BMW's New Electric X5: iX5 Specs, Range and Australian Timing Confirmed

Last year, BMW unveiled its latest EV model with an all-new EV platform it calls Neue Klasse at the IAA Mobility show in Munich. That was to first appear in the new iX3 SUV, bringing with it over 800km of WLTP range and 400 kW fast charging speeds.

Now, after selling over 80,000 X5s in Australia, the company has revealed details of its larger electric SUV, the iX5, packing 845km of WLTP range, thanks to a 141 kWh battery pack.

Destined for our market in Q1 2027, the new iX5 60 xDrive will have 0-100 km/h of just 4.6 seconds, making it one of the quickest large SUVs from the brand. This setup also helps the iX5 60 xDrive reach speeds of up to 210 km/h.

Underneath, there is a 425 kW all-wheel-drive powertrain which packs up to 805 Nm of torque.

The new model features BMW's new styling and design, with an illuminated kidney grille that many expect from BMW models.

This time, though, it also adds unique wing-tip-like door handles which help improve the aerodynamics of the car along with making it easier to use than many flush door handles.

It's sleek front and rear ends and an overall well-proportioned large SUV, and we can expect it to win many luxury car buyers, especially those after a BMW SUV.

On the inside, like the new iX3, things get quite interesting with the new drive-focused cockpit with an angular centre screen, a smaller, more oval-like steering wheel, ambient lighting and an end-to-end screen.

That's what BMW calls its new Panoramic iDrive display and control system, which combines four central control elements for a better driving experience.

This system can be controlled by either touch or voice, and the right information appears when needed by the driver to ensure the driver can pay attention to the road and keep their hands on the wheels.

A new addition here is a screen on the passenger side as well, helping with entertainment on the go for passengers on longer trips.

According to BMW, if the driver is seen by the car to be distracted by this screen, the entertainment will be paused, ensuring safety at all times.

Moving on to the new EV architecture, which will lower energy consumption to as low as 20.1kWh/100 km and deliver a range of up to 845km from the 141kWh battery pack.

This battery pack uses BMW's latest technology, including cylindrical battery cells with higher energy density than those in the company's previous models.

The same pack can be charged at speeds of up to 460kW, more than twice the speed of models like the BMW i5, which is available in Australia with a maximum charging speed of up to 205kW.

That's thanks to the new 800V architecture found on this car, a step up from previous-generation EVs from the brand.

AC charging on the new car is limited to 11kW, which is pretty standard across many EV models with larger battery packs.

Coming in at 4.99 metres in length, the new iX5 will have a kerb weight of 2,890kg and has over 1,850 litres of boot space with the rear seats down.

The new iX5 will be manufactured in North America at BMW Group's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, with expected Australian-bound production to begin in early 2027.

First local customer deliveries are expected to begin in Q1-2027. Pricing and other model specific details will be released later this year.

We look forward to seeing the new model on local roads next year and getting behind the wheel of one to see if it delivers the experience of a BMW - the ultimate driving machine.

Given the success BMW has had with its previous electric models, we have no doubt that the new iX5 and subsequent Neue Klasse EV models will follow a similar trajectory as more Australian drivers look to get behind the wheel of an EV as their next new car.

BMW iX5 60xDrive Specifications

All figures are provisional per BMW and subject to confirmation ahead of Australian launch.