BMW has revealed the fifth-generation X5, officially bringing its most important sport-ute into the brand's new Neue Klasse era.
The idea of a "BMW SUV" might've been controversial at the time, but it didn't take long for the original X5 to become a mainstay. Now, more than a quarter-century later, BMW is pushing the envelope with a new look inside and out, a litany of powertrain options including hydrogen, and a laundry list of bells and whistles from the 7 Series trickling down the lineup.
The 2027 X5 is the latest production-spec Bimmer to wear the marque's new Neue Klasse design language. Like the i3 and iX3, the new front fascia is characterized by a thinner, smaller, and illuminated grille, flanked by an outstretched black piece incorporating the headlights and daytime running lights.
Down the side, the 2027 X5 forgoes most creases and character lines for a much smoother look; even the door handles are now integrated integrated into the window trim. Around the back, the outstretched tail lights tie into the iX3's look, while the split tailgate is no more. Size-wise, the 2027 X5 is about as wide and tall as its predecessor, while its wheelbase is stretched by some 2.5 inches.
Inside, the 2027 X5's cabin rehashes much of what we've seen with the iX3. It uses the same love-it-or-hate-it steering wheel, a similar two-tier dash design, and a similar angled 17.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and slick display projected onto the base of the windshield.
Touches unique to the X5 include improved and unique materials — the centre console is quite literally trimmed with real slate — power-closing doors and a passenger-size screen cribbed from the new 7, and different mood lighting, among others.
Like the exterior, the 2027 X5 is similarly sized to its predecessor inside as well; cargo space comes in at a slightly-better-than-before 655 litres with the seats up, and tops out at a slightly-worse-than-before 1,850 L.
Beneath it all, BMW is offering the 2027 X5 with not one, not two, but five powertrain options globally. There will be gas, diesel, plug-in hybrid, fully electric, and hydrogen options, but our selection will be limited to the gas, PHEV, and EV options. The familiar 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six opens the 2027 X5 lineup, putting out 394 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid assist.
From there, buyers can step up to the 2027 X5 PHEV. It's fitted with a slightly larger 26.5 kWh battery pack; although total output remains at 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, BMW now estimates electric-only range at about 71 km — six more than the previous X5 PHEV.
If you'd rather go fully electric, the 2027 iX5 is the next step up. It uses the same 800-volt architecture as the iX3, paired to a 144 kWh battery pack that's more energy-dense than before. The whole setup is good for 570 horsepower and 594 pound-feet of torque, along with an estimated range of about 700 kilometres and a 10-to-80 per cent recharge in 22 minutes using a 460 kW fast-charger — technology that doesn't exist in North America just yet.
For now, the 2027 X5 M60e PHEV is the range-topper of the lineup. The electric end stays the same, but BMW says they've swapped in a more powerful inline-six, lending to a combined 603 hp and 590 pound-feet of torque in what they're calling their first M-branded plug-in hybrid. BMW says a full-fat, V8-powered X5 M is coming, too.
Pricing of the 2027 BMW X5 kicks off at $95,500. Production will begin this October, and will remain at BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.