BMW has revealed the fifth-generation X5, bringing one of its most important luxury SUVs into a new era of electrification, digital technology and design. The new model is the first BMW to be offered with five different drive systems, covering petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, fully electric, and, later, hydrogen fuel-cell power.
AI Quick Summary
BMW has revealed the fifth-generation X5, ushering in a new era for its luxury SUV with a strong focus on electrification, advanced digital technology, and updated design. This new model is notably the first BMW to be offered with five different drive systems, including mild-hybrid petrol/diesel, two plug-in hybrids, a fully electric iX5, and a future hydrogen fuel-cell variant, alongside significant interior upgrades and a refreshed exterior.
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The new BMW X5 will continue to be produced at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the United States. Production is set to begin in August 2026, with combustion-engine versions scheduled for launch in late November 2026. The fully electric and plug-in hybrid versions will follow in early 2027.
New BMW X5: What’s New?
With the latest X5, BMW has introduced a broader powertrain strategy, a new design language, and major cabin upgrades drawn from the Neue Klasse technology package.
Key highlights include:
- First fully electric BMW iX5
- Future BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel-cell model
- Petrol and diesel engines with 48V mild-hybrid technology
- Two plug-in hybrid models
- BMW Panoramic iDrive with Operating System X
- New “double-X” light signature
- Optional BMW Passenger Screen
- Standard adaptive suspension
- More advanced driver assistance systems
- Production at BMW Plant Spartanburg
First Fully Electric BMW iX5 Joins The Line-Up
The biggest addition to the X5 range is the BMW iX5 60 xDrive. This is the first fully electric version of the X5 and uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology.
The electric SUV comes with an 800V system and two electric motors, one on each axle. Together, they produce 578hp and 805Nm. The iX5 60 xDrive can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 210km/h.
The battery has a net capacity of 141kWh. BMW claims a WLTP range of 645-845km, depending on the specification. DC fast charging is rated at up to 460kW, allowing a 10-80 per cent charge in 23 minutes. BMW says up to 350km of range can be added in 10 minutes at the maximum charging rate.
The iX5 also supports bidirectional charging. This means the car can power external devices and, in supported markets, send power to a home or the grid.
Petrol And Diesel Engines Continue
BMW has not moved the X5 range to be fully electric. The new model will still be available with petrol and diesel engines, both paired with 48V mild-hybrid technology.
The BMW X5 40 xDrive uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine. It produces 400hp and 580Nm, with help from an electric motor integrated into the transmission. It can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250km/h.
The BMW X5 40d xDrive uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine. It produces 313hp and 670Nm. It completes the 0 to 100km/h run in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 230km/h.
The mild-hybrid system adds up to 18hp and 200Nm, depending on the driving situation. It also supports smoother start-stop operation and energy recovery under braking.
Two Plug-In Hybrid Versions
The new BMW X5 will also be offered with two plug-in hybrid powertrains: the X5 50e xDrive and the X5 M60e xDrive.
The BMW X5 50e xDrive combines a six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. The total system output is 489hp and 700Nm. It can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds and has an electric-only range of up to 102km.
The BMW X5 M60e xDrive is the performance-focused plug-in hybrid model. It produces 612hp and 800Nm, making it the most powerful version announced so far. It can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, or 4.2 seconds using the one-foot rollout method. It also offers up to 98km of electric range.
Both plug-in hybrid models can drive on electric power at speeds of up to 140km/h.
BMW iX5 Hydrogen To Follow Later
BMW has also confirmed that a hydrogen fuel-cell version will join the range later. Called the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, it will become BMW’s first series-production hydrogen model.
The iX5 Hydrogen will use a third-generation fuel-cell system developed with Toyota. BMW says the new system is more compact, more efficient and more powerful than earlier versions. It will also use BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage technology, which stores hydrogen in a flat tank system that fits within the vehicle structure without reducing cabin space.
BMW claims a range of up to 750km for the hydrogen version, with refuelling taking under five minutes. However, final WLTP figures are not yet available.
New Exterior Design With Double-X Lighting
The new BMW X5 features a stronger, more upright design than before. The SUV keeps its familiar X5 shape, but adds cleaner surfaces, a taller front end and a more modern light signature.
At the front, the SUV features a vertical BMW kidney grille with Iconic Glow lighting. The new “double-X” light icons make their first appearance on a BMW model and are integrated into the headlight design.
From the side, the X5 has a cleaner look thanks to new BMW Winglet door handles. These are built into the pillars and allow the electrically powered doors to open with a light touch.
Other exterior highlights include:
- 21-inch wheels as standard
- 22-inch and 23-inch wheel options
- Eleven exterior paint colours
- Optional M Sport package
- Optional M Sport package Pro
- M Performance Parts, including carbon fibre and aramid exterior parts
The BMW X5 M60e xDrive gets sportier design details, including M Yellow Lights, a four-pipe exhaust system, M-specific styling and 22-inch wheels.
Redesigned Interior With New Materials
Inside, BMW has given the X5 a more minimal and premium cabin. The dashboard has a horizontal layout and uses a new ambient light strip that wraps around the cabin.
BMW has also introduced new material options, including glass elements and optional slate trim. According to BMW, this is the first time a carmaker has offered slate as an optional decorative surface.
Interior highlights include:
- Redesigned dashboard
- Ambient light strip with wraparound effect
- Optional slate and glass trim
- Standard sport seats
- Optional multifunction seats
- Seat ventilation and massage function
- Panoramic glass sunroof as standard
- Four-zone climate control option
- Bowers & Wilkins sound system with Dolby Atmos support
- Optional automatic doors
- BMW Digital Key Plus
Rear-seat comfort has also been improved. BMW says rear knee-room has increased due to the longer wheelbase, while the rear seatback angle has been adjusted for a more comfortable seating position.
BMW Panoramic iDrive and Operating System X
The new X5 uses BMW Panoramic iDrive, powered by BMW Operating System X. This is one of the biggest technology upgrades in the SUV.
The system includes BMW Panoramic Vision, which projects information across the lower section of the windscreen. A 3D Head-Up Display sits above it and shows selected driving information in the driver’s line of sight.
The main control screen is a 17.9-inch Central Display with a new free-cut design. BMW has also added an optional 14.6-inch Passenger Screen for the front passenger. This screen can be used for video streaming, gaming, music and video calls.
BMW says the Passenger Screen includes a shield function. If the system detects that the driver is distracted, the screen darkens while the car is moving.
The system also supports:
- Touch control
- Voice control
- Haptic steering wheel controls
- Customisable widgets
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Over-the-air software updates
- BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with AI support
More Comfort And Driving Technology
BMW says the new X5 continues to focus on both comfort and driving dynamics. Adaptive suspension is standard, while optional Adaptