[Maverick241]

https://insideevs.com/news/761898/bm...us-production/

"Meanwhile, the mid-size iX5 will likely replace the iX and go head to head with the likes of the Tesla Model X and Cadillac Vistiq. However, while the Model X and Vistiq are based on purpose-built electric vehicle platforms, the iX5 (and iX7 for that matter) will continue using the CLAR architecture, which is designed to easily accommodate either an electric powertrain or a combustion engine and transmission."

[LVBMW]

Originally Posted by Maverick241

https://insideevs.com/news/761898/bm...us-production/

"Meanwhile, the mid-size iX5 will likely replace the iX and go head to head with the likes of the Tesla Model X and Cadillac Vistiq. However, while the Model X and Vistiq are based on purpose-built electric vehicle platforms, the iX5 (and iX7 for that matter) will continue using the CLAR architecture, which is designed to easily accommodate either an electric powertrain or a combustion engine and transmission."

Disappointing. One of my favorite features about the iX (and there are many) is the flat floor/lack of annoying tunnel.

[ggalanis]

Originally Posted by LVBMW

Disappointing. One of my favorite features about the iX (and there are many) is the flat floor/lack of annoying tunnel.

agreed... but I'd wait until the iX5 is out before criticizing it since it is always possible that they package things better than the current/previous generation of electrics that were on shared platforms. If I had to bet I would still say that they won't do any better but there is always hope.

[LVBMW]

Originally Posted by ggalanis

agreed... but I'd wait until the iX5 is out before criticizing it since it is always possible that they package things better than the current/previous generation of electrics that were on shared platforms. If I had to bet I would still say that they won't do any better but there is always hope.

Understood, but I don't see how they could avoid the empty transmission tunnel in the EV version on a shared platform.

[ggalanis]

Originally Posted by LVBMW

Understood, but I don't see how they could avoid the empty transmission tunnel in the EV version on a shared platform.

replace the floor piece with a flat one for the EVs.

[LVBMW]

Originally Posted by ggalanis

replace the floor piece with a flat one for the EVs.

Well, they haven't done it so far (see 5 series, i5).

[drbluedevil]

I'll say that's a MUCH better looking car than the iX. Disappointing if true that they're ditching an EV-specific architecture.

[m3_08]

make sense - why will they have Ix line and new Ix5 ?

[exxxviii]

So, in theory the next generation iX5 will launch in late 2026. That means that folks like me, with an iX lease ending late 2026, could have 2 BMW choices:

1. BMW iX3 on Neue Klasse
2. BMW iX5 on a shared architecture

These are two great options... The iX3 will likely be a little smaller, but if it is packaged better, it could yield net equivalent interior space and storage. And they will probably be styled radically differently. So, the future is not horrible.

Here's a twist I did not know... The iX is on the CLAR II platform, also shared with the G70 7 Series, G60 5 Series, and G45 BMW X3. So maybe this emphasis on "CLAR" is blown wildly out of proportion???

[ggalanis]

Originally Posted by LVBMW

Well, they haven't done it so far (see 5 series, i5).

I know... that's why i said:

Originally Posted by ggalanis

If I had to bet I would still say that they won't do any better but there is always hope.

[ubercruise]

Originally Posted by exxxviii

Here's a twist I did not know... The iX is on the CLAR II platform, also shared with the G70 7 Series (G70), G60 5 Series, and G45 BMW X3. So maybe this emphasis on "CLAR" is blown wildly out of proportion???

Yes, that's why I hesitate to say the iX is on a fully bespoke, ground-up EV platform but others tend not to agree. That said, the difference to me is that the iX currently doesn't share with any other car. The bones may have a family relation to the ICE platforms, but this specific chassis isn't being shared with any other sheetmetal. The chassis for the X5 and iX5 is supposed to do double duty, which is where the fear of compromise comes from.

I do think the iX3 will be reasonably close in size to the iX. It seems at least exterior wise, it will be 7 inches shorter, a little under 3 inches thinner, and about 2 inches shorter. So, noticeably smaller there, but not hugely so. And to your point, the interior packaging may be further improved such that it feels even closer.

I don't want to write off the iX5, but I also feel it won't be available til after my lease is up anyhow.

