Bloomberg: BMW mulling EREV variants of present fashions

BMW is evaluating the addition of vary extenders to massive electrical autos as Chinese language opponents acquire market share with the expertise, sources accustomed to the matter have instructed Bloomberg. The automaker is contemplating vary extender variations of top-end fashions together with the X5 SUV and 7-Sequence sedan, which have adequate house to include a small engine functioning as an on-board generator slightly than driving the wheels.

The event builds on earlier reporting that emerged in June 2025 about BMW’s potential return to extended-range electrical autos (EREVs) after abandoning the i3 REx mannequin years in the past. China is the probably goal market; native EREV gross sales grew almost 50% throughout the primary 5 months of 2025 in response to China Passenger Automotive Affiliation knowledge. The nation is a key marketplace for BMW—even amid weakened gross sales and rising native competitors—representing 29.2% of deliveries together with Mini and Rolls-Royce. This exceeds mixed volumes from the US and Germany.

EREV fashions from Chinese language automakers (for instance, BYD’s Yangwang U8, Aito’s M9 and Li Auto’s L9) have gained reputation within the SUV section. The expertise has additionally attracted curiosity within the US the place prospects err in direction of massive SUVs for long-distance journey, with BMW’s long-wheelbase variants bought in each markets usually thought-about well-suited for the method.

BMW already manufactures the parts required for vary extender methods together with environment friendly small engines and gearboxes, which would scale back growth prices for the expertise. The corporate has not formally authorized any vary extender programme, with automotive provider ZF reportedly collaborating with BMW on extended-range electrical automobile options.

“We repeatedly analyse utilization patterns, buyer wants and market developments and assessment the market potential of varied applied sciences,” a BMW spokesperson instructed Bloombergneither confirming nor denying the report. The corporate would grow to be the primary German automaker to supply vary extender expertise, nonetheless comparatively unusual in European markets.

Elsewhere, Stellantis is getting ready a range-extended Ramcharger pickup truck for the American market, whereas Volkswagen’s Scout model plans rugged range-extended SUVs in coming years. Renault Chief Government Officer Francois Provost has additionally indicated that the French automaker is together with the expertise in funding deliberations for its subsequent marketing strategy, echoing the sentiment that EREVs might show a viable resolution to the mid- to large-size automobile section.