BMW has introduced its fifth-generation X5 SUV with a choice of combustion, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The new BMW iX5 combines the company’s sixth-generation eDrive technology with an 800 V electrical architecture, a 144 kWh usable battery and DC fast charging at up to 460 kW. The X5 range retains BMW’s CLAR architecture, allowing different propulsion systems to share a common vehicle platform. Depending on the market, customers can choose petrol or diesel engines, plug-in hybrids or the battery-electric iX5. A hydrogen fuel-cell version is also planned. BMW iX5 uses sixth-generation battery technology The BMW iX5 60 xDrive uses two electric motors producing a combined 425 kW and approximately 805 Nm of torque. An asynchronous motor drives the front axle, while an electrically excited synchronous motor powers the rear. Neither requires permanent magnets. The battery incorporates BMW’s latest cylindrical lithium-ion cells, measuring 120 mm in height, compared with 95 mm in the smaller iX3. BMW claims the Gen6 cell technology delivers 20% higher volumetric energy density than its previous generation of prismatic cells. The electric X5 offers a provisional driving range of up to approximately 850 km under the WLTP test cycle, depending on specification. BMW also estimates a range of approximately 724 km using US EPA test procedures. BMW demonstrated the vehicle’s 460 kW charging capability in Southern California, working with charging network operator IONNA and equipment manufacturer Alpitronic. The demonstration used specially prepared infrastructure, rather than charging equipment currently available commercially in the United States. BMW estimates that charging from 10% to 80% takes approximately 23 minutes under suitable conditions. The vehicle also supports bidirectional charging, allowing stored energy to supply external equipment or a building. As previously reported by eeNews Europe, BMW has been expanding production of its Gen6 battery systems in several regions, including a new US battery assembly facility near its Spartanburg vehicle plant. Combustion engines and electronic vehicle controls The petrol-powered X5 40 xDrive uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 294 kW, assisted by a 48 V mild-hybrid system. The X5 50e plug-in hybrid combines a six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a high-voltage battery, delivering a combined 360 kW. Inside, the X5 range adopts BMW’s Panoramic iDrive system, including a display projected along the lower portion of the windscreen. The electric version also incorporates the company’s Heart of Joy vehicle dynamics controller, which coordinates propulsion, braking and chassis functions. Additional driver assistance functions include traffic-light and stop-sign recognition with automatic braking intervention. BMW’s Symbiotic Drive system also allows certain driver steering and braking inputs without immediately disengaging active assistance. Production and availability BMW is producing the new X5 family at its Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. The first combustion-engine models are scheduled for market introduction in late 2026, with the electric and plug-in hybrid versions following in early 2027. The hydrogen-powered iX5 will arrive later, using fuel-cell technology developed with Toyota. eeNews Europe previously reported on the companies’ joint fuel-cell development programme , which targets series production in 2028. The post BMW iX5 brings 460 kW charging to new X5 range appeared first on eeNews Europe .