BMW X5 Major Refresh Introduces First Ever Electric iX5 Model Alongside Powerful Hybrid Options and Advanced Panoramic Digital Cabin Technology
BMW has launched a major refresh of its flagship utility vehicle the X5. For the first time ever the model range is available with a solely electric propulsion system along with combustion and hybrid options. The refreshed model sports an all new exterior which features X shaped headlamp housing and a narrow kidney grille drawing inspiration from the styling language of the iX3. Other refinements include soft close doors and a new center console layout with crystal accents on the gear selector, volume controls, and seat adjustment buttons.
The refreshed model presents an all new cabin with a panoramic iDrive web surface running the full length of the dashboard beneath a single sheet of glass. The digital interface is organized into a 17.9 inch central touch screen and a 14.6 inch display for the front passenger. These twin screens operate on the Android based BMW OS X platform supporting a custom voice assistant, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and mobile integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Digital inputs are managed through a Neue Klasse inspired steering wheel incorporating vertical spokes and textured buttons.
The cabin features Veganza synthetic leather as a standard component with Merino leather options available. Standard comforts include 4 zone climate control and a panoramic glass roof. Rear legroom has increased as a result of a 6.1 centimeter stretch to the car wheelbase. The rear seats fold in a 40 20 40 split to increase storage space. Optional features include ventilated and massaging seats through luxury or climate packages and a digital premium package delivering streaming TV, in car gaming, and an integrated drive recorder which transmits collision notifications to the My BMW mobile application.
The base model sports a refinished 3 liter 6 cylinder turbo B58 engine combined with 48 volts of hybrid power and an 8 gear automatic transmission. Turbocharger alterations boost output by 19 horsepower and 61 Newton meters of torque for a combined total of 394 horsepower and 580 Newton meters. This drivetrain accelerates from 0 100 kilometers per hour in 5.1 seconds and has an electronically limited maximum speed of 249 kilometers per hour. The chassis includes adaptive air suspension and an equal 50 50 weight balance between the front and rear axles.
A plug in hybrid variant incorporates an electric motor in the transmission shell to generate a combined 483 horsepower and 699 Newton meters of torque. This trim accelerates to 100 kilometers per hour in 4.6 seconds and has a pure electric powertrain range of 70 kilometers per charge. It features an active roll stabilization system to enhance cornering ability. A top level competition model using a V8 powertrain is planned to follow in a later cycle.
Using the regular combustion architecture, the fully electric iX5 version applies Neue Klasse electric technology. This involves an 800 volt electrical operation system, the Heart of Joy vehicle dynamics controller, and the Symbiotic Drive driver assistance platform. The energy pack features higher taller cylindrical cells increasing total capacity by 30 percent to 144 kilowatt hours for a range of 700 kilometers under EPA measurement procedures.
The electrical system provides 460 kilowatt fast charging support enabling a 10 80 percent charge in 22 minutes while a 10 minute recharge increases range by 275 kilometers. The dual motor electric system develops 570 horsepower and 804 Newton meters of torque reaching 100 kilometers per hour in 4.4 seconds with a top speed limited to 209 kilometers per hour.
Pricing for the model range begins with the rear wheel drive combustion model starting at an introductory cost of $71,250. All wheel drive is an additional $2,300 to the MSRP. The plug in hybrid xDrive version with standard all wheel drive is priced from $78,950. The top level electric xDrive trim starts at an introductory cost of $81,250. All variants are set to arrive at local dealerships in early Autumn.
