
The upcoming electric iX5 from BMW boasts a massive battery, the largest in any BMW electric vehicle (EV) to date, with a potential range of over 800 kilometres on a single charge. This significant development puts the iX5 at the forefront of electric vehicles in terms of range and performance. As BMW finalizes calibration tests at its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Canadians can look forward to the debut of the fifth-generation X5, including the electric iX5 60 xDrive, which will utilize BMW's sixth-generation (Gen6) eDrive system with an 800V architecture.
The Gen6 electric drive is expected to deliver 30% faster charging speeds and a 30% increase in driving range compared to the current system. Although the new iX5 will not ride on a dedicated EV platform, it will be based on an updated version of its CLAR platform, supporting both electric and gas powertrains. The iX5 will draw power from a massive 141 kWh battery, the largest in a BMW electric vehicle, and will be equipped with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive, delivering a combined 578 hp (425 kW). Canadian pricing for the iX5 has not been announced, but it is expected to be higher than the iX3, which is available in the US starting at $61,500.
The range of the iX5 is expected to surpass that of the iX3, which has a WLTP range of up to 805 kilometres. While weight and size will impact the iX5's range, its larger battery and efficient design are expected to provide a significant advantage. The iX3 has already demonstrated its efficiency, with a test drive of over 1,000 kilometres without stopping to charge. In Canada, the iX3 may be eligible for the iZEV incentive, which offers up to $5,000 in rebates for eligible electric vehicles. Additionally, some provinces offer their own rebates, such as British Columbia's SCRAP-IT program, which provides up to $6,000 in incentives for trading in a gas-powered vehicle for an electric one.
The 2027 BMW iX5 is expected to make its debut by the end of summer, with sales beginning in early 2027. Canadian pricing has not been announced, but it is expected to be around $75,000, considering the US pricing and the current exchange rate. The new BMW X5 will be available in five powertrains: electric, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid, gas, and hydrogen-powered. Canadians can look forward to learning more details about the iX5, including its pricing and availability, in the coming months. With the Canadian government's focus on promoting electric vehicles, the iX5 is likely to be a popular choice among Canadians looking to switch to a more environmentally friendly option.