BMW wants more fully electric models

The BMW Board of Management has apparently given the go-ahead for electric versions of the 5 Series and the X1 compact SUV. An all-electric 5 Series is also part of BMW’s product plan in China. A fully electric 3-series will also be added.

Accordingly, BMW and its China partner Brilliance are planning BEV versions of the 3 Series and 5 Series, each with a long wheelbase, after the purely electric iX3, which is to be produced in the BMW Brilliance plant in Dadong starting next year, and in Tiexi starting in 2022.

Another electric SUV for the Chinese market is also planned, which could be the series version of the iNext. For these four electric models, BMW expects an annual production of around 150,000 vehicles, of which 100,000 will be the electric 3-series and iX3 as well as around 50,000 the electric 5-series and the still nameless electric SUV.

Oliver Zipse has been the new CEO of the manufacturer since mid-August. Together with his predecessor Harald Krüger, he has developed the accelerated electrical strategy. The BMW Board of Management now reportedly gave the go-ahead for electric versions of the 5-series and the X1 compact SUV. Local media reports this with reference to company circles. With this step, BMW would start the second wave of electrification.

handelsblatt.com (German), gasgoo.com (China)