BMW pulled the covers off the fifth-generation X5 (chassis code G65) on June 30, 2026, marking one of the most complete overhauls in the model line’s 27-year history. Built at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, the 2027 X5 arrives as the first BMW production model offered with five powertrain types — gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, all-electric, and hydrogen fuel-cell — and is the first X5 to inherit the Neue Klasse design language previewed on the iX3.
The launch flagship is the X5 M60e xDrive, a 603 hp plug-in-hybrid M Performance variant. Sitting alongside it as the technology showcase is the iX5 60 xDrive, an all-electric SUV fitted with the largest battery pack BMW has ever put into a production car: 141 kWh usable in Europe (144 kWh US). This piece walks through the full lineup, the new Neue Klasse styling cues, the iDrive X cabin architecture, market timing and pricing.
The Fifth-Generation X5 Arrives — What Changes
The G65 replaces the G05 X5 that has been in production since 2018. Physically, the wheelbase grows by 2.4 in (61 mm) to 119.5 in (3,035 mm), releasing extra rear-seat and cargo space. BMW deletes the third-row seat option — the G65 is sold exclusively as a two-row, five-seater SUV. The split tailgate is also gone, replaced by a single-piece one, and the split-lower/-upper flap the X5 has used since 1999 disappears with it.
Production of the gasoline and diesel variants begins in August 2026, followed by the plug-in hybrids and the iX5 in December. First combustion deliveries in the US open on November 28, 2026; the PHEV and iX5 arrive in the first quarter of 2027. The iX5 Hydrogen fuel-cell variant — co-developed with Toyota — joins the lineup in 2028 with a claimed 466 mi (750 km) range and refuelling in under five minutes.
Five Powertrains — Industry First for BMW
The G65 X5 is the first BMW ever offered with five distinct powertrain types on the same platform. The lineup for the 2027 model year:
- X5 40 / 40 xDrive — 3.0L B58 turbocharged inline-six petrol, 394 hp (up 19 hp), 580 Nm (428 lb-ft). RWD or AWD. 0–60 mph 4.8 s.
- X5 40d xDrive — 3.0L B57 turbocharged inline-six diesel (Europe only; detuned versus the outgoing generation).
- X5 50e xDrive — PHEV pairing the same inline-six with an integrated electric motor in the 8-speed automatic. Combined 483 hp / 700 Nm. 27 kWh battery, 44 mi (71 km) EPA / 63 mi (102 km) WLTP electric range.
- X5 M60e xDrive — The M Performance PHEV flagship. 603 hp / 800 Nm. 0–100 km/h in ~4.5 s. 61 mi (98 km) electric range.
- iX5 60 xDrive — Dual-motor BEV. 570 hp / 805 Nm. 141 kWh (EU) / 144 kWh (US) battery, 435 mi (700 km) EPA / 525 mi (845 km) WLTP range.
- iX5 Hydrogen — Toyota-co-developed third-generation fuel cell, 466 mi (750 km) range, series production from 2028.
An M Performance V8 variant — expected to badge as X5 M60 — is confirmed for a 2027 follow-up, together with an all-electric M Performance iX5 beyond the launch 60 xDrive.
X5 M60e xDrive — The Launch Flagship
The M60e xDrive is the highest-output G65 X5 at launch and the only variant with visible exhaust tips. Power comes from a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six petrol engine paired with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission for a combined 603 hp and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. BMW claims 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in around 4.5 seconds, with an all-electric range of 61 mi (98 km).
Visually, the M60e is distinguished by beefier front and rear bumpers, the M Performance double-X motif in yellow around the headlights, M-stripe mirror caps (first seen on the M760e facelift), an M badge on the lower section of the front doors, and unique taillight graphics. The M Performance V8 follow-up in 2027 is expected to introduce a full quad-exhaust setup as its signature.
iX5 60 xDrive — 141 kWh Battery, 800 V Architecture
The iX5 60 xDrive is the technology showcase of the range. Dual permanent-magnet motors (one on each axle) produce a combined 570 hp and 805 Nm (593 lb-ft), with 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 210 km/h (130 mph).
The centrepiece is the battery pack — 141 kWh usable in Europe, 144 kWh in the United States. Using new cylindrical cells and BMW’s 800 V architecture, peak DC charging is 460 kW: 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes, or 170 mi (274 km) added in 10 minutes. Range checks in at 435 mi (700 km) EPA / 525 mi (845 km) WLTP for the launch iX5 60 xDrive.
