The prototype attributed to the future BMW iX5 M is still heavily camouflaged and uses provisional components. Photo: Auto Express
Electric BMW iX5 M appears in testing: four motors and a possible 2027 launch
BMW is testing at the Nürburgring a high-performance electric SUV that Auto Express says is the future iX5 M. The prototype has a front end different from the standard iX5 and cues specific to a BMW M car, but the manufacturer has not confirmed its name, power or launch date.
The core technology is no longer a secret. BMW M has announced that its future fully electric models will use four motors, one for each wheel, and that the new family of performance cars will debut from 2027. There is, however, no dedicated technical sheet for the SUV caught in the images.
What the prototype photographed at the Nürburgring shows
The car keeps the proportions of the new X5, but the front is specific to this test example. The two elements that suggest the BMW grille are wider and lower than on the standard iX5, and the provisional lighting units are integrated into a heavily camouflaged front area.
The bumpers, air intakes and wheels do not look like final components. The absence of obvious wing extensions makes the track hard to estimate, and the tyres and ride height can change before the production car is presented.
The test body keeps the proportions of the new X5, but not every visible element will reach the production model. Photo: Auto Express
At the rear the four exhaust outlets associated with current V8 BMW M SUVs do not appear. The diffuser and bumper are masked, and the lights still appear to be test components. The photographs confirm the existence of a development programme, not the definitive design.
Four motors, torque controlled separately at each wheel
BMW M confirmed in January 2026 that its electric architecture will have two drive units, one on each axle, each integrating two motors. The result is one electric motor for each wheel.
The BMW M Dynamic Performance Control system will be able to change the torque sent to each wheel separately. Instead of braking a wheel to correct the trajectory, the electronics can raise or cut the force of each motor directly. This approach can help turn-in, stability and traction on exit.
BMW says the front axle can be decoupled for efficiency and range. The company is also preparing rear-drive running modes, including settings dedicated to the circuit. Availability of all these functions on the future SUV is not yet confirmed.
Peak power remains unknown
Four motors do not automatically give an exact power figure. BMW M has announced that the system is scalable and that the battery will be optimised for intensive use on road and circuit, but it has not published the figures for future production models.
The current X5 M Competition with a 4.4-litre V8 develops 460 kW (625 hp). The electric performance successor is likely to exceed that figure, but no figure for the iX5 M is official.
Auto Express estimates that the four-motor architecture will be close to the one prepared for the future electric M3. The publication does not give a verified power figure for the prototype, and the Nürburgring tests do not allow it to be calculated.
The prototype’s lights, bumper and diffuser are still provisional. Photo: Auto Express
Gen6 battery and 800 V architecture
Future electric BMW M models will use BMW eDrive Gen6 technology. It introduces the 800 V architecture, cylindrical cells and the direct integration of cells into the battery’s structural housing.
According to BMW, the new cells have a volumetric energy density about 20% higher than the previous generation. The manufacturer estimates for the Gen6 family improvements of up to 30% for both range and charging speed, with variations between models.
Auto Express puts forward for the iX5 and the possible iX5 M a battery of up to 141 kWh and DC charging at a maximum of 460 kW. These figures do not appear in the BMW M statement on the four-motor architecture and must not be treated as definitive specifications.
For comparison, BMW confirms for the new iX3 50 xDrive a Gen6 battery, charging of up to 400 kW and WLTP range of up to 805 km. Mass, wide tyres and four motors will limit the efficiency of an M SUV compared with a model conceived for maximum range.
Range of more than 640 km is only an estimate
The British publication estimates that the iX5 M could exceed the equivalent of 640 km between charges, but would remain below the standard version with the longest range. BMW has not homologated or communicated a WLTP figure for this prototype.
Final range will depend on usable battery capacity, system power, vehicle mass, aerodynamics and wheel size. For an M model, battery cooling and the ability to repeat accelerations on a circuit are different priorities from obtaining the highest WLTP number.
The spy photographs do not yet confirm the commercial name, power or range of the model. Photo: Auto Express
When it could be launched
BMW has set the debut of the new generation of electric M models from 2027, but it has not published the iX5 M timetable. The prototype’s stage, with provisional headlights and bumpers, indicates a development period that is not close to the end.
A 2027 presentation is possible, according to Auto Express, but not confirmed. Neither the price for Europe nor availability in Romania is known.
The model would enter a segment in which performance electric SUVs such as the future Mercedes-AMG GT SUV and the powerful versions of the Porsche Cayenne Electric will compete. Real comparisons will only be possible after power, mass, range and measured performance are published.
Frequently asked questions
Has BMW confirmed the iX5 M model?
BMW confirms the development of electric M models with four motors, but it has not officially announced the iX5 M name for the photographed prototype.
Will it have four electric motors?
It is very likely. BMW has stated that the new-generation electric BMW M models will have one motor for each wheel.
What capacity will the battery have?
Auto Express indicates up to 141 kWh, but BMW has not confirmed this figure for the iX5 M.
What range will it have?
Pre-launch estimates indicate more than 640 km. There is not yet a homologated WLTP range.
When will it be launched in Romania?
BMW has not communicated the presentation date, price or commercial timetable for Romania.
