German luxury automaker BMW is moving forward with plans to build fully electric versions of its iX5 and iX7 SUVs at its Spartanburg assembly plant in South Carolina, despite recent disruptions from U.S. trade policy changes under President Donald Trump.
The electric iX5, expected to launch as the iX5, will enter production in August 2026, followed by the iX7 in 2027. Both models will continue using BMW’s cluster architecture (CLAR) but integrate technologies from the brand’s Neue Klasse electric platform, including an 800-volt architecture and next-generation battery cells.
The decision is part of a broader $1.7 billion investment in BMW’s North American manufacturing operations. Of that, $1 billion will be used to upgrade the Spartanburg plant for EV production, and $700 million will go toward building a new battery assembly facility in nearby Woodruff, SC. The new facility will produce sixth-generation cylindrical battery cells developed in partnership with Envision AESC.
Spartanburg, BMW’s largest production site globally, will serve as the hub for electrified versions of its X-series lineup. In addition to the iX5 and iX7, the plant already produces plug-in hybrid variants and is expected to manufacture at least six fully electric models in the U.S. by 2030.
The iX5 will be offered alongside gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid versions, maintaining BMW’s multi-powertrain strategy. The electric SUV will feature dual-motor xDrive configurations, including a high-performance iX5 M70 variant and a hydrogen-powered fuel cell version scheduled for 2028.
The iX7, BMW’s first fully electric full-size luxury SUV, will include a flagship M70 model with more than 800 horsepower. A separate ALPINA-tuned version, reportedly producing up to 900 horsepower, is also in development. Traditional engine options, including a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 and inline-six gasoline units, will continue in select markets, such as North America.
BMW has not yet revealed details about the successor to the X6, but plans suggest it will follow a similar dual path with both internal combustion and electric variants, including a new iX6 by 2028.
