BMW unveiled its latest EV model with an all-new EV platform it calls Neue Klasse at the IAA Mobility show in Munich last year. That model, the iX3 electric SUV, brought with it over 800 km of WLTP range and 400 kW fast charging speeds.
The company has now gone one better, revealing details of its largest electric SUV, the iX5, which will offer 845 km of WLTP range thanks to a massive 141 kWh battery pack, and which is due to arrive in Australia in the first quarter of 2027.
The new iX5 60 xDrive will reach 0-100 km/h in 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.
The new model features BMW’s new styling and design, with an illuminated kidney grille that are a common feature ofBMW 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.
On the inside, like the new iX3, things get quite interesting with the new angular centre screen, a smaller, more oval-like steering wheel, and ambient lighting.
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 20.1 kWh/100 km and deliver a range of up to 845 km from the 141 kWh 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 460 kW, more than twice the speed of models like the BMW i5, which is available in Australia with a maximum charging speed of up to 205 kW.
That’s thanks to the new 800 V architecture found on this car, a step up from previous-generation EVs from the brand.
AC charging on the new car is limited to 11 kW, 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 2,990 kg 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.
See The Driven’s detailed EV sales data here: Australian electric vehicle sales by month in 2026; by model and by brand.
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