Introducing the BMW iX5
The BMW iX5 marks the first time the X5 has gone fully electric. Built alongside the familiar petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions of the fifth-generation X5, rather than replacing them, the iX5 gives buyers who want zero-emission driving the same footprint, the same interior and the same imposing road presence.
Positioned as BMW's electric flagship within its own SUV range, the iX5 draws on the same Neue Klasse architecture found in the smaller iX3, adapted here for a considerably larger and more capable vehicle. For drivers who want an electric SUV without stepping outside the marque they already know, it is difficult to overlook.
A hydrogen-powered iX5 sibling is also planned, adding another zero-emission option alongside this battery-electric version.
Design and Practicality
Sharing its silhouette with the wider X5 range, the iX5 is set apart by a continuous front apron in place of the combustion models' air intakes. This gives the nose a smoother appearance. The vertically aligned kidney grille carries the Iconic Glow signature found across the new X5 range, illuminated both day and night.
Underneath, a flat battery integrated directly into the floor structure frees up extra cabin space. Neue Klasse interior details continue throughout: an ambient light strip beneath the instrument panel, natural materials including slate and glass on higher specifications, and a standard panoramic roof that floods light into the cabin.
A longer wheelbase brings noticeably more rear knee room, while the flat floor gives rear passengers useful extra foot space regardless of where they are sitting.
Technology and Safety
The iX5 is built around BMW Panoramic iDrive and the new BMW Operating System X. This combines a 17.9-inch Central Display with BMW Panoramic Vision across the base of the windscreen. The multifunction steering wheel follows a shy-tech approach, illuminating controls only when relevant.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, enhanced with Amazon's Alexa+ technology, fields natural language requests without set commands. At the same time, Digital Key Plus lets a compatible smartphone or smartwatch function as the car's key, shareable with other drivers when required.
Driving Assistant Plus is fitted as standard, with hands-free technology available for motorways where regulations allow. The electric drivetrain also brings BMW Soft Stop, using precise motor control to bring the iX5 to a smooth halt with minimal need for conventional brakes in everyday driving.
Range and Performance
The iX5 60 xDrive uses two electric motors, one on each axle, for a combined 570bhp and 593 lb ft of torque, with 0 to 62mph arriving in around 4.6 seconds. The rear motor, developed for BMW's sixth-generation electric drivetrain, handles the bulk of the work, while the front motor can disengage at a cruise to improve efficiency.
Underpinning the driving experience is the Heart of Joy, a dedicated control computer that manages steering, braking and recuperation up to ten times faster than BMW's previous systems. It works alongside Dynamic Performance Control to keep the iX5 composed regardless of load or road surface.
Optional rear-wheel steering can help stabilise a trailer mid-tow, a first for any X5-badged model and useful for anyone planning to caravan.
Despite the electric powertrain, the driving character remains distinctly BMW: settled at a cruise and sharper than expected when pushed.
Charging
Sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology brings 800-volt architecture to the iX5, supporting DC rapid charging at up to 460kW. At a suitably equipped public charger, this allows an estimated 170 miles of range to be added in just ten minutes, with a 10 to 80 percent charge taking around 22 minutes.
For everyday use, the iX5 can be charged at home via AC at speeds of up to 15.4kW, the simplest way to start the day with a full battery. BMW Maps calculates charging-optimised routes whenever a journey exceeds the car's range, warming or cooling the battery automatically ahead of each stop for faster charging on arrival.
Bidirectional charging is also supported. The iX5 can power electrical devices directly, supply a home during a power cut, or share charge with another electric vehicle in need.
Discover the BMW iX5 at Stratstone BMW
The BMW iX5 pairs reassuring range and rapid charging with the body style drivers already recognise, keeping the space and presence of the wider X5 range intact. Sharing its platform with the New BMW X5, it stands as BMW's most complete electric SUV so far.
If you are interested in learning more and want to be first in line when order books open, please get in touch with your nearest Stratstone BMW retailer.
