Under the skin, however, we’re expecting more substantial changes. While we don’t have any precise details about this specific new model yet, it should share its fundamental battery capacity and performance with the standard iX5. This means it could stretch to 141kWh, with peak charging speeds of up to 460kW.
The motors, however, will be in a different league. In place of the dual-motor arrangement of the standard car, expect the total to double to four. As we already know about the forthcoming electric M3, BMW M has been working on a unique quad-motor layout which won’t just generate more power, but promises to give drivers additional control. By being able to infinitely control drive going to each wheel, the new iX5 M won’t just be more powerful than its petrol-powered predecessor, but more agile, too.
With more motors, wider tyres and a bigger emphasis on performance rather than efficiency, it’s unlikely that this new model will have quite as much range as the impressive 525 miles the base iX5 is capable of. However, we’re still expecting well over 400 miles – a figure that should still be well above what upcoming rivals such as AMG’s GT SUV, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Bentley Torcal deliver.
BMW hasn’t officially confirmed a timeline for the new flagship, and with place-holder lighting, wheels and bumpers still attached, we suspect it will be a number of months before we see the finished item. But when it does arrive, potential buyers can anticipate pricing that gets underway from well over £100,000.
Don’t miss the best of Auto Express on Google! Make us a preferred source. Click here…
