I’m digging what the 2027 X5 looks like, mostly because the whole new class design language really speaks to me. Heck, I think it even looks good when mounted on cars that didn’t originally have it, like the facelifted 7 Series. Before we get into the exact details, let me explain what the new X5’s X-shaped running lights look like The eyes of a cartoon character when animators put an X over them to make it appear that they are dead. I think the headlights are fun and silly and could pay homage to the BMW 328 Hommage Concept, but I can’t help but think the straight lines of the iX3’s headlights would look better. However, someone at BMW agrees with me, because the “double-X icons”, as the company calls them, can be turned off for a closer look to the iX3.
Apart from the headlights, the front of the It has the same narrow, upright kidney grilles that are reminiscent of BMWs from almost 100 years ago, with the X5’s kidneys being slightly larger and more square than the iX3’s. They are surrounded on either side by a large black space with illuminated shapes and trapezoidal headlights extending to the very edges of the fascia. BMW says the front end is even longer than before, which is sure to annoy any pedestrian-conscious people reading this, and I have to say, it certainly looks impressive. I wouldn’t want to see it in my rearview mirror on the highway, that’s for sure.
However, if it were in my rearview mirror, I’d have difficulty distinguishing the gas car from the iX5, because apart from some additional air intakes in the gas model’s lower bumper, the two SUVs look identical – the base six-cylinder X5 (the green one above) doesn’t even have exhaust tips. The X5’s horizontal air intakes are meant to emphasize the “sportiness and stability” of the gas model, while the iX5 has a continuous apron design that looks a little more “elegant”.
BMW
The side view of the X5 is also in line with BMW’s current New Class look. Monolithic is the word I would use; It is largely slab-sided and very similar to the now defunct iX in terms of surface area. There are still some funky details, like the square scoop-outs above the wheel arches that make them look more aggressive than they really are, the wide side skirts you’ll definitely knock your shins out of (as I did several times), and BMW’s signature Hofmeister kink in the D-pillar. Other neat features include hidden window sills that create a flush transition between paint and glass, and new “BMW Winglets” touch-sensitive door handles on the B- and C-pillars that are used to open and close the car’s four passenger doors. There is a fully electric power option that will fully open the doors with a light touch, and soft closing comes as standard.
You can also notice that the wheels have been pushed out to the corners a little more than before, thanks to the 2.4 inches in extra wheelbase, though BMW hasn’t yet said how long the new X5 is. Like the front end, the rear is reminiscent of the iX3 with tall, intricate taillights that make the X5 look even wider than it actually is. It certainly has a nice stance which is aided by the gloss black lower bumper and diffuser section, and what almost looks like a shelf above the taillights.
Andy Kalmowitz/Jalopnik
Like all BMWs at this point, buyers can add an M Sport package that makes the The M Sport Professional package bumps this up to 11, adding 22-inch wheels, red M Sport brakes and some more black trim on the exterior.
To join the new X5, BMW is offering 10 wheel designs ranging from 21 to 23 inches, and 11 exterior colors. Hey, five of them are actually new for 2027, although three of them are different shades of brown. (No, I’m not kidding.)
