Stories proceed to construct round BMW’s attainable return to the vary extender. After earlier experiences steered the next-generation X5 might get the Vary Extender remedy, now Bloomberg is including gasoline to the story, reporting that BMW is evaluating range-extender variants for top-end fashions just like the X5 and seven Sequence, in line with folks accustomed to the corporate’s technique. These bigger autos have the packaging house to suit a compact engine used completely as a generator—just like how BMW configured the previous i3 REx.
Why A Vary Extender?
China explains most of it. BMW’s gross sales within the area aren’t as sturdy as they as soon as had been, however the nation stays the corporate’s single largest market. Final 12 months, 29.2% of all BMW Group deliveries (together with MINI and Rolls-Royce) went to Chinese language prospects—greater than the USA and Germany mixed. And China’s style for extended-range electrical autos (EREVs) is skyrocketing.
In keeping with Automotive Information, citing the China Passenger Automotive Affiliation, EREV gross sales grew practically 50% within the first 5 months of 2025. Native heavyweights like BYD’s Yangwang U8, Aito M9, and Li Auto L9 have turned the range-extender structure into a well-liked center floor between pure EVs and combustion SUVs.
BMW deserted the i3 REX years in the past, however the market situations have modified dramatically. A next-generation X5 working a extremely environment friendly generator engine at fixed rpm may resonate with patrons who need EV driving more often than not however refuse to cope with long-distance charging nervousness.
Bloomberg’s reporting notes that American patrons—particularly within the massive SUV segments—have additionally proven curiosity within the range-extender format. The upcoming Ramcharger pickup and Volkswagen Scout tasks use related pondering: an electrical drivetrain backed by a small combustion generator to increase vary with out sacrificing towing or long-distance functionality. In Europe, future EREV classification may exempt these autos from the 2035 combustion ban, relying on how laws evolve. It’s removed from assured, however the chance provides one more reason for BMW to discover REX fashions.
A Small Engine as a Devoted Generator
If BMW greenlights the undertaking, the system would probably mirror the i3 philosophy: the engine wouldn’t drive the wheels in any respect. As a substitute, it will run at an optimum, fastened rpm to cost the battery and stabilize consumption. BMW already develops compact, environment friendly gasoline engines in-house, in addition to generator-friendly elements that would shorten the event cycle.
For now, BMW’s official place stays rigorously non-committal. A spokesperson advised Bloomberg the corporate is: “constantly analyzing utilization patterns, buyer wants, and market developments and reviewing the market potential of assorted applied sciences.” As of right now, we’re additionally listening to from sources that BMW has but to approve any range-extender fashions, and their future stays unsure.
