BMW usually knows how to keep a secret, but when it comes to bureaucratic procedures in the US, even German secrecy fails. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accidentally released a document that essentially "stripped" the technical part of the upcoming electric crossover BMW iX5.
Energy giant under the floor
The most astounding figure in the document is the gross battery capacity, which is 147.80 kWh. If we subtract the traditional BMW reserve (about 4%), we get a net capacity of approximately 142 kWh. For comparison: the current flagship iX has "only" 108.7 kWh net. This is a giant leap, hinting at a real range of 800 kilometers or more, depending on the measurement cycle.
Technologically, this is implemented through a transition to new cylindrical cells. The document mentions 960 elements operating under a voltage of 704 V. Apparently, BMW uses the 46120 format (46 mm diameter, 120 mm height), allowing more energy to be packed into the same volume. Interestingly, the table lacks data on modules, confirming the "Cell-to-Pack" architecture, where cells are directly mounted into the battery case. This solution, characteristic of the Neue Klasse platform, allows for significant savings in weight and space.
Power and dynamics of the iX5 60 xDrive
According to data first noticed by colleagues from BimmerToday, the iX5 60 xDrive version will feature a dual-motor setup:
- Front electric motor: 184 kW (250 hp) and 305 Nm of torque.
- Rear electric motor: 240 kW (326 hp) and 500 Nm of torque.
- Total power: 424 kW, which is approximately equivalent to 577 hp.
Interestingly, the rear motor, despite having the same power as the one used on the lower iX3 50 xDrive, has different torque (500 Nm versus 435 Nm). This means BMW engineers have retuned the unit for greater weight and "five" status.
What else leaked online
Besides the flagship iX5, the leak revealed data about the entire lineup of 2027 model year cars. The list includes 40 xDrive versions for the i3 (sedan), iX3, and iX4 models. All of them will receive motor combinations of 123 kW up front and 195 kW at the rear, as well as a 97 kWh battery.
The appearance of such detailed data in the EPA database usually indicates that cars are already in the final stages of certification. The official debut of the BMW iX5 is expected in 2026.