The trade-off is mass. At 2,825 kg (6,228 lb) kerb weight in European specification, the iX5 60 xDrive is the heaviest production BMW ever built. An electric M Performance version is planned as a follow-up.
X5 40, 40 xDrive and 50e xDrive — The Core Volume Trims
Below the two flagships sit three combustion / mild-electrified variants that will do most of the sales work. The X5 40 (US market rear-wheel-drive) and the X5 40 xDrive share the same 3.0L B58 turbocharged inline-six. Output is now 394 hp and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) — a 19 hp bump over the outgoing G05, achieved via a brand-new turbocharger. BMW claims 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.8 s.
The X5 50e xDrive is the volume PHEV. It pairs the revised inline-six with a 194 hp electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission for a combined 483 hp and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm). Battery capacity grows to 27 kWh (up from the outgoing 25.7 kWh unit) — enough for 44 mi (71 km) EPA / 63 mi (102 km) WLTP of electric range. The 50e xDrive is offered exclusively with xDrive all-wheel drive.
Neue Klasse Design — Double-X Motif, One-Piece Tailgate, 23-Inch Wheels
The G65 fully embraces the Neue Klasse design language introduced on the iX3. Headlights adopt a long-rumoured double-X motif (which can be switched off), and the classic BMW kidney grille is now vertically slim with illuminated strips. The M Performance version, the M60e, uses those strips to reference M stripes and the M badge. The base X5 grille is unlit — a way to distinguish trim levels visually.
The side profile is dominated by BMW Winglets integrated into the beltline, smoother door surfaces, and optional 23-inch wheels — the largest ever offered on an X5. Optional automatic doors are also new to the model line. The rear now runs a full-width taillight bar bisected by the updated BMW roundel and the split tailgate is gone in favour of a one-piece setup. Only the M60e gets visible exhaust tips at launch.
iDrive X — 17.9-Inch Screen, Panoramic Vision, No More Rotary Knob
The cabin is a clean-sheet redesign. A 17.9-inch central touchscreen replaces the outgoing dual-display cluster, and BMW’s traditional iDrive rotary knob is deleted. In its place, Panoramic Vision projects driver information across the base of the windshield from A-pillar to A-pillar: three fixed widgets in the driver’s line of sight plus six customisable tiles to the right. Owners can drag content from the main screen up into the projection area.
An optional 14.6-inch passenger display, carried over from the 7 Series, is available. Physical buttons remain on the steering wheel, driver’s door and centre console, but climate vent adjustment moves entirely into the touchscreen. As noted, the third-row seat option disappears — the X5 is now a strict two-row SUV.
2027 BMW X5 Lineup — Spec Table
| Variant | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | EV Range | US MSRP | DE MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X5 40 (RWD) | 394 hp | 580 Nm | 4.8 s | — | $71,250 | — |
| X5 40 xDrive | 394 hp | 580 Nm | 4.8 s | — | $73,550 | €98,800 |
| X5 40d xDrive | Diesel (EU) | TBD | TBD | — | — | €94,800 |
| X5 50e xDrive (PHEV) | 483 hp | 700 Nm | TBD | 71 km / 44 mi | $78,950 | €102,800 |
| X5 M60e xDrive (PHEV) | 603 hp | 800 Nm | ~4.5 s | 98 km / 61 mi | TBD | €125,000 |
| iX5 60 xDrive (BEV) | 570 hp | 805 Nm | 4.6 s | 700 km / 435 mi | $81,250 | €102,800 |
Range figures shown as WLTP / EPA where both are quoted. Prices are launch MSRPs, excluding destination and taxes. iX5 60 xDrive weight: 2,825 kg (EU spec) — the heaviest production BMW ever.
Production, Timing and What’s Coming Next
All 2027 X5 variants — combustion, PHEV, BEV and eventually the iX5 Hydrogen — are built at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, the same facility that has produced every X5 since 1999. Combustion assembly begins in August 2026, plug-in hybrid and iX5 assembly starts in December 2026. Fuel cell system production for the iX5 Hydrogen is scheduled for 2028 at BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria, using the third-generation Toyota-co-developed stack.
The V8-powered M Performance model — expected to be badged X5 M60 — will arrive in 2027, with a full quad exhaust system as the visual identifier. An electric M Performance iX5 is also confirmed for a later reveal. A full-fat, S68-powered X5 M Competition from BMW M GmbH remains under wraps for now.
Sources & Verification
All specifications and pricing above are sourced from the official June 30, 2026 BMW reveal materials as reported by BMW Blog, Car and Driver, InsideEVs and Electrek. Hydrogen production timing corroborated by BMW Group PressClub.
