New BMW X5 breaks cover: New design, EV, PHEV, petrol, diesel & more

German Automaker BMW has unveiled the fifth-generation BMW X5. The SUV features an all-new exterior design, a new cabin, added features and multiple powertrain options. For the first time, the luxury SUV will be available with a fully electric variant, the iX5, while a hydrogen fuel-cell version has also been confirmed for a later launch. Production will begin at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the US in August 2026. Petrol and diesel models will reach global markets from late November 2026, followed by the plug-in hybrid and electric versions in early 2027. There is no information on when BMW will bring in the new X5 in the Indian market. Powertrain The new BMW X5 will be offered with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and later, hydrogen fuel-cell power. The range includes the X5 40 xDrive petrol, X5 40d xDrive diesel, X5 50e xDrive and X5 M60e xDrive plug-in hybrids, and the all-electric iX5 60 xDrive. BMW has also confirmed a production-spec iX5 Hydrogen for a future launch. The X5 40 xDrive is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance, producing 400hp and 580Nm. The X5 40d xDrive diesel puts out 313hp and 670Nm. The X5 50e xDrive combines a 3.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver 489hp and 700Nm, while the X5 M60e xDrive produces 612hp and 800Nm. Both plug-in hybrid versions offer an electric-only WLTP range of up to 102km and support AC charging at up to 11kW.

Talking about the all-electric iX5, it’s powered by a 141kWh battery and an 800V electrical architecture and is paired with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 578hp and 805Nm, enabling a claimed 0- 100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. BMW claims a WLTP driving range of up to 845km. The battery supports DC fast charging at up to 460kW, allowing a 10-80 per cent recharge in 23 minutes, along with 22kW AC charging and bidirectional charging capabilitiesDesign In terms of design, the new BMW X5’s design is inspired by BMW’s Neue Klasse design language. It features a taller front end with an illuminated kidney grille and a new “double-X” LED lighting signature. The daytime running lights, indicators and low-beam headlights are integrated into a single unit, while adaptive LED headlights with cornering lights, matrix high beam and Selective Beam technology are standard.

The profile gets flush-mounted glass, electrically operated BMW Winglet door handles integrated into the B- and C-pillars, prominent wheel arches and a sculpted shoulder line. At the rear, the SUV features slimmer LED tail-lamps, a revised bumper and a wider stance. The M60e xDrive receives model-specific styling, while M Sport and M Sport Pro packages remain available on other variants. Buyers can choose from 11 exterior colours and 21- to 23-inch alloy wheels. Dimensionally, the X5 measures 4,994mm in length, 2,000mm in width and has a wheelbase of 3,035mm. Boot capacity stands at 655 litres, expanding to 1,850 litres with the rear seats folded. Plug-in hybrid variants offer between 525 litres and 1,680 litres of luggage space.Interior & features Moving inside, the SUV gets an all-new dashboard with fewer physical controls and BMW’s Panoramic iDrive interface, which projects key information across the base of the windscreen. Other highlights include a diagonal 17.9-inch touchscreen, a 3D head-up display, an optional passenger display and a redesigned steering wheel. The cabin can be equipped with slate and glass trim, extended ambient lighting, a panoramic glass roof, sports seats, ventilated multifunction front seats with massage, soft-close doors, wireless charging, over-the-air software updates and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system with Dolby Atmos. Four-zone climate control is optional, while rear passengers get a dedicated touchscreen for climate functions.

Safety features include Level 2 driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, highway and urban driving assist, parking assist and autonomous emergency braking. Multiple airbags, tyre pressure monitoring and electronic stability control are also standard. Adaptive suspension is fitted across the range, while Adaptive Chassis Control and adaptive air suspension are available on selected variants.