BMW X5 platform and positioning
The fifth-generation BMW X5 (G65) was revealed at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant on a new CLAR-based architecture carrying Neue Klasse design elements. It is BMW’s first production model offered with five distinct powertrain types across one body, though the diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid versions keep the X5 name while the battery-electric version is badged separately as the iX5. The signature two-piece split tailgate is gone, replaced by a conventional single liftgate, and the X5 is now strictly a two-row SUV.
BMW X5 powertrain
Petrol power comes from a 3.0-litre B58 turbocharged inline-six making 394 hp, offered as rear-wheel drive in the US or with xDrive all-wheel drive; European cars make slightly less torque (540 Nm versus 580 Nm) under WLTP calibration. A 3.0-litre B57 turbodiesel, detuned from the outgoing generation, is available with xDrive in Europe only. The plug-in hybrid range spans two versions: the X5 50e xDrive combines the inline-six with an electric motor for 483 hp and 700 Nm, drawing on a 26.5 kWh battery for up to 102 km of WLTP electric range, while the launch-flagship X5 M60e xDrive raises that to 603 hp, 800 Nm, a 4.5-second 0-100 km/h time and four exhaust tips.
Inside the BMW X5
Inside, BMW replaces the previous rotary iDrive controller with the new iDrive X system, built around a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and an optional 14.6-inch front-passenger display carried over from the 7 Series. A Panoramic Vision projection strip runs pillar-to-pillar in place of a conventional instrument cluster, though physical buttons remain on the steering wheel, driver’s door and centre console.
BMW X5 design
Outside, the X5 adopts X-shaped headlights, full-width LED tail lights and flush door handles, with M Performance versions getting unique light graphics.
BMW X5 price and trims
Petrol and diesel production starts in August 2026 with sales following in November 2026; plug-in hybrid production begins in December 2026 with order books opening October 8, 2026 and sales starting March 6, 2027. German pricing runs from 94,800 euros for the X5 40d xDrive to 125,000 euros for the X5 M60e xDrive, which BMW does not offer in the US. US pricing starts at $71,250 for the rear-drive X5 40. BMW has also confirmed a V8-powered X5 M Performance for 2027.
