BMW is conducting final development testing of the next-generation X5 SUV near its manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, ahead of the model’s expected launch in late 2026.
The new X5, internally designated the G65 series, will become the first generation of BMW’s popular SUV to offer a fully electric variant, the iX5. The battery-electric model is expected to feature one of the largest battery packs ever installed in a production passenger vehicle from BMW.
Large Battery Targets Long Range
According to reports, the BMW iX5 60 xDrive will be equipped with a high-voltage battery offering 141 kWh of usable capacity in Europe and 144 kWh in the United States.
The battery significantly exceeds the capacity offered by many current premium electric SUVs and is expected to position the iX5 among the longest-range electric vehicles in its segment.
BMW has not yet released official driving range figures, though the vehicle is expected to benefit from an 800-volt electrical architecture designed to support faster charging and improved efficiency.
Power will come from BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, delivering a reported system output of 425 kW through an all-wheel-drive configuration.
Performance specifications, including acceleration and top speed, have yet to be announced.
Built on Updated CLAR Platform
Despite the arrival of BMW’s new Neue Klasse electric vehicle architecture, the iX5 will continue to utilize the company’s CLAR platform, which also underpins current combustion, hybrid and luxury models.
The decision allows BMW to offer multiple powertrain options from a single vehicle platform, including gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen-powered variants.
While the iX5 does not adopt the complete Neue Klasse architecture, it will incorporate several technologies developed for BMW’s next-generation EV program.
These include the Heart of Joy central control unit and BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, which are designed to enhance driving dynamics, efficiency and vehicle responsiveness.
Five Powertrain Options Planned
The new X5 lineup is expected to become one of BMW’s most diverse vehicle families.
In addition to traditional internal combustion engine variants and plug-in hybrid models, BMW will introduce the battery-electric iX5 and later expand the range with a hydrogen fuel-cell version.
The hydrogen-powered model, known as the iX5 Hydrogen, is expected to enter production in 2028. BMW has already been testing hydrogen-powered X5 vehicles through a pilot fleet programme and recently began pre-series production of key fuel-cell system components at its Landshut facility in Germany.
The strategy reflects BMW’s continued commitment to offering multiple propulsion technologies as global markets transition toward lower-emission transportation.
Production Scheduled for 2026
Series production of the next-generation X5 family is expected to begin during the second half of 2026 at BMW’s Spartanburg plant.
Initial customer deliveries of the battery-electric iX5, plug-in hybrid and combustion-powered variants are anticipated between late 2026 and early 2027, while the hydrogen-powered version is expected to follow approximately one year later.
With its combination of a large-capacity battery, advanced EV technology and multiple drivetrain choices, the new X5 is set to play a central role in BMW’s evolving electrification strategy while continuing to serve customers seeking a variety of powertrain options.