BMW has announced the nearing end of the iX era in the United States after the complete depletion of 2026 model stock, paving the way for the launch of the all-new iX5. This upcoming model represents a fundamental technical leap, as it will be part of the company's new strategy centered on the "Neue Klasse" platform dedicated to fully electric vehicles.
Technical transition to the Neue Klasse platform
Upcoming BMW vehicles will rely on the "Neue Klasse" platform, which introduces the sixth generation of the eDrive system, featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture. According to the company, this new system will provide charging speeds and driving range 30% higher than previous systems. The 2027 iX3 50 xDrive model is scheduled to be the first vehicle to launch on this platform, with a starting price of $61,500 and a driving range of up to 434 miles.
Technical specifications and performance of the iX5
While the iX3 is a compact model, the iX5 will serve as the direct and larger replacement for the iX model. It is expected to feature the following specifications:
- Battery and Range: A 144 kWh battery providing an estimated driving range of up to 435 miles on a single charge.
- Charging Speed: Maximum charging capacity of up to 460 kW, allowing for 170 miles of range to be added in just 10 minutes, and charging the battery from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes.
- Performance: A dual-motor all-wheel-drive system generating 578 horsepower, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
- Interior Design: A 17.9-inch touchscreen navigation display, BMW Panoramic Vision technology that extends across the windshield, and an optional 14.6-inch passenger display.
What changes practically?
This shift represents a qualitative leap in how BMW manages energy and production. Technically, the transition to an 800-volt architecture addresses one of the biggest challenges of electric vehicles: wait times at charging stations, making the user experience closer to that of traditional cars. Strategically, the iX5 will be the first fully electric vehicle produced by BMW within the United States, with production beginning at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina by the end of the year, and deliveries starting in early 2027 with a starting price of $79,800.