BMW Group extends holistic sustainability approach to new BMW X5, cutting lifecycle CO2e by 40%
The new BMW X5 will feature a 40% reduction in lifecycle CO2e emissions and use 50% electric arc furnace steel, as BMW applies its holistic sustainability strategy across all drivetrain variants.
- 40%
- 50%
- 28%
What Happened
The BMW Group is extending its holistic sustainability approach to the new BMW X5, aiming to minimize the vehicle's carbon footprint across the entire lifecycle. Key levers include decarbonization of the supply chain, improved efficiency, and increased use of secondary materials. The strategy applies to all drivetrain variants, including the battery-electric iX5.
40%
During the product development process, compared to industry averages.
Around 50% of the flat steel used in the new BMW X5 is electric arc furnace steel (EAF steel), produced using renewable energy and a high proportion of secondary material. This is enabled by close collaboration with local suppliers in North America. The aluminium used for doors contains 35% recycled and closed-loop material from BMW Spartanburg's press shop.
28%
Per watt-hour compared to Gen5 cells, due to secondary materials and renewable energy in production.
At Plant Spartanburg, BMW's largest production site, all external power comes from renewable sources. Between 2006 and 2025, energy consumption per vehicle decreased by 66% and waste sent to landfills by 88%. The new high-voltage battery assembly in Woodruff operates without fossil fuels. BMW will publish a TÜV-validated Product Carbon Footprint for the X5 at launch.
Why this matters
This demonstrates how automakers can reduce carbon footprints through supply chain innovations and secondary materials, not just electrification. The approach covers all drivetrain types, showing sustainability can be comprehensive.
Terms in This Story
- CO2e
- Carbon dioxide equivalent, a standard measure of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Electric arc furnace steel (EAF steel)
- Steel produced by melting scrap metal in an electric arc furnace, often using renewable energy.
- Secondary raw materials
- Recycled or reused materials that replace virgin raw materials in production.
- Product Carbon Footprint
- Total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a product throughout its entire lifecycle.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.