iX

Make
BMW
Segment
SUV

Last month, the BMW iX3 debuted as the Bavarian automaker's first-ever electric SUV, but it certainly won't be the last. We've known for a long time that BMW is putting the iNext luxury electric SUV concept into production. Now, our spy photographers have caught BMW testing a couple of pre-production iNext prototypes with less camouflage, revealing some new design details. One of the prototypes was being towed, while the other was being transported on a trailer.

For the first time, the BMW iNext, which will reportedly be called the iX5 when it enters production, is now fitted with production headlights and taillights. We can also now see the outlines for the iX5's massive grille with diamond-shaped accents, which will be loaded with radar, camera, and sensor technology enabling Level 3 semi-autonomous driving.

At the back, the rear lights appear to be housed in the tailgate and we can now see the window lines. The prototype being towed sits on production wheels wrapped in 21-inch Pirelli P Zeros tires, while the US model on the trailer has Bridgestone tires.

On the prototype being transported on the trailer, we get a glimpse of the BMW iX5's futuristic curved dashboard housing the infotainment system and digital gauge cluster. A small switch replaces the traditional gear stick, and the steering wheel sports a two-spoke design similar to the i3's steering wheel. In terms of proportions, the iX5 will be similar in size to the combustion-powered BMW X5.

BMW is reportedly targeting a WLTP-rated range of 360 miles for the iX5, so we're expecting the US model to be rated at around 300 miles by the EPA. Technical specifications haven't been officially confirmed, but the base BMW iX5 will reportedly use a 63-kWh battery pack and produce 335 horsepower, enabling the electric SUV to sprint from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds.

A 92-kWh battery is expected to power the mid-tier model, which will reportedly produce 429 hp and reach 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds. Topping the range will be a dual-motor variant with over 500 hp and a 120 kWh battery. The production BMW iNext will go on sale sometime in 2021.