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SCOOP ALL-NEW BMW X5
Next-generation SUV will feature Neue Klasse styling cues, latest tech and wide choice of powertrains
Richard Ingram
The X5 laid a lot of the groundwork for the modern SUV when it launched in 1999. More than 25 years later we still think it’s one of the strongest models in BMW’s line-up. With the next-generation Neue Klasse cars – including the iX3 and 3 Series – set to be revealed soon, the larger X5 is waiting in the wings.
Planned to be offered with internal-combustion, plug-in hybrid, electric and possibly hydrogen powertrains, the new model will give buyers plenty of choice. XDrive all-wheel drive will feature prominently across the range, possibly even as standard.
Recent spy shots of the X5 testing at the Nürburgring suggest that the big SUV should lose none of its appeal for keen drivers – possibly even narrowing the gap to, say, the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport. We expect a mid-2026 reveal, with the first customer deliveries in early ’27.
Despite BMW going all-in on its Neue Klasse architecture, which will underpin many new models including the iX3 due for launch at September’s Munich Motor Show, the X5 will keep its multi-fuel CLAR platform. While the outgoing X5 isn’t offered as an EV, its underpinnings support this tech; the current 5 Series comes with petrol, PHEV and electric powertrains, and the X5 is expected to follow suit.
BMW is largely phasing out diesel in the UK, yet we expect the X5 to still be offered with its 30d and 40d units. A spokesperson said the maker’s “technologically open” approach means “if the market wants diesel, [BMW] can provide it”. While the 5 Series doesn’t get a diesel engine in the UK, the latest X3 does – and the X5 should follow its SUV stablemate.
When it comes to petrol, the base 40i will probably have six cylinders with mild-hybrid assistance. A faster X5 M60i should be available soon after launch, with an X5 M arriving later on – probably with the twin-turbo V8 plug-in powertrain from the M5.
The new X5 xDrive50e will likely lift the 550e’s 449bhp petrol-electric powertrain unchanged. This should give the PHEV enough muscle for 0-62mph in around 4.5 seconds.
Then there are the EVs, probably to be badged iX5. Using the i5 as a base, we expect an entry Drive40 and a faster iX5 M60. With around 335bhp, the former will cover 0-62mph in just over six seconds, with the 600bhp M60 slashing that to around four seconds. Expect plenty of trick chassis and suspension tech, too. As mentioned, a hydrogen fuel-cell setup is a possibility, too, but it’s unlikely to be offered to British buyers.
The bulkier-than-ever X5 won’t be big on fuel economy or emissions, but mild-hybrid tech should bring competitive running costs. The diesels will be best for long-distance drivers, while the long-range PHEVs should allow the new X5 xDrive50e to do at least 50 miles in electric mode – maybe more. For context, the 550e’s 22.1kWh battery gives up to 62 miles of range.
The EVs will be more susceptible to increased weight, yet given that the i5 eDrive40 with an 81.2kWh battery claims a 357-mile range, the larger, heavier X5 should exceed 300 miles on a charge. For the more powerful M60, 250 miles should be possible.
From our numerous shots of the new X5 testing so far, and with a little artistic licence, our exclusive images seen here peel back the camouflage for an accurate representation of what the firm’s next-gen SUV might look like. The Neue Klasse-inspired front end is a given, complete with distinctive two-prong daytime running lights.
The slim, upright kidney grilles will be an SUV styling trait – we expect to see them first on the iX3 – while the black panel that flanks them is anticipated to house a variety of driver-assistance cameras and sensors.
Overall, though, we can expect the X5 to adopt a more dynamic profile than before. BMW will employ clever optical trickery to disguise the car’s bulk – a wider track will help visually lower the roofline, while a sloping rear should aid aerodynamics.
Big wheels and muscular haunches are all but a given, although recent spy shots show a lack of conventional door handles. Instead, the X5 will use tabs at the base of the B and C-pillars.
At the rear, we expect a look also inspired by the new iX3 and 3 Series – with a lightbar-like design split by a BMW badge. Placing the licence plate on the bumper allows for a low load lip to help ease access and practicality.
Inside, expect all the usual high-end trim materials, plus tech extras such as upgraded stereos and a widescreen head-up display. We also know that all new BMWs will use Panoramic iDrive infotainment, with a big main screen complemented by a full-width panel at the base of the windscreen. This will define BMW’s cabin architecture for every future model, starting with the iX3. The set-up will be expanded to fit the slightly wider X5, and will show everything from speed, trip and range information to phone connectivity and media. It will also have customisable widgets.
The lower touchscreen will function as a conventional display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. BMW has confirmed it will not offer CarPlay Ultra on any of its models.
We don’t expect BMW’s lauded rotary iDrive controller to feature in the new X5, however; usage of the console-mounted dial has dropped year by year – largely due to the number of touch functions that the systems now employ. Of course, the new X5 is all but certain to grow slightly over the outgoing model. The CLAR platform is scalable, but we know the i5 saloon and i5 Touring estate both measure just over five metres nose to tail – around 125mm longer than the existing, seven-seat X5.
Lengthening the wheelbase – possibly beyond three metres – will open up more space inside the SUV, while also improving comfort over rough roads. As mentioned, however, it’s unlikely BMW will want to sacrifice anything when it comes to agility and handling; the implementation of trick technology and next-generation damping will play a big part here.
In fact, the X5 will be BMW’s most technologically advanced model until the all-new X7 arrives in 2027. That means it’ll be fitted with a suite of driver-assistance systems including semi-autonomous driving functions and the latest crash-avoidance tech. It will all be heavily integrated into the Panoramic iDrive and head-up displays.
BMW won’t reveal pricing for the next-generation X5 for some time yet, but given that the current car starts from £82,255, it’s highly likely that the new car will nudge £90k even in its most basic form. The maker has told us it is gearing up for a reveal towards the middle of next year, with the start of sales and customer cars due roughly six months later. The X5 is one of 40 new or revised BMWs set to be unveiled by the end of 2027.
BMW MODEL BLITZ: FIVE CARS IN THE PIPELINE
What’s next from the brand? We reveal all
IX3 (DUE SEPTEMBER 2025)
The iX3, which will be revealed in September, will launch the ‘Neue Klasse’ styling language, set to feature on 40 new or revised BMWs by the end of 2027. This will separate the car from today’s X3, while also ushering in the new Panoramic iDrive infotainment.
3 SERIES (DUE MID-2026)
Next up is the replacement for the 3 Series. It’ll feature the same platform and powertrains as the iX3, plus a similarly bold look. BMW will offer the new 3 with combustion engines and as an EV, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and range.
X5 (DUE MID-LATE-2026)
Unlike the 3 Series and iX3, the new X5 will use the same platform as the old car, but with heavily updated tech. Options will include petrol, diesel and hybrid, plus EV and even – in some markets – a hydrogen fuel cell. Big interior updates will also feature.
FACELIFTED 5 SERIES (DUE 2027)
The current 5 Series only went on sale in 2023, so its facelift is still a little way off. Unlike most mid-life updates, the 5 Series is set to get a completely new look to pull it in line with the Neue Klasse models; expect major changes on the outside, plus a totally new interior.
X7 (DUE 2027)
The X5 will act as BMW’s tech flagship until the X7 arrives in 2027. Using the smaller SUV as a base, the X7 will offer plug-in and all-electric powertrains – which it has lacked so far. And as with the others here, it’ll have a Neue Klasse face and fresh cabin layout.
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