-able 17-inch central touchscreen, and an 8-inch unit for backseat folks. And that’s about it in terms of what you’ll find inside the Model X.

This is not to say there is a lack of luxuries, as climatized front seats and heated rear seats come standard. Plus, only the Tesla comes with a third row of seating and room for six versus five seats in the two-row BMW. Cargo capacity with the rear seats folded is also larger in the Model X at 92 cubic feet versus a maximum of 78 cubes in the M70.

However, the bewinged Model X lacks a certain joie de vivre inside, another word that comes to mind is bland. The opposite is true with the 2026 iX M70, which offers textured leather upholstery, M tricolor accents throughout, and a nifty electrochromic glass roof. The BMW Curved Display infotainment interface is marginally smaller than Tesla’s configuration, but the iX makes up for it with a higher degree of luxury and technology.

Highlights include massaging front seats, a head-up display, augmented reality overlays, and radiant heating surfaces. That last bit of luxury translates to heated surfaces for the instrument panel, glove box, door panels, and center armrest in the BMW. Fancy.

Modern Over Minimalist

Objectively, the Tesla Model X Plaid is the better EV versus the BMW iX M70. It has a starting price $16,510 below the BMW, is more powerful, has a bit more driving range, a bigger cabin, and a higher max towing capacity. But objectivity is also what defines the Model X – it’s entire ethos is centered on being objectively superior – like a robot, an emotionless robot.

Hard as it may be to deal with the wacky front-end styling on the BMW iX M70, it’s hands-down the better choice. Those that can genuinely afford about $95,000 for a Tesla can probably swing the extra outlay for the BMW. Range is within a whisker and though it does not have a third row, the iX M70 oozes style and luxury, is plenty fast, and is loaded with the latest tech.

Sources: BMW, Tesla