The BMW iX5 EV, with a range of up to 700 km, has made its debut

BMW has unveiled the new X5 lineup, and for the first time, a fully electric version is available among the numerous powertrain options. The iX5 60 xDrive EV offers impressive range, power, and a completely new design featuring distinctive X-shaped headlights.

Previously, BMW used separate platforms for electric vehicles and models with internal combustion engines, as exemplified by the X3 and iX3 series. However, the X5 now features a shared platform and the new “Neue Klasse” design concept across all powertrain variants. In addition to the electric version, these include gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and even hydrogen variants. BMW claims that the X5’s larger platform supports all these powertrain types without any compromises.

The iX5 60 xDrive is equipped with BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive electric powertrain. Thanks to a massive 140 kWh battery (versions with smaller batteries will follow later) and an 800-volt architecture, the car offers a range of up to 700 km under EPA standards. The model also supports fast bidirectional charging with a power output of up to 450 kW. BMW has not yet specified the exact charging time, but rough estimates suggest that at the maximum power of 450 kW, the battery can be charged to 80% in about 20 minutes.

Thanks to its two electric motors, the iX5 60 xDrive delivers a combined output of 570 k.s. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, which is an impressive result for a car weighing about 3 metric tons. Incidentally, this weight makes it BMW’s heaviest production car. To ensure acceptable handling for such a large vehicle, the manufacturer has equipped it with full air suspension. Active anti-roll bars and an all-wheel-steering system are also available.

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The new X-shaped headlights complement the X5 name well. You’ll also notice the absence of traditional door handles – they’ve been replaced by winglet-style push-button handles, which improve the iX5’s aerodynamics. The doors can be opened and closed using a key or the BMW app. In addition, the company has done away with two other hallmarks of the X5 and BMW electric vehicles: the split tailgate and the iDrive controller.

Overall, the exterior doesn’t look particularly controversial. The car features a more boxy body, several new sculpted lines, and wider wheel arches. The front also features the vertical Iconic Glow signature grille, which is already used on other Neue Klasse models. The interior has also undergone significant changes. The iX5 features a new 17.9-inch central touchscreen display, as well as an optional 14.6-inch display for the front passenger. In addition, the car is equipped with a new BMW steering wheel with vertical spokes.

The audio system is also impressive. A 280-watt system with 12 speakers comes standard, while a Bowers & Wilkins system with Dolby Atmos support and a maximum output of 775 watts is available as an option. The Panoramic iDrive driver assistance systems and the multimedia suite run on BMW Operating System X, which is based on the Android Open-Source Project. According to BMW, the system offers a wide selection of apps, video services, and games, and also allows drivers to use their smartphone as a mobile hotspot. In addition, drivers will receive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support as standard.

The all-electric iX5 60 eDrive will start at $79,800, and the model is expected to arrive at dealerships by the end of 2026. BMW will also offer the plug-in hybrid X5 50e starting at $77,500, while the base X5 40 with an internal combustion engine will start at $69,800. Given BMW’s premium status and the average price of a new car in the U.S. at around $50,000, these prices seem quite reasonable.

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Up to 700 km on a single charge and a new design: The first all-electric BMW iX5 debuts

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