[Maverick241]

Originally Posted by exxxviii

So, in theory the next generation iX5 will launch in late 2026. That means that folks like me, with an iX lease ending late 2026, could have 2 BMW choices:

1. BMW iX3 on Neue Klasse
2. BMW iX5 on a shared architecture

These are two great options... The iX3 will likely be a little smaller, but if it is packaged better, it could yield net equivalent interior space and storage. And they will probably be styled radically differently. So, the future is not horrible.


Here's a twist I did not know... The iX is on the CLAR II platform, also shared with the G70 7 Series (G70), G60 5 Series, and G45 BMW X3. So maybe this emphasis on "CLAR" is blown wildly out of proportion???

Surprised you didn’t know that! It’s always been on a modified CLAR platform


I’ve got 2 years yet so I’ll def be checking out the iX7 too

[EV Fan]

A positive aspect of this announcement is that BMW is committing to building EVs in the US, which eliminates some of the tariff risk and ensures the availability of at least these models. This may have been known to some degree, but this announcement is the most concrete statement I've seen.

Unfortunately the sourcing of the iX3 has not yet been confirmed.

[exxxviii]

Originally Posted by Maverick241

Surprised you didn’t know that! It’s always been on a modified CLAR platform

I truly never looked or cared until just now when I was searching for BMW’s long range platform strategies. In general, I thought there was just NK and CLAR, and CLAR was for gas. Nope.

[EV Fan]

Originally Posted by ubercruise

I do think the iX3 will be reasonably close in size to the iX. It seems at least exterior wise, it will be 7 inches shorter, a little under 3 inches thinner, and about 2 inches shorter. So, noticeably smaller there, but not hugely so.

My garage will appreciate these small trims on the iX3, and I agree that if it's well done the interior should shrink less than the exterior.

[KRS_SN]

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/n...evival-2026-x5

REX

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by KRS_SN

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/n...evival-2026-x5

REX

My i3S Rex was amazing!!

[[DT]]

So if the iX5 is rolling out as a [late] '26 model, and the new/refreshed/LCI-ed iX 45/60/70 also starting in '26, are we going to see a 1-2 year model overlap? Or will the iX (as we currently know it), end with MY26?

Our current iX lease ends in April '27, so our timing will be pretty perfect to consider another iX, or the new iX5, or possibly even the iX3.

[NomoTesla]

Originally Posted by Maverick241

https://insideevs.com/news/761898/bm...us-production/

^^ This article says iX5 will be CLAR-based.

Originally Posted by KRS_SN

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/n...evival-2026-x5

^^ And this article says the iX5 is NK-based.

The concept of a REx is stupid and will slow EV infrastructure expansion. A REx complicates manufacture, complicates service, and complicates the ownership experience. Most will just run on the REx exclusively and not stop to charge. REx will also come at the expense of battery size and EV range.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. BMW is acting like a scared cat that doesn't know which way to go. It wants to do everything and nothing all at the same time. The reason the iX is such a hit is because it's fresh and new and exciting. I can't say that for any of the CLAR-based models. They look boring, outmoded, and last century.

[thebishman]

Originally Posted by NomoTesla

^^ This article says iX5 will be CLAR-based.



^^ And this article says the iX5 is NK-based.

The concept of a REx is stupid and will slow EV infrastructure expansion. A REx complicates manufacture, complicates service, and complicates the ownership experience. Most will just run on the REx exclusively and not stop to charge. REx will also come at the expense of battery size and EV range.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. BMW is acting like a scared cat that doesn't know which way to go. It wants to do everything and nothing all at the same time. The reason the iX is such a hit is because it's fresh and new and exciting. I can't say that for any of the CLAR-based models. They look boring, outmoded, and last century.

Everything we’ve ever read about the ‘26 iX5 is that it is based on the CLAR architecture. The Autocar article initially mentions that the iX5 will be based on CLAR, but then when talking about how the iX5 will use elements from the NK EVs, such as the motors; batteries, etc., it trips itself up and states it will be an NK vehicle. Poor proof reading for sure.

As for the REx I think it is a very good move on BMWs part. There are many people in this country where existing, or perhaps even planned expansion of charging infrastructure, is lacking. Can you see this current administration making sure that the legislatures in a ND; WY, etc. ensure there is a robust charging infrastructure every 50-75 miles along major highways? Because I certainly don’t see that happening.

