German Automaker BMW has unveiled the fifth generation BMW X5. The SUV has a new exterior design, new cabin, more features and more powertrain options. For the first time, the luxury SUV will be available in a fully electric variant, the iX5, while a hydrogen fuel-cell version is also confirmed for a later launch. Production will begin at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the US in August 2026. The petrol and diesel models will reach global markets from late November 2026, followed by the plug-in hybrid and electric versions in early 2027. There is no information on when BMW will bring the new X5 to the Indian market. Power train The new BMW X5 will be offered with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and later, hydrogen fuel-cell power. The range includes the X5 40 xDrive petrol, X5 40d xDrive diesel, X5 50e xDrive and X5 M60e xDrive plug-in hybrids, and the all-electric iX5 60 xDrive. BMW has also confirmed a production-spec iX5 Hydrogen for an upcoming launch. The X5 40 xDrive is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance, producing 400hp and 580Nm. The X5 40d xDrive diesel puts out 313hp and 670Nm. The X5 50e xDrive combines a 3.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver 489hp and 700Nm, while the X5 M60e xDrive produces 612hp and 800Nm. Both plug-in hybrid versions offer an electric-only WLTP range of up to 102km and support AC charging up to 11kW.
Speaking of the all-electric iX5, it is powered by a 141kWh battery and an 800V electrical architecture and paired with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that produces 578hp and 805Nm, enabling a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of km/h. BMW claims a WLTP driving range of up to 845km. The battery supports DC fast charging up to 460kW, allowing a 10-80 percent recharge in 23 minutes, along with 22kW AC charging and bidirectional charging capabilities.Design In terms of design, the new BMW X5 design is inspired by BMW’s Neue Klasse design language. It features a longer front end with an illuminated kidney grille and a new “double-X” LED light signature. Daytime running lights, indicators and low-beam headlights are integrated into one unit, while adaptive LED headlights with cornering lights, matrix high beam and Selective Beam technology are standard.
The profile gets flush-mounted glass, electrically operated BMW Winglet door handles integrated into the B- and C-pillars, prominent wheel arches and a sculpted shoulder line. At the rear, the SUV gets slimmer LED tail-lamps, a revised bumper and a wider stance. The M60e xDrive receives model-specific styling, while the M Sport and M Sport Pro packages remain available on other variants. Buyers can choose from 11 exterior colors and 21- to 23-inch alloy wheels. Dimensionally, the X5 measures 4,994mm in length, 2,000mm in width and has a wheelbase of 3,035mm. Boot capacity stands at 655 litres, expanding to 1,850 liters with the rear seats folded. The plug-in hybrid variants offer between 525 liters and 1,680 liters of luggage space.Interior and features Moving inside, the SUV gets a new dashboard with fewer physical controls and BMW’s Panoramic iDrive interface, which projects important information across the base of the windshield. Other highlights include a diagonal 17.9-inch touchscreen, a 3D head-up display, an optional passenger display and a redesigned steering wheel. The cabin can be equipped with slate and glass trim, extended ambient lighting, panoramic glass roof, sports seats, ventilated multifunction front seats with massage, soft-close doors, wireless charging, over-the-air software updates and Bowers & Wilkins audio system with Dolby Atmos. Four-zone climate control is optional, while rear passengers get a dedicated touchscreen for climate functions.
Safety features include Level 2 driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, highway and urban driving assist, parking assist and autonomous emergency braking. Multiple airbags, tire pressure monitoring and electronic stability control are also standard. Adaptive suspension is fitted across the range, while Adaptive Chassis Control and adaptive air suspension are available on select variants.