BMW has taken the wraps off its new iX5, an all-electric version of its groundbreaking X5, which defined the modern SUV when it launched back in 1999.
The new iX5, codenamed G65, marks the first time the X5 has been offered with a fully electric powertrain, despite previously being sold as a plug-in hybrid. It also adopts the ‘Neue Klasse’ design language introduced by the electrified new i3 and iX3, which launched earlier this year.
New BMW iX5 design
Externally, one of the striking design elements of the new iX5 is the double-X LED light graphics, incorporating headlights, daytime running lights, and indicators. These can, however, be swapped for the iX3’s simpler diagonal arrangement at the press of a button.
While sharing a similar interior with the i3, iX3 and the heavily revised i7, the iX5’s cabin stands out amongst the Neue Klasse models, as it offers a secondary touchscreen for the passenger, featuring a variety of streaming and entertainment apps.
Pricing, battery, and range
iX5 production will begin at the BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, early next year, with prices expected to start from over £80,000 when they are announced this October.
When it comes to battery tech, the 2,890kg iX5 gets an equally hefty 141kWh battery – the largest fitted to any production EV in Europe – capable of up to 497 miles of WLTP range. The battery is the fastest charging in Europe, with a peak of 450kW.
However, this battery will be exclusive to the all-wheel-drive (AWD), range-topping iX5 60 xDrive model – the first model to go on sale. BMW is almost certain to introduce a cheaper, rear-wheel drive (RWD) iX5 with a smaller battery in the future.
Tech and performance
Unlike the iX3 and i3, the new iX5 rides on an evolution of Munich’s decade-old Cluster Architecture (CLAR), which it shares with the i7. This is because, like its low-slung saloon sibling, the iX5 is also available as a plug-in hybrid and an internal combustion-only model, badged X5. CLAR was created as a versatile multi-energy platform.
However, the new iX5 runs the same electronics and software stack as the iX3, which adopts BMW’s ‘Heart of Joy’ control unit, promising “unrivalled driving dynamics” courtesy of rear-based, four-wheel torque vectoring, along with ultra-quick suspension and braking responses.
Irrespective of powertrain, the iX5 will ride on standard-fit air suspension, while active anti-roll bars and rear-wheel steering will be listed as options.
While full technical details for the iX5 have yet to be announced, the iX5 60 xDrive gets a 325bhp rear-mounted electric motor, and a 245bhp motor on the front axle, producing a combined 570bhp and 593lb ft of torque. This translates into a 0-62mph time of just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.