We have posters here who today can’t/won’t take their iX on certain journeys because the risk of being stuck at an L2 charger for hours is too high to accept. A REx option would be perfect for them.

Also, I can’t imagine that someone is not going to charge their battery at home, and reap the huge savings per mile versus putting fuel in the relatively small tank onboard a REx. That would be monumentally inefficient.

Lastly we have behemoths weighing about 8,000lbs on our roads today, getting less than 2.0 miles/kWhr just so their owners can drive more than 400 miles. These are the Cadillac Escalade EVs; Hummer EVs; GM Pickups, etc. Making those with a 100kWhr battery and a REx would be so much better than the current 200kWhr battery stuffed into these vehicles.

YMMV

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by thebishman

Everything we’ve ever read about the ‘26 iX5 is that it is based on the CLAR architecture. The Autocar article initially mentions that the iX5 will be based on CLAR, but then when talking about how the iX5 will use elements from the NK EVs, such as the motors; batteries, etc., it trips itself up and states it will be an NK vehicle. Poor proof reading for sure.

As for the REx I think it is a very good move on BMWs part. There are many people in this country where existing, or perhaps even planned expansion of charging infrastructure, is lacking. Can you see this current administration making sure that the legislatures in a ND; WY, etc. ensure there is a robust charging infrastructure every 50-75 miles along major highways? Because I certainly don’t see that happening.

We have posters here who today can’t/won’t take their iX on certain journeys because the risk of being stuck at an L2 charger for hours is too high to accept. A REx option would be perfect for them.

Also, I can’t imagine that someone is not going to charge their battery at home, and reap the huge savings per mile versus putting fuel in the relatively small tank onboard a REx. That would be monumentally inefficient.

Lastly we have behemoths weighing about 8,000lbs on our roads today, getting less than 2.0 miles/kWhr just so their owners can drive more than 400 miles. These are the Cadillac Escalade EVs; Hummer EVs; GM Pickups, etc. Making those with a 100kWhr battery and a REx would be so much better than the current 200kWhr battery stuffed into these vehicles.

YMMV

I 100% agree. With my i3S REX, I could comfortably drive far and not worry about finding a public charger. Stopping and putting in about 2 gallons of gas would give me easily 70 miles of driving, even at highway speeds with full A/C. Then I would charge when I got home, or to a destination with a charger. It was a wonderful "EV" ownership experience.

If BMW would have updated the i3 with things like power seats, power liftgate, refreshed iDrive screen/main instruments, new colours, better interior choices....I think the i3 would still be selling like hotcakes! It was that good; so fun to drive and so easy to park and manuever!

[NomoTesla]

Originally Posted by thebishman

We have posters here who today can’t/won’t take their iX on certain journeys because the risk of being stuck at an L2 charger for hours is too high to accept. A REx option would be perfect for them.

This is hardly a significant share of the EV population. These are edge cases that do not justify.

Originally Posted by thebishman

Also, I can’t imagine that someone is not going to charge their battery at home, and reap the huge savings per mile versus putting fuel in the relatively small tank onboard a REx. That would be monumentally inefficient.

Don't underestimate the stupidity of the average American. Also, what will keep them from gassing up while on a trip instead of stopping at a DCFC? I guarantee you, most people who would buy such an abomination will run it like a gas car. People are dumb.

Originally Posted by thebishman

Lastly we have behemoths weighing about 8,000lbs on our roads today, getting less than 2.0 miles/kWhr just so their owners can drive more than 400 miles. These are the Cadillac Escalade EVs; Hummer EVs; GM Pickups, etc. Making those with a 100kWhr battery and a REx would be so much better than the current 200kWhr battery stuffed into these vehicles.

Those are penis-mobiles that are bought to satisfy ego and compensate for a size issue below the waist. Those buys are not about range anxiety in the slightest.

We also have monumentally efficient vehicles like Lucid and Tesla that get 3-4 mi/kWh or higher. Gasoline has no place in an EV. Period. Anybody who wants that should just buy a gas car and be happy. I am not a fan of a half-assed, all-of-the-above chickenshit strategy. That's the attitude that prevented companies like BMW from going all-in on EVs for decades. It took an all-in strategy by Tesla to push everyone else out of their complacency.

Oliver Zipse is a chickenshit coward who can't commit to the future. BMW's vision of the future is one of compromise and fear. Their future model line reflects this.