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The new BMW X5 has broken cover in its fifth generation, unveiled at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the United States, and it arrives as the first BMW engineered to carry five different drive systems. The original Sports Activity Vehicle helped launch the segment back in 1999, and this Neue Klasse-infused successor sets out to lead it once more with the broadest powertrain menu the model has ever offered.
Headlining that line-up is the iX5, the first fully electric X5. It runs sixth-generation eDrive hardware with taller cylindrical cells and a large 141kWh usable battery, giving the 60 xDrive up to 525 miles on the WLTP cycle and 578hp from its twin motors. An 800-volt architecture allows charging at up to 460kW, and an iX5 Hydrogen will follow as BMW’s first hydrogen-powered production car, good for a claimed 466 miles.
Buyers wanting combustion are well served, too. Two plug-in hybrids anchor the range, the 50e xDrive and the flagship M60e xDrive, the latter mustering 612hp and 800Nm for a 4.5-second sprint to 62mph, plus around 60 miles of electric running. A 3.0-litre 40d xDrive diesel with 48-volt assistance rounds things off, and it will happily drink renewable HVO100 fuel to cut emissions.
Visually, the X5 adopts a bold, monolithic stance, with an upright Iconic Glow kidney grille, switchable double-X daytime running lights and slim tail-lamps stretched across the rear. Flush Winglet handles can open electrically powered doors, while the cabin ushers in Panoramic iDrive, a wrap-around cockpit, an optional Passenger Screen and, for the first time from a carmaker, slate used as a decorative surface.
Underneath, adaptive suspension is standard across the board, and a near 50:50 weight split keeps the big SUV composed. The iX5 leans on the Heart of Joy controller for its poise, integral active steering trims the turning circle, and Motorway Assistant adds hands-free Level 2 driving. Every version is built at Spartanburg, with the UK launch of the electric, diesel and plug-in hybrid models set for spring 2027.
