BMW’s High-Performance Electric X5 Is Getting Tires Not Even Supercars Have Yet

With the reveals of the iX3 crossover and i3 sedan out of the way, BMW is now preparing to go up a size with the iX5, or electric X5. Thanks to new spy shots from the Autoblog photographers, we now know that the most powerful version, tipped to get the M70 badge (not M60 as previously assumed), will have new rubber from Michelin, rubber that isn’t yet available, even on the quickest supercars. The sidewalls reveal that the tires are Pilot Sport S 6, the latest evolution of the road-going range, and our photographers got close enough to see the measurements, too. The wheels are a massive 23 inches in diameter, and at the front, they’re 295/35 tires, while the back tires measure a monstrous 315 millimeters across, with a 35 percent sidewall. Clearly, there’s a lot of power to put down (and, as an EV, a lot of weight to deal with, too).

New Electric BMW X5 Likely to Exceed 650 HP

The PS S 5 rubber only launched in 2023, so this new G65 iX5 must be seriously monstrous to require a new compound, and the star on the sidewall indicates it’s a BMW-specific variation. The i7 and iX M70 variants produce totals of 650 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque, but since this new iX5 is based on Neue Klasse architecture, it’s likely to make even more. BMW’s quad-motor electric powertrain is capable of over 1,340 hp, and given that the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo S EV makes up to 1,140 hp, and that this isn’t a full-fat M product, it’s quite likely that this will make well over 700 hp, leaving the range room to expand without feeling underpowered.

Among the other range fillers for the global market are expected to be diesel, gas, hydrogen, and plug-in hybrid variants, though America will likely only get gas, all-electric, and hybrid setups. We’ll know more when the X5 debuts this summer for the 2027 model year, but until then, let’s take a closer look at the design.

2027 BMW iX5: An iX3, But Bigger and Bolder

Much like the iX3, the iX5 prototype in these images shows that the production vehicle will have a Vision Neue Klasse X-inspired design, with a “valley” running down the middle of the hood into narrow, vertically aligned kidney-style grille outlines. Either side of the illuminated kidney shapes will be the inner sides of a mask-like frontal signature, within which the headlights will be placed. Lower down, there’s a central intake, and in profile, drilled brake rotors with large silver calipers will help slow the behemoth. Inserts on the lower sides of the doors will help add texture to the body and minimize damage from dings, while at the back, we see a sporty roof spoiler with two large fins.

Related: The New BMW 7 Series Hits the Nürburgring for the First Time

As at the front, the taillights will be separated by a recess in the bodywork, but these will be more contoured and more L-shaped for the iX5 than the iX3. A placeholder bumper hides the final form of the rear end, but renders give us a good idea of what to expect. And inside, BMW’s Panoramic Vision iDrive X system will appear once more. Expect more details before long, as BMW has already begun teasing the iX5 Hydrogen.