Studies are mounting in regards to the doable return of the vary extender. After Autocar alleged that the next X5 will get the REX treatment, Automobilwoche claims to know extra. The posh SUV is purported to supply a complete driving vary of 621 miles (1,000 kilometers). Drivers would have the ability to attain that with a full tank of gasoline and a very charged battery.
It’s been just a few years since BMW discontinued the i3 REX, however the vary extender may make a comeback. Why now? Because of the rising curiosity in extended-range electrical autos (EREVs) in China. Though BMW’s gross sales within the area are now not what they was once, China stays by far the corporate’s largest particular person market. Of all of the vehicles it offered final yr, counting MINI and Rolls-Royce, 29.2% went to prospects in China, greater than in america (16.3%) and Germany (10.8%) mixed. Automotive Information cites information from the China Passenger Automobile Affiliation displaying EREV gross sales grew almost 50% within the first 5 months of 2025.
However the iX5 REX won’t be unique to China. Curiosity in EREVs can be rising in america, particularly for bigger autos. The Ramcharger truck is a chief instance, with Scout’s Traveler and Terra additionally set to characteristic a spread extender. Automobilwoche claims that this answer may develop into viable in Europe as properly, since EREVs could also be exempt from the ban on combustion engines set for 2035. Nevertheless, nothing is official but.
In the meantime, BMW stays tight-lipped in regards to the iX5 REX. An organization spokesperson solely stated that BMW is “repeatedly analyzing utilization patterns, buyer wants, and market developments and assessment the market potential of assorted applied sciences.” It’s not a “sure,” nevertheless it’s not a “no” both. If the next-gen SUV does get a spread extender, it may very well be a small gasoline engine working at a relentless rpm to maximise effectivity. The engine would act solely as a generator to cost the battery, with none mechanical connection to the wheels.
BMW is reportedly collaborating with provider ZF to reintroduce the vary extender. If it returns, it might make sense to see a REX model of the upcoming iX7 as properly. The larger three-row SUV is coming in 2027, roughly a yr after the iX5.
Supply: Automobilwoche, Automotive News
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