BMW has pulled the wraps off the dramatically styled fifth-generation BMW X5 premium SUV boasting a full-house of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric.
More than 27 years on from the launch of the first-generation model – which heralded BMW’s inaugural SUV offering – the X5 has stepped into the future by developing a fresh philosophy that places the emphasis on freedom-of-choice.
BMW X5 and BMW iX5 Powertrain Options
The headline here is the conventionally powered X5 will be joined by a BMW iX5 version complete with an electric powertrain.
Following on from the launch of the BMW iX3 and BMW i3, while those models were launched pure electric models – with petrol-fuelled versions to follow – the X5 and iX5 were unveiled together.
As expected, the iX5 builds on the game-changing statistics of the iX3 with the line-up starting with the 60xDrive at launch. This model packs a huge 141kWh battery into its architecture to offer range of up to 525-miles, while also offering a meaty 569bhp and 805Nm of torque to ensure a 0-62mph sprint in 4.6secs.
Importantly, the iX5 is also able to support 460kW if you can find a DC ultra-rapid charger that’s powerful enough. If so, 10-80% of charge will be possible in 22-minutes, while 170-miles of range can be added in just ten minutes.
In the UK, the iX5 will be joined by diesel and PHEV set-ups (under the standard BMW X5 moniker). A petrol version will be offered too, but only in mainland Europe, while BMW has revealed it is developing a hydrogen X5 as well.
In diesel guise, the BMW X5 xDrive40d features a 48V mild-hybrid system to help improve return on fuel economy of up to 40.1mpg, while still providing 308bhp and a 0-62mph time of just 6.1secs.
There are also two PHEV options for the X5 – the xDrive50e and high-performance M60e, which generate 482bhp and 603bhp respectively.
Both use a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine as the base, which is mated to a 26.5kWh battery for up to 60-miles of electric only range.
What Does the BMW X5 and BMW iX5 Look Like?
The X5/iX5 is the latest BMW to be designed around the manufacturer’s fresh Neue Klasse design philosophy first seen on the iX3 and i3.
In terms of overall look, the X5 bears similarity to the iX3 with its slender, upright interpretation of BMW’s signature ‘kidney grille’, while the profile is muscular, yet athletic to help disguise its relatively large presence.
Beyond the size, there are other key details that help differentiate the X5 from its smaller sibling, notably the wider bumper profiles and – perhaps most clearly – the headlight layout, which incorporates a striking ‘X’ motif.
In an era of spaceship-like interiors, the BMW X5 keeps things simple, clean, and structural. Materials like glass and the optional slate (a world first) reinforce the elemental, calming feel inside.
The X5 keeps a high standard for driver feel as the sportiest SUV in its segment. From the get-go you can enjoy adaptive suspension, along with almost perfect 50/50 axle load distribution. If you want a little more planted driving feel, you can choose to add Adaptive Chassis Control or Adaptive Chassis Control Professional to the all-electric or hybrid models.
Advanced driver assistance systems are also in place to make your driving and the car’s systems work seamlessly together. The new iX5 will also include BMW Soft-Stop, improving the braking feel and performance of the drive.
When is the New BMW X5 Available?
The first BMW X5 models will arrive later in the year, in late November 2026. The plug-in hybrid and all-electric versions hitting the market in early 2027.
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