BMW’s new X5 will come with multiple powertrains. The gasoline alternative will be augmented by diesel, plug-in hybrid, electric and hydrogen options. At the time of the SUV’s launch, it appeared that the V8 was gone, with gas powertrains seemingly limited to BMW’s ubiquitous inline-six engine options. However, it appears that the V8-powered X5 will indeed live on, even if BMW customers will have to wait a little longer for it.
BMW will limit the V8 to buyers (enthusiasts) who care about it by only offering it in a performance-focused version. Although BMW’s statements to the media did not specifically name the trim level that will hold the powertrain, it is likely that the brand will continue to use its current nomenclature. The upcoming V8 model is expected to be called the X5 M60. BMW should remove the “i” from the end of the name, as it has done with many of its new models. It appears that this letter will be reserved as a prefix for electric models like BMW’s i3. The model won’t even get a full M badge, although the X5 M is definitely on the way.
The new X5 will offer five different types of powertrains.
BMW
View 2 images in this gallery on the original article
BMW is considering launching the new V8 X5 sometime in 2027. M Performance models should be largely free of hybrid assistance, although a mild-hybrid setup, where additional power is usually brought from an electric motor to the gearbox, is possible. After all, the previous X5 M60 did just that. BMW is likely to reuse the older model’s 4.4-litre V8. At the end of the previous X5 generation, that powertrain developed 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, fed to all four wheels via BMW’s excellent xDrive all-wheel drive system. BMW buyers should expect similar numbers, if not higher.
