Bayerische Motoren Werke, the German luxury automobile manufacturer, will unveil the BMW iX5, an all-electric SUV, sometime in 2027. The carmaker has officially confirmed that this electric car will get the largest lithium-ion battery pack among the EVs in the lineup. Reportedly, for the American market, it will feature a 144 kWh battery pack and 141 kWh for the European one.
They will introduce it globally as an all-wheel drive electric vehicle. It is set to get one electric motor on each axle, but the one that will be mounted on the rear axle is a single-motor automatic gearbox. The carmaker is yet to release its specifications, but Autocar UK reports that the front e-motor delivers 248 hp (185 kW) power and 305 Nm (225 kW) torque, and the rear e-motor does 300 hp (224 kW) and 500 Nm (379 kW).
Meaning, both electric motors together generate the maximum power of 578 hp (431 kW) and peak torque of 805 Nm (594 lb-ft). Reports even say that to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph (62 mph), it takes time of 4.6 seconds, and can reach a maximum speed of 250 kmph (155 mph). As of now, no source has mentioned its range. We expect that after each full charge, it will run around 800 kilometres (496 miles).
The iX5 from BMW is built on the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, whose electrical architecture is 800 volts and is anticipated to have DC charging up to 400 kW. It is expected that it will take 20 minutes to charge this e-SUV from 10 to 80 per cent; with just the charge of 10 minutes, it is most likely to add the WLTP-rated range of 350 kilometres (217.5 miles).
Reportedly, it will feature adaptive dampers that can automatically adjust suspension stiffness depending on road conditions and driving style to ensure the car runs smoothly even in rough terrain. It may also get air suspension, which helps in adjusting the ride height (ground clearance) depending on need. Lowering it helps with better aerodynamics to improve efficiency, and raising it helps to easily navigate through rough terrain.
It is certain that the iX5 will also have rear-wheel steering, a feature which reduces the turning radius significantly and makes parking convenient even in compact areas. It made these things possible; this feature enables its rear wheels to turn opposite to the front wheels while driving at low speed. The ventilated disc brakes will manage braking for all wheels. It will also feature ABS with EBD, brake assist and ESC.
It has been multiple times that the BMW iX5 has been spotted testing on public roads, but every time it was highly camouflaged, even though it has revealed little exterior detailing. Outside, it features Snake-Eye LED Headlights, a redesigned Kidney Grille, a sportier front bumper, slim LED taillamps, an integrated roof spoiler, Large Alloy Wheels, a Strong Shoulder Line and Flush Door Handles.
Its dimensions are still pending; we are expecting that it will measure more than 5.1 metres long with a wheelbase of around 3 metres. All set to be introduced as a five-seater in a 2-3 layout with large boot space for carrying luggage, the option of seven-person seating may also be available, although, as of now, no reports have confirmed it.
The dashboard is set to be equipped with a full-width panoramic iDrive display, replacing the traditional digital instrument cluster, and the centre of the dashboard will feature a floating 17.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity, over-the-air software updates, and connected car technology. Other highlights are the polygon-inspired steering wheel and the 3D head-up display.