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BMW to Launch iX5 EV 2026 as Honda Shelves Models

6/30/2026

Summary

BMW Starts US EV Production

BMW will start U.S. EV production by the end of 2026 with the iX5 SUV at Spartanburg, S.C.
The iX5 will be the first new electric model built on the Spartanburg line.
BMW aims to produce six electric models at Spartanburg by 2030, using exports that let it tap Europe’s 20 percent EV share versus about 6 percent in United States.
Honda cancelled three U.S. electric models, incurring $9 billion in restructuring charges.

Summary

BMW Launches X5

BMW will launch the X5 with five powertrains, from 400 PS gasoline to 578 PS iX5 electric, and a cabin adding a panoramic dashboard, head-up display and central touchscreen while dropping the digital instrument cluster.
The iX5 60 xDrive uses dual motors, a 141 kWh battery, offers 645-845 km range, charges at 460 kW and tops out at 210 km/h.
The rollout sets prices €94,800–€125,000, starts production August 2026, deliveries late November, and a hydrogen model for 2028.

Summary

BMW Completes Expansion

BMW completed a $1.7 billion investment in South Carolina, finishing the Spartanburg expansion and building Plant Woodruff.
U.S. operations now support 120,000 jobs and generate $43.3 billion annually.
Spartanburg exports nearly 3 million vehicles worth $113 billion to 120 countries.
BMW’s iFACTORY system uses digital twins and AI-driven robotics, while AIQX sensors give real-time quality feedback.
Physical AI adds Figure AI humanoid robots that help workers with repetitive tasks, boosting precision.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 Tesla delivered its first Roadster, the first highway-legal electric sports car, showing that EVs could combine performance with market appeal. That breakthrough prompted legacy makers such as BMW to commit $1.7 billion to expand its Spartanburg plant, where an AI-driven iFACTORY will begin building the iX5 SUV in 2026, aiming to help the U.S. reach a 20 percent EV share by the early 2030s.

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BMW Starts US EV Production

BMW will start U.S. EV production by the end of 2026 with the iX5 SUV at Spartanburg, S.C.
The iX5 will be the first new electric model built on the Spartanburg line.
BMW aims to produce six electric models at Spartanburg by 2030, using exports that let it tap Europe’s 20 percent EV share versus about 6 percent in United States.
Honda cancelled three U.S. electric models, incurring $9 billion in restructuring charges.

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