BMW’s first range-extender models may be on the horizon
News agency Bloomberg broke the news on BMW’s plans, citing sources familiar with the company’s strategy. Apparently, the automaker is considering developing range-extender versions of its top-end models, as these are “large enough to incorporate a small engine.” The report specifically mentions the X5 SUV and the 7 Series sedan.
While BMW has neither confirmed nor denied the plans outright, the company stated that it is “continuously analyzing usage patterns, customer needs and market developments and reviewing the market potential of various technologies.” This could be interpreted as an indirect acknowledgement, particularly given the success of Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) in China, that at least exploratory tests and studies are underway. However, this does not guarantee that such a drivetrain will ultimately feature in BMW’s production models. There had already been rumours about BMW exploring EREV technology last summer, however, so the move would not be entirely unlikely.
If BMW proceeds to develop range-extender models, the Munich-based automaker could become the first major German manufacturer to offer this technology. While the Volkswagen Group has also explored such drivetrains for the Chinese market, and a platform for large range-extender models is under development in North America under the US brand Scout (with recent speculation suggesting potential adoption by Audi), Volkswagen has yet to launch a production model in China.
In China, BMW, like other German automakers, faces declining sales, while domestic manufacturers such as BYD continue to gain market share. Chinese brands like the EREV specialist Li Auto have achieved significant success with range-extender models. Avatr and IM Motors also offer this drivetrain. The trend has even prompted Xpeng, previously focused exclusively on battery-electric vehicles, to expand its lineup with a range-extender model. BMW’s potential EREV markets, such as China and the USA, primarily feature larger vehicles with longer wheelbases, which are better suited to this technology than the more compact models prevalent in Europe.
However, the EREV boom in China has cooled significantly. Range-extender vehicles are not listed separately in sales figures but are categorised under plug-in hybrids. In October 2024, plug-in hybrids remained the fastest-growing segment, with 587,000 sales and 89% growth, while battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) grew by “only” 30%. By October 2025, plug-in hybrid growth had slowed to 605,000 units, whereas BEV sales surged from 842,000 to over 1.1 million vehicles. Even Li Auto, a pioneer in EREVs, is struggling to set new records: in October, the company, now also offering battery-electric vehicles, sold just 31,767 units, a 38% decline from the previous year. This marks the fourth consecutive month that Li Auto’s sales have fallen below 2023 levels.
A range-extender vehicle is an electrically driven car whose battery can also be charged via a cable. Onboard, a small internal combustion engine powers a generator to supply electricity. Unlike a plug-in hybrid, the combustion engine never directly drives the wheels; propulsion is solely electric. The battery-electric range typically spans 200 to 400 kilometres, which is lower than that of comparable battery-electric vehicles. In range-extender models, the battery is often slightly smaller to accommodate the additional components. However, the combined range often exceeds 1,000 kilometres, making them highly attractive on paper—particularly in rural China and the USA, where longer distances are common.
This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition.
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