Mobility
BMW Presents New BMW X5 with Five Drivetrain Variants and Neue Klasse Technologies
Image: (c) BMW
BMW has unveiled the fifth generation of the X5, equipping the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with five different drivetrain technologies for the very first time. Alongside gasoline and diesel engines featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and plug-in hybrid drives, the lineup will future-proof the brand with the all-electric BMW iX5 and, for the first time, a production model powered by a hydrogen fuel cell: the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. In addition, the new X5 adopts numerous technologies from the Neue Klasse and features a completely redesigned exterior and interior.
BMW has unveiled the fifth generation of the X5, equipping the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with five different drivetrain technologies for the very first time. Alongside gasoline and diesel engines featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and plug-in hybrid drives, the lineup will future-proof the brand with the all-electric BMW iX5 and, for the first time, a production model powered by a hydrogen fuel cell: the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. In addition, the new X5 adopts numerous technologies from the Neue Klasse and features a completely redesigned exterior and interior.
All-Electric and Hydrogen-Powered for the First Time
The new BMW iX5 is based on the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, delivering a range of up to 845 kilometers (approx. 525 miles) in the BMW iX5 60 xDrive. The drivetrain concept features an 800-volt architecture, new cylindrical cells from the sixth-generation battery lineup, and a bidirectional charging function.
With the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, BMW is also launching its first production vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The propulsion system combines a fuel cell, a newly developed flat hydrogen storage tank, and a high-voltage battery. The third generation of the fuel cell system is designed to enable a range of up to 750 kilometers (approx. 466 miles).
New Design Inspired by the Neue Klasse
Visually, the new X5 adopts numerous design elements from the Neue Klasse. The front end is defined by an upright BMW kidney grille featuring Iconic Glow, along with new double-X light signatures. The exterior also boasts newly developed winglets with power-assisted door openings and a revised wheel lineup with rims up to 23 inches. Additional design features are available for the BMW X5 M60e xDrive and vehicles equipped with the M Sport package. To round things out, BMW is offering an extensive range of M Performance Parts for both the exterior and interior.
Digital Cockpit with Panoramic iDrive
Inside, BMW relies on a redesigned cockpit packed with Neue Klasse technologies. Making their debut are the BMW Panoramic iDrive running BMW Operating System X, the BMW Panoramic Vision spanning the entire width of the windshield, a new Free-Cut central display, a 3D Head-up Display, and an optional BMW Passenger Screen.
For the interior, BMW also offers new materials, including slate and glass trim pieces. According to the manufacturer, BMW is the first automaker to use slate as an optional trim surface in a production vehicle.
Advanced Chassis and New Driver Assistance Systems
The new X5 comes standard with an adaptive suspension and a near-perfect 50:50 axle load distribution. Adaptive Chassis Control is available as an option, while electric and plug-in hybrid models can be equipped with Adaptive Chassis Control Professional, which includes active roll stabilization.
BMW has bundled its new driver assistance systems under the name BMW Symbiotic Drive. These Level 2 assistance features are designed to improve the interaction between the driver and the vehicle's systems. Furthermore, in the electric models, the central processing unit—known as the "Heart of Joy"—enables the new "BMW Soft-Stop," which is engineered to deliver exceptionally smooth braking.
Production Launch in August 2026
Production of the fifth-generation X5 will begin in August 2026 at the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the US. The market launch for models with internal combustion engines will kick off at the end of November 2026, while the all-electric variants and plug-in hybrid models are scheduled to follow in early 2027. The BMW iX5 marks the first time an all-electric vehicle will be manufactured in Spartanburg. The corresponding sixth-generation high-voltage batteries will be built at a newly constructed on-site battery plant, which, according to BMW, operates entirely without the use of fossil fuels.