BMW's Future Electric SUV Lineup: Sixth-Generation Batteries and Hydrogen iX5
Key Ideas
- BMW will apply sixth-generation battery technology from Neue Klasse to electric versions of the X5, X6, and X7 with improved charging speed and range.
- The upcoming models iX5, iX6, and iX7 are expected to feature all-new round cells, offering 30% faster charging, 20% higher energy density, and up to 900 kilometers of range.
- The X5 will also come in a hydrogen variant, collaborating with Toyota for fuel cell technology, set to be BMW's first hydrogen production car in 2028.
- Production schedules for the electric SUVs indicate the X5 in August 2026, X7 in August 2027, and X6 in April 2028, with uncertainties about initial availability and the use of round cells in PHEV versions.
BMW's plans to extend the advancements from the Neue Klasse to other electric vehicles in its lineup have been officially confirmed. The upcoming electric versions of the X5, X6, and X7 are set to benefit from the sixth-generation battery technology, offering faster charging and increased range. These new models, internally known as the iX5, iX6, and iX7, are expected to incorporate all-new round cells, providing significant improvements in performance. While the maximum range may reach up to 900 kilometers in ideal conditions, the heavy and less aerodynamic nature of SUVs could impact this figure. Among the trio, only the X5 will have a hydrogen variant, marking BMW's entry into hydrogen production vehicles by 2028. The production timeline suggests the X5 will lead the way in 2026, followed by the X7 and X6 in subsequent years. However, uncertainties remain about the utilization of round cells in plug-in hybrid versions and the simultaneous launch of electric and combustion-engine variants. BMW's future electric SUV lineup shows a promising direction in leveraging advanced technologies and collaborations to offer innovative and sustainable mobility solutions.