BMW iX5 EV to Feature 144-kWh Battery, Range May Exceed 500 Miles

BMW is accelerating its electrification strategy. Following the all-new iX3 50 xDrive, the brand’s first fully electric mid-to-large SUV—the iX5 60 xDrive—is set to debut. The vehicle has completed final calibration testing at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA, and is expected to make its global premiere by late summer this year, with customer deliveries beginning in early 2027.

Sharing BMW’s sixth-generation (Gen6) eDrive electric drive system with the new iX3, the iX5 adopts an 800-volt high-voltage architecture. BMW claims charging speeds are up to 30% faster than current systems, while range increases by 30% as well. Notably, although the iX5 belongs to the same Neue Klasse technology family as the iX3, it does not use a dedicated EV platform. Instead, it’s built on an upgraded CLAR architecture—designed to support five powertrain types: battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, mild-hybrid, internal combustion, and hydrogen fuel cell. BMW emphasizes this flexibility as a cornerstone of its ‘multi-energy pathway’ strategy.

The iX5 will feature the largest battery ever fitted to a production BMW EV: 144 kWh for U.S.-spec models and 141 kWh for European-spec units. Given that the iX3 50 xDrive achieves up to 805 km (approx. 500 miles) under WLTP conditions, the iX5—with its larger battery capacity—could surpass that figure. However, its higher curb weight and larger body dimensions may temper real-world range gains. Powering the iX5 60 xDrive is BMW’s xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, delivering a combined output of 578 hp (425 kW).

For comparison, the iX3 50 xDrive—now open for pre-orders—starts at €73,925 (approx. $85,200) in Germany and $61,500 in the U.S., with an EPA-rated range of 434 miles (approx. 700 km). Positioned above the iX3, the iX5 is expected to start around $75,000; full specifications and region-specific details will be announced following its global premiere.