- BMW has reversed its stance on range-extended EVs after the i3 REx’s discontinuation.
- The upcoming iX5 could be the first to feature such a powertrain with 621 miles of range.
- Range-extended vehicles have gained popularity in China, with sales up nearly 50 percent.
While a number of automakers overestimated demand for EVs, BMW seems to have gotten things mostly right as they offer a mix of gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles. Chairman Oliver Zipse recently acknowledged this as he said the company has “the right products on the market at the right time.”
This has worked out for the luxury brand as nearly one in five vehicles sold by the company is fully electric. However, they also have countless other options for customers who don’t want an EV.
More: Ford’s CEO Talks Tariffs And New Range-Extended Vehicles
Even more options are coming as BMW has confirmed plans to offer a production model with a hydrogen fuel cell in 2028. However, that might not be the only powertrain on the horizon.
Quite the opposite as a new report suggests a range-extended EV could arrive as early as 2026. German outlet Automobilwoche reports that the powertrain will be offered on a version of the iX5, known as the iX5 REx, and could have a combined range of around 621 miles (1,000 km).
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Little else is known about the powertrain at this point, but it’s said to be under consideration for multiple markets including China, Europe, and North America. BMW was tight-lipped when asked about the report by Auto News, but the company didn’t deny it as a spokesperson said “We continuously analyze usage patterns, customer needs, and market developments and review the market potential of various technologies.”
While range-extended powertrains fell out of favor with many automakers in the push to go fully electric, they’ve been experiencing a bit of a resurgence. Ram introduced the 1500 Ramcharger in 2023 and CEO Tim Kuniskis recently said he expects other brands to “chase it.”
That already seems to be playing out as Scout will offer a range-extended powertrain and Ford CEO Jim Farley recently came out praising range-extended models. Jeep is also said to be cooking up a range-extended version of the Wagoneer, although we haven’t heard much about it in the wake of Ramcharger delays.
