- The new BMW X5 will get a V8 engine in 2027.
- It will be available in an M Performance version, most likely the X5 M60.
- The twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V8 is likely to continue into the 2030s.
The new X5 will go down in history as BMW’s first production model with five types of powertrains: gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, electric and hydrogen. However, there’s still something missing, at least at launch: a big old V8. Initially, the luxury SUV will only be available with an inline-six engine on the ICE side, but we bring good news: the eight-cylinder engine stays.
A press release for the fifth generation of the Spartanburg-built Luxobarge confirms that a bigger engine is on the way. Not surprisingly, BMW is reserving the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 for the M-flavored version of its revised X5. However, we should point out that this won’t be a full-fat X5 M but an M Performance model.
Although it doesn’t have an official name yet, an educated guess tells us that it will be called the X5 M60. Yes, without the “i” at the end, as BMW is dropping the letter from gasoline-powered models. This has already happened with several models, including the new X5 for 40 editions. In the future, the “i” designation will be reserved exclusively for electric vehicles.
Photo by: BMW
The new X5 M60 will have to wait as it will not be available at launch alongside the new Audi Q7 rival. BMW plans to launch a V8-powered version sometime in 2027. Most enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear that the M Lite version will not be a plug-in hybrid, but will offer a pure V8 experience. We wouldn’t rule out a mild-hybrid setup, but the 48-volt system adds only a minimal weight penalty compared to a much heavier PHEV setup with a significantly larger battery.
The new BMW X5 is getting three M Performance versions
Talking about plug-in hybrids, the X5 gets an M Performance variant at launch. It’s called the X5 M60e, but it won’t be offered in the United States. BMW is also preparing a third not-so-cute-M model with no combustion engine: a hotter iX5 derivative. Munich hasn’t yet committed to a full-fat
Given that the outgoing While the new Additionally, the recently facelifted 7 Series is getting the V8 treatment with an M Performance variant in 2027. The Alpina side of BMW Group is also developing a V8-powered 7 Series and will likely do the same for the next-generation X7.
The BMW V12 is on, but not at BMW
BMW technically still makes an even bigger engine. However, the twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 assembled at the Hams Hall factory in the UK is exclusive to Rolls-Royce models. The Goodwood-based ultra-luxury brand had planned to go completely electric by 2030, but that is no longer the case.
As a result, the twelve-cylinder powerplant is also set to continue into the next decade. As far as the return of BMW or Alpina models, we wouldn’t count on it.
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Source: BMW
Motor1’s Opinion: While Mercedes-AMG is making a big deal about recommitting to V8 engines, the eight-cylinder X5 is little more than a footnote in a press release. The reason is simple: BMW never said it would move away from large-displacement engines or combustion engines in general. Even with strict Euro 7 emissions regulations, the V8 still has life left in it.
The only concern is about the output. BMW had to discontinue its largest engines in the M5 and XM to comply with stricter emissions regulations in markets following the Euro 7 standard. We’ll have to wait and see if the X5 M60, or whatever it’s called, will lose some of its Bavarian-bred ponies in Europe.
