New BMW X5 and all-electric iX5: A Closer Look Reveals Strikingly Different Configurations

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The BMW X5, which has pioneered the premium sports activity vehicle (SAV) market since its debut in 1999, is evolving into its fifth generation with a launch scheduled for November. I directly inspected the lineup of this new fifth-generation X5 at the "BMW Ladies Championship 2026" held at Fine Beach Golf Links in Haenam, South Jeolla Province. A notable aspect was the sharply bifurcated underbody design between the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) model and the brand's first-ever all-electric vehicle (BEV). Depending on the nature of the powertrain, the suspension is specifically tuned for each, making the similar yet distinct configurations of the two vehicles stand out.

Labels on Firestone Airide air suspension components observed at the site clearly illustrate this difference. Parts for internal combustion engines and battery electric vehicles are strictly distinguished and applied, as the weight distribution and load-bearing requirements of the two powertrains are entirely different.

The all-electric iX5 is equipped with a large-capacity high-voltage battery at the bottom of the vehicle body, making its curb weight and front/rear axle loads significantly heavier than those of the internal combustion engine model. To address this, air springs for BEVs are designed with higher maximum allowable load-bearing capacity and basic operating pressure limits compared to those for ICEs, stably supporting the heavy load. Furthermore, given the characteristic of electric vehicles lacking engine noise, damping valve logic and boot characteristics are specifically tuned to effectively offset high-frequency vibrations from the road surface, completing a true "powertrain-specific underbody." On the other hand, the internal combustion engine model applies optimized curb weight distribution and spring rates tailored to the traditional powertrain layout including the engine and transmission, achieving a light and agile driving feel.

In terms of specifications and performance, both models fully reflect their respective powertrain philosophies. First, the all-electric iX5 60 xDrive delivers powerful performance based on BMW's sixth-generation (Gen6) eDrive technology and 800V system. It features new cylindrical battery cells with a diameter of 46mm and a height of 120mm to increase energy density, securing a usable capacity of 144 kWh through a cell-to-pack structure.

The combination of an electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) on the rear wheels and an asynchronous motor (ASM) on the front wheels produces explosive power with a combined maximum output of 570 horsepower and maximum torque of 593 lb-ft. It accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, and offers a maximum range of 435 miles per charge based on EPA standards. Supporting up to 460 kW DC ultra-fast charging, it can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes. It is equipped with the self-developed super brain "Heart of Joy," which integrates control of drive, braking, and steering 10 times faster per second, delivering a new dimension of driving dynamics.

Competing with this is the internal combustion engine model, the X5 40 and 40 xDrive, which combines the latest 3.0L inline-six B58 engine with a 48V mild hybrid system. Applying Miller cycle combustion process and dual injection system, it delivers maximum output of 394 horsepower and maximum torque of 428 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.1 seconds (4.8 seconds with a 1-foot rollout) and a top speed of 155 mph. It maintains the traditional BMW-specific handling feel through adaptive suspension and an ideal weight distribution close to 50:50.

Although both are internal combustion engine and all-electric vehicles bearing the same X5 name, looking inside reveals that they follow the grammar of a completely new era, from underbody design to powertrain configuration. Attention is focused on how these two cars, which are the result of intense engineering to overcome physical limits, will be evaluated in the market.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original