BMW Spartanburg facility to debut iX5, iX6, and iX7 electric SUVs by 2028
BMW is set to revolutionise its luxury SUV lineup with the introduction of the electric X5 (iX5) and X7 (iX7). These electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to roll off the production line at the Spartanburg, South Carolina plant starting from August 2026, with the iX5 set to launch as a 2027 model year vehicle [1][5].
The iX5 and iX7 will continue to utilise BMW's flexible CLAR platform, but will benefit from significant advancements such as the sixth-generation (Gen6) battery and motor technology pioneered by BMW's Neue Klasse platform. This integration marks a substantial leap in battery and electric motor efficiency, shared with upcoming models like the iX3 [3].
Key Details
- Production Start: August 2026 in Spartanburg, SC for the iX5 and iX7 [1][5].
- Model Year Launch: 2027 for the X5, with the iX7 expected to follow closely behind [1].
- Production Longevity: The X5 is planned to remain in production until about 2035, indicating a long lifecycle with updated electric technology during this period [1].
- Technological Advancements: Use of Gen6 battery and motor tech from Neue Klasse, improving efficiency, range, and performance [3].
- Platform and Market Positioning: The iX5 and iX7 will be positioned as electric counterparts in BMW's luxury SUV lineup, competing with electric and hybrid rivals such as the Mercedes GLE PHEV and Audi Q7 PHEV [1].
High-Performance Models
A flagship iX7 M70 with more than 800 hp is planned, while a separate ALPINA-tuned version of the electric X7, internally under the G69 codename, is reportedly in the pipeline with output nearing 900 hp [2]. Dual-motor, 4-wheel-drive xDrive configurations are expected for all iX5 models, including a high-performance iX5 M70 [4].
Expanding Electrification Efforts
The Spartanburg factory is being re-tooled as a major electrified vehicle hub, producing at least six fully electric models by 2030 [6]. A new battery assembly facility will be located in nearby Woodruff, with a $700 million investment [7]. $1 billion of the investment will be used to upgrade the Spartanburg plant for battery-electric-vehicle production [8].
New Models on the Horizon
Plans for the introduction of the iX6 signal a new model with both ICE and full-electric drivetrain options, set to begin production in 2028 [9]. The successor to today's X6, codenamed G66, looks likely to follow the example of its more practical X5 and X7 siblings [10].
In summary, BMW is gearing up for production of the electric X5 and X7 beginning in the latter half of 2026, embedding the latest battery and electric drivetrain technologies from its transformative Neue Klasse platform initiative. The iX5 and iX7 are poised to offer significant performance and efficiency improvements while maintaining BMW's luxury SUV pedigree.
[1] BMW Blog [2] BMWBLOG [3] BMW Group [4] BMW Blog [5] BMW Group [6] BMW Group [7] BMW Group [8] BMW Group [9] BMW Blog [10] BMW Blog
- The BMW iX5 and iX7, set to launch in 2027 as the electric counterparts of the luxury SUV lineup, will start production at the re-tooled Spartanburg, South Carolina plant in August 2026.
- These electric vehicles (EVs) will incorporate BMW's sixth-generation (Gen6) battery and motor technology, an advancement shared with upcoming models like the iX3, aiming to improve efficiency, range, and performance.
- The automotive industry and transportation sector will witness significant changes as the Spartanburg factory transitions into a major hub for electrified vehicle production, expected to produce at least six fully electric models by 2030.
- Lifestyle choices are increasingly leaning towards sustainable options, and BMW's expansion into electric vehicle technology reflects this trend, with high-performance models like the iX7 M70 boasting more than 800 hp and the ALPINA-tuned electric X7 reportedly nearing 900 hp.
- As BMW moves forward with its electrification efforts, new models like the iX6 with both internal combustion engine (ICE) and full-electric drivetrain options are on the horizon, set to begin production in 2028.
