- BMW has completely redesigned the X5 with new class styling, redesigned interiors and several controversial design changes.
- The iconic split tailgate is gone, replaced by a conventional liftgate to improve aerodynamics and packaging.
- The lineup expands to five powertrains globally, including gasoline, plug-in hybrid, electric, diesel, and hydrogen.
- The all-electric iX5 leads the range with 435 miles of estimated driving range (EPA) and a new-generation 141.0-kWh battery.
The BMW X5 nameplate is now 27 years old, and in that time, not much has changed. It retained largely the same shape, adopted many of the same design cues, and offered – more or less – the same engine options.
For the fifth-generation X5, BMW has thrown almost all thinking out the window to create something different from the old X5s. Thanks to the new classy design, bold interiors and five-yes, five—Various powertrain options, the new X5 is as different as ever.
We have got all the information.
Photo by: BMW
A brand new exterior
We have a lot to cover here, but first, let’s start up front. The X5 comes with new double-X headlights that may or may not resemble the logo of a certain social media app. Flip a switch, and they’ll turn yellow, a nod to classic BMW M cars. If you want to turn them off completely, don’t worry, there’s a button in the cabin that turns off the left bar.
Around the sides, you’ll notice the lack of traditional door handles. Yes, BMW has followed in the footsteps of companies like Ford and Volvo by adding winged door handles operated by a button. This helps create a more streamlined design, which when revealed to us, was hailed as an example of “BMW’s engineering prowess.” Just like the updated 7 Series, the doors can be opened and closed via both the key fob and the BMW app on your smartphone.
The back is where we see the most controversial addition, or dare we say subtractionFor BMW X5: No split-folding tailgate. Sadly, one of the X5’s key features is now gone. BMW says the decision is based on customer feedback and a desire to create a more aerodynamic shape. Whatever the real reason, we’re sad it’s gone.
big and heavy
As far as size is concerned, the BMW X5 is 2.2 inches longer and 0.6 inches shorter than the previous version. In terms of size, it is roughly equivalent to the current BMW iX, a car that may be replaced by the new X5 worldwide in the coming years.
The weight of X5 also increases significantly. The base gasoline-powered car is about 300 pounds heavier than the outgoing model, which costs 5,213 pounds. The plug-in hybrid model weighs even more, at 5,985 pounds. The pure electric iX5, however, takes the heaviest cake, weighing in at a surprising 6,393 pounds – nearly 1,200 pounds more than the regular internal combustion model.
A wonderful cabin
The X5 is the latest BMW to feature the brand’s updated interior, which is found on all new class cars. It has the same dashboard setup as the i3, but has more in common with the recently updated 7 Series. The biggest similarity between the two is the addition of the optional 14.6-inch passenger display to complement the massive 17.9-inch center touchscreen.
BMW’s new vertically spoke steering wheel also comes to the X5; However, upgrading to the M Sport package gives you access to a more traditional M Sport steering wheel. The new
The interior materials are also a highlight of the new X5, with many surfaces given new accents. For example, the center console can now be optioned with a slat, a first for the BMW brand. Alcantara can also be optionally chosen to cover both lower parts of the dashboard, doorcards and even the wireless charger. Glass controls for the seats are also optional.
Five different powertrains
If there’s one thing BMW is proud of about the new X5, it’s that it has five different powertrain options. The new X5 is available with a combustion engine, a plug-in hybrid, a battery, a diesel and even hydrogen. But don’t get too excited just yet; Diesel won’t be coming to the US, and hydrogen powerplants won’t arrive until 2028.
For US trims, BMW plans to offer a single gasoline X5 40 model, powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six engine that produces 394 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. There will be a single plug-in hybrid trim available in the US, the The more powerful M60e PHEV will not enter Stateside.
| Sample | powertrain | Production |
| BMW X5 40 | 3.0L straight-six | 394 hp/428 lb-ft |
| BMW X5 50E | 3.0L straight-six PHEV | 483 hp |
| BMW X5 M60e | 3.0L straight-six PHEV | 612 hp |
| BMW iX5 60 | 141.0-kilowatt | 578 hp/593 lb-ft |
| BMW X5 Hydrogen | tbd | tbd |
The battery-powered X5s, or iX5, will also come to the US. As of now, BMW offers only one trim, the iX5 60. It features a new 141.0 kWh battery similar to the one seen in current and future New Class BMWs. The battery sends power to all four wheels and produces 578 hp and 593 lb-ft of torque. The iX5 60 has a range of up to 435 miles in the US.
The battery itself is a completely new norm for the brand. The battery cells are the same as those seen in the recently revealed iX3; However, they have been made slightly larger resulting in a 30 percent utility increase. This results in a denser battery, while reducing both the size and weight of the physical battery.
Pricing and Availability
The price of the 2027 BMW X5 40 will start at $69,800. The X5 50e plug-in is more expensive at $77,500, and the fully electric iX5 60 is nearly $10,000 more expensive than the base gasoline model at $79,800. BMW plans to have the new X5 on dealer lots by the end of 2026.
29
Source: BMW
Motor1’s Opinion: This is BMW’s boldest X5 yet. With a revolutionary new front-end design, five powertrain options and a modern interior in line with the upcoming Neue Klasse range, the German automaker is giving one of its best sellers a major makeover. But we think it will be beneficial.
