Summary

BMW’s autumn 2026 update adds electric iX5 and iX3 variants, raises the X3 M50’s output and introduces new digital features. The company also describes a high-pressure casting process for lighter M5 wheels.

BMW’s autumn 2026 model update adds electric versions of the X5 and X3, raises the output of the X3 M50 xDrive and brings new software features to vehicles with BMW Operating System X. The company also says a high-pressure casting process will be used to make new M Performance wheels for the BMW M5.

Contents

New electric models and powertrains

The new BMW iX5 60 xDrive is an all-electric version of the latest X5 generation. BMW lists output of 425 kW (578 hp), energy consumption of 22.5–19.3 kWh/100 km and a WLTP electric range of 723–850 km. The release also names two plug-in hybrid X5 models: the X5 50e xDrive, with 360 kW (489 hp), and the X5 M60e xDrive, with 450 kW (612 hp).

A new iX3 variant, the iX3 40 xDrive, is rated at 275 kW (374 hp). BMW gives it a WLTP range of 515–621 km and energy consumption of 19.5–16.3 kWh/100 km. The company says the X3 M50 xDrive will gain 33 kW (45 hp), taking output to 326 kW (443 hp).

The 7 Series range is also expanding with the 740d xDrive, 750e xDrive plug-in hybrid and M760e xDrive. BMW says all three use 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engines; their stated outputs are 230 kW (313 hp), 360 kW (489 hp) and 450 kW (612 hp), respectively.

These figures are BMW’s WLTP values for the specified vehicles. The company notes that real-world consumption and range depend on factors including driving style, route, weather, load, equipment and battery condition.

A different process for M5 wheels

From autumn 2026, BMW plans to offer new 20-inch or 21-inch M Performance light-alloy wheels for the M5 Sedan and M5 Touring. They will be available in Gold Bronze and Jet Black as complete wheel sets with sport tyres.

BMW says the wheels use a high-pressure casting process developed by Germany’s Entec-Stracon GmbH. The company describes casting each wheel under vacuum and high pressure in 0.05 seconds, with the process monitored by 80 sensors and an AI system. It says the method produces a smaller metal grain size, allowing weight savings of up to 20 per cent per wheel while maintaining performance. BMW also reports that the process halves production time and the energy required to make a wheel.

Reducing wheel mass can matter because wheels are part of a vehicle’s unsprung mass—the components that move with the suspension rather than being supported by it. BMW says the lighter wheels are intended to benefit handling, acceleration and braking.

Digital features and market timing

BMW plans to add Amazon Prime Video to vehicles equipped with BMW Operating System 9 or X in the second half of 2026. Customers will be able to access video through the BMW Video & TV app or an app downloaded from the in-car store, with viewing able to resume from where it stopped at home.

From October 2026, BMW Maps on vehicles with Operating System X is due to combine navigation, vehicle surroundings and driver-assistance information in a 3D view. BMW says the feature combines map data, vehicle sensors and AI, and uses mapping technology from Mapbox. Search will also incorporate Google data, including information such as reviews and photos.

BMW Drive Challenge, for Operating System X vehicles, is designed to give real-time feedback on acceleration, steering and braking. The company says a My BMW app feature showing journey ratings is expected from the end of 2026, with the broader function rolling out in stages across models.

The release gives different production timings for the new models, ranging from November 2026 for some 7 Series variants to February 2027 for the iX3 40 xDrive. BMW says the listed technical and consumption data are provisional and describe vehicles as offered on the German market.

Sources