- BMW iX5’s 144 kWh battery dwarfs 113 kWh one in Porsche Cayenne Electric.
- BEV iX5 M60 makes 570 hp, debuts this year; hydrogen iX5 follows in 2028.
- ICE-powered X5 40 gets a bump from 375 to 395 hp; X5 50e sticks at 483 hp
BMW’s next-generation X5 is almost ready for prime time, and the latest details suggest the Bavarians aren’t holding anything back. Ahead of the SUV’s official debut this year, BMW has released fresh images of a disguised prototype and confirmed several key details, including an absolutely massive battery for the first-ever electric iX5 and a debut date for the hydrogen model.
While BMW’s recently unveiled iX3 was the first model built on the company’s dedicated Neue Klasse EV architecture, the iX5 takes a different route. Like the i5 sedan, it rides on an updated version of BMW’s CLAR platform, allowing the automaker to offer combustion, plug-in hybrid, electric, and even hydrogen powertrains within the same model family.
Related: BMW’s Electric M3 Concept Stands Next To The E30 And Hopes You Approve
Despite sticking with a multi-energy platform, the electric X5 still benefits from much of BMW’s latest EV technology. The iX5 uses sixth-generation eDrive hardware, an 800-volt electrical system, and the same cylindrical battery cells featured in Neue Klasse products. It’ll also support charging speeds of up to 400 kW.
The headline figure, however, is the size of the battery itself. BMW says the iX5 60 xDrive will come with a 144 kWh (net) power pack in North America and a 141 kWh unit in Europe, making it the largest battery ever fitted to a production BMW EV. Expect a less powerful model with a smaller battery to join it later.
BMW hasn’t announced an official range figure, but the numbers are sure to be impressive. The smaller and lighter iX3 is rated at 500 miles (805 km) of WLTP range, so the iX5 60 should comfortably exceed 400 miles (644 km) on paper, and deliver a real-world driving range that could easily top 350 miles (563 km) despite a likely 6,600+ lbs (3,000 kg) curb weight.
Power Bump For The X5 40
Powertrain details for much of the lineup have also been revealed. ICE buyers will be able to choose from the 3.0-liter X5 40 xDrive with 395 hp (400 PS) – that power figure up from today’s 375 hp (380 PS) – or the X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid with an unchanged 483 hp (490 PS). The new, bi-motor electric iX5 60 xDrive pumps out 570 hp (578 PS / 425 kW).
BMW also confirmed that the first production hydrogen-powered model in its history will arrive in 2028 as the iX5 Hydrogen. The fuel-cell SUV will use a new flat storage tank system designed to maximize packaging efficiency while allowing it to be built alongside other X5 variants on the same production line. A diesel will be available in Europe at some point for buyers skeptical of what they might consider new-energy nonsense.
Neue Klasse Style And Panoramic IDrive
Although the X5 and iX5s aren’t built around BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, they will get the same design language showcased by the iX3 and i3 sedan, including the flush grille and integrated headlights. As before, double wishbones are stashed under the front arches, but this time BMW will supply wheels up to 23 inches. The hybrids and EV get the option of an adaptive system with air springs, four-wheel steering, and active roll control.
Inside, you’ll find a four-spoke steering wheel, Panoramic iDrive display, and tablet touchscreen. We first saw that setup on the iX3, then the i3, but it has since been rolled out to the updated 7-Series, and is headed for the facelifted 5-Series soon.
