THE fifth generation of the BMW X5 SUV has been revealed showing how the car looks as one of the company's Neue Klasse models.
The BMW X5 has consistently set industry benchmarks since its launch in 1999 and this latest iteration continues that legacy as the first BMW model engineered to support five different drive systems, including hydrogen, as part of its global line-up.
In addition to a diesel model - with 48V mild hybrid technology - and plug-in hybrid derivatives, the new BMW X5 is available with an all-electric powertrain for the first time as the BMW iX5.
It features sixth generation BMW eDrive technology with new, taller cylindrical cells, enabling a single-charge range of up to 525 miles in the 60 xDrive and up to 460 kW DC charging.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen will complete the lineup as the brand's first hydrogen-powered production vehicle. It combines BMW's third-generation fuel cell system, BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage technology and a high-voltage battery to deliver a range of up to 466 miles.
Dr Joachim Post, member of the board of management of BW AG responsible for development, said: "Now the latest generation also benefits from the technologies in the Neue Klasse and the widest possible range of drive systems. As a result, I'm sure the new BMW X5 will set the benchmark in its class once again and write the next chapter in its success story."
The new BMW X5 introduces an all-new design with a powerful, monolithic appearance that blends classic BMW SAV proportions with contemporary Neue Klasse design language.
Reduced and robust, the exterior is characterised by an upright front end with the BMW Iconic Glow vertical kidney grille and debuts new switchable ‘double-X' icons for the daytime running lights.
The side profile features a contoured silhouette with a sloping roofline and expansive soft-close doors where new BMW Winglet door handles can be used to operate new electrically powered doors, if specified.
Wide shoulders and a recessed glasshouse - delivering improved aerodynamics and efficiency - feature at the rear, as well as taillights which extend across almost the entire width of the vehicle.
Inside, the BMW X5's spacious cabin receives a completely new design with clear structures and uncluttered surfaces - optimised around the driver.
Natural materials help create a contemporary interior feel and available options include slate, used as a decorative surface by an automotive manufacturer for the first time, alongside glass and model-specific details such as X stitching in the doors and dashboard.
A new wrap-around cockpit introduces a 3D backlit ambient light strip and sets the stage for BMW Panoramic iDrive, bringing together the free-cut central display, BMW Panoramic Vision, BMW 3D head-up display and the multifunction steering wheel.
The system is complemented by the BMW Passenger Screen, which makes its debut on the BMW X5 - available optionally.
Standard interior features include a large panoramic sunroof and Sports seats with enhanced quilting, while optional multifunction seats offer ventilation and massage functionality - available in BMW Individual Merino Leather.
A new range of steering wheels, crafted from premium materials, offer haptic feedback through shy tech controls, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Four-zone climate control, rear seat heating and front-seat ventilation, and an 18-speaker Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system with Dolby Atmos support are also optionally available.
Rear passengers benefit from an updated Travel and Comfort system, including optional magnetic holders for attaching smartphones and other devices to the back of the front seats.
Customers can choose a range of specifications including M Sport, M Sport Pro and M Performance.
M Sport includes M roof rails in high-gloss Shadowline, the M Aerodynamics Package, sculpted front and rear bumpers and side skirts in body colour. It also brings M Adaptive suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels, M Sport brakes with dark blue calipers and the BMW M interior design with sports seats in Veganza/Alcantara upholstery.
M Sport Pro models add additional features including 22-inch Trigon light-alloy wheels in Jet Black and M Sport brakes with red calipers.
Other visual highlights are the darker BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille in M Shadowline, exterior mirrors in high-gloss black and M-specific bumpers with a higher proportion painted in black. Inside, M Sport Pro models receive a model-specific steering wheel design and seat belts with M tricolour stitching.
The flagship BMW X5 M60e xDrive has M Yellow double-X headlights and a rear spoiler. This model additionally receives a darker illumination for the BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille, which is flanked by a unique horizontal light signature inspired by the BMW M "Seehaus" stripes.
Also special is the front bumper with additional lateral air intakes and signature BMW M quad exhaust pipes at the rear. Further visual flourishes include M-specific high-gloss exterior mirrors with Seahaus stripes, and 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Sport tyres.
BMW X5 customers in the UK will have the choice of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and highly efficient diesel engine drivetrains at launch.
The all-electric BMW iX5 60 xDrive has a class-leading range of up to 525-miles and a system output of 578hp, enabled by two electric motors.
A fully electric M Performance model will later join the line-up.
There will be a choice of two plug-in hybrid derivatives: the BMW X5 50e xDrive and the BMW X5 M60e xDrive. Both models use the latest 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engines - featuring a new turbo charger - with a synchronous electric motor with a nominal output of 197hp. The motor draws its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, storing 26.5 kWh of usable energy to enable up to 63 miles of all-electric range.
The flagship BMW X5 M60e xDrive has a combined system output of 612hp and 800 Nm of torque, resulting in 0-62 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The BMW X5 40d xDrive is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine with BMW EfficientDynamics technology and two-stage turbocharging.
It delivers a peak torque of 670 Nm with the assistance of a 48V mild hybrid system and a combined fuel consumption of up to 40.4 mpg. The latest BMW diesel engines are compatible with renewable fuels bringing reduced CO2 emissions as low as 118g/km.
The all-electric BMW iX5 harnesses the Heart of Joy superbrain and BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack to provide unrivalled driving dynamics and, thanks to BMW Symbiotic Drive, a smooth stopping process.
Combustion and plug-in hybrid models utilise BMW's tenth-generation transverse dynamics management system to cluster and centralise all agility-enhancing driving functions - including all-wheel drive - as the Heart of Joy does in the BMW iX5.
The fifth-generation X5 is equipped with a selection of advanced driver assistance systems including the BMW Symbiotic Drive which enables seamless interaction between driver assistance systems and driver input. The driver can accelerate, steer or brake in their own style without deactivating the active assistance system.
Available optionally, Motorway Assistant supports hands-free Level 2 driving assistance up to the permitted speed limit, with a maximum speed of 81mph.
Automated lane changes are also possible, once confirmed by a deliberate look in the relevant side mirror.
Standard for all models is Driving Assistant Plus - bringing adaptive cruise, distance and lane control - and Parking Assistant with AI-supported parking space detection and manoeuvre planning. Optional Parking Assistant Professional adds remote-control parking functionality via a compatible smartphone using the My BMW app.
All model variants will be produced at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the United States, which has been producing the BMW X5 since its launch in 1999. The BMW iX5 will be the first all-electric BMW to be produced at the site.
The UK market launch for all-electric, diesel and plug-in hybrid BMW X5 models commences in spring 2027.