New BMW X5 Debuts With Radical Design – Hydrogen, EV, Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol

While ICE versions of the new X5 will be launched in November 2026, the BEV and PHEV variants will be introduced in early 2027

BMW has unveiled the all-new 5th-gen X5 mid-size luxury SUV with comprehensive updates including a hydrogen powertrain. X5 was first launched in 1999 and is positioned as a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), as per the brand’s marketing terminology. Series production of the 5th-gen X5 will commence in August 2026 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.

New BMW X5 – Exterior design

5th-gen BMW X5 has a striking presence, featuring an upright front design, new DRLs with double X light icons and illuminated BMW kidney grille in vertically oriented format. The SUV has a prominent shoulder line, a gently tapering roofline and muscular wheel arches. Instead of the conventional door handles, the new X5 gets special electrically operated BMW winglets for operating the doors.

BMW is offering eleven exterior colour options with the new X5 and wheel sizes from 21-inch to 23-inch. The PHEV version, BMW X5 M60e xDrive, has special features such as a four-pipe exhaust system, BMW M Yellow Lights in double X style and 22-inch wheels. Personalization options are available with the M Sport package and the M Sport package Pro.

At the rear, the new X5 has quirky tail lamps in connected format, a layered roof spoiler and a chunky bumper. Dimensionally, the new X5 is 4,994 mm long, 2,000 mm wide and 1,751 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 3,035 mm. Boot space is 655 litres, which can be increased to 1,850 litres with the rear seats folded. The PHEV version has boot space of 525-1,680 litres.

Interior, features

Inside, the new X5 offers a comprehensive range of advanced tech features and customization options. Key highlights include a 17.9-inch central display and a full-width projected display at the base of the windscreen, named BMW Panoramic Vision. The SUV also has BMW Panoramic iDrive and a 3D head-up display. Users can also choose the optional 14.6-inch full-HD front passenger screen.

For the first time, BMW is using innovative and natural materials like slate to enhance the luxurious ambience. Glass accents have also been used across the central console and doors. Other exciting features include X stitching on the doors and dashboard and a redesigned cockpit with 3D backlit ambient light strip. New BMW X5 has a large panoramic sunroof, sports seats, massage and ventilation functions, automatic doors and a new steering wheel.

New BMW X5 – Powertrain options

5th-gen BMW X5 will be available with five distinct powertrain options, a first for a BMW car. The petrol and diesel variants will be available at the time of launch later this year. The PHEV and BEV versions will be launched in early 2027. The hydrogen powered X5 will arrive later, although a specific launch timeline has not been revealed.

X5 will be the first BMW production car to have a hydrogen-based powertrain. BMW X5 40 xDrive petrol uses a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol six-cylinder engine, integrated with a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. It generates 400 hp and 580 Nm. The X5 40d xDrive diesel generates 313 hp and 670 Nm.

BMW X5 50e xDrive PHEV uses a 3.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. Output is 489 hp and 700 Nm. The range-topping PHEV, X5 M60e xDrive, generates 612 hp and 800 Nm. Both PHEV versions of the X5 can travel up to 102 km in pure electric mode. BMW X5 BEV version is equipped with a 141 kWh battery pack and dual electric motors.

An 800V electrical architecture has been used. Output is 578 hp and 805 Nm. Range as per WLTP standards is 845 km. The new X5 BEV can achieve 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. DC fast charging of up to 460 kW is supported, allowing 10% to 80% charge in just 23 minutes.

Hydrogen powered X5

BMW iX5 Hydrogen, which will be introduced at a later date, will have a fuel cell system and BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system. Also part of the powertrain will be a compact high-voltage battery. This drive system is derived from the third generation of the fuel cell system, developed by the BMW Group in collaboration with Toyota.

Driving dynamics have been enhanced with all variants of the new X5 getting an adaptive suspension as standard. Select variants are equipped with Adaptive Chassis Control and adaptive air suspension. The BEV version utilizes the brand’s advanced integrated chassis and drivetrain control system.