Does the new BMW X5 have a split tailgate?

This week, BMW unveiled the fifth-generation X5. While the big headlines were about its five different global powertrains, the news was mostly overshadowed by something more important: the lack of a split-folding tailgate.

The split tailgate has been a staple of the X5 since its launch in 1999. While other SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser removed this option several years ago, the X5 remains one of the last true holdouts. So far.

While attending the X5 launch event in Spartanburg, South Carolina, I asked BMW why they came to the decision to eliminate the split tailgate. Philip Cohen, director of luxury class cars for BMW Alpina and Rolls-Royce, told me:

‘Any average person with average arm length is really struggling. If you’re being completely honest, the split tailgate in itself is a nice thing with its low-end opening, and a normal sized person would really struggle to load the boot, or more importantly, unload the boot.’

Despite citing customer feedback, Cohen did not provide any concrete data or percentage of customers who had this issue. And social media feedback seems to contradict these claims, with current and former owners saying the feature is one of their favorite aspects of the car.

Cohen cited the desire to create a sleeker rear hatch as another reason for the X5 losing its tailgate, saying the following:

‘The second thing is that the roofline of the new

The 2027 BMW X5 is expected to arrive at dealers in late 2026 with gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and electric powertrain options. One thing it won’t have? A split tailgate.

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Source: BMW

Motor1’s Opinion: We don’t entirely believe the reason BMW removed the split-tailgate was due to customer reaction. We believe this may have more to do with cost-cutting measures, or a desire to create a smoother roofline for better range on the electric iX5 model. Still, we’re sad it’s gone, and there are fewer SUVs with a great rear tailgate setup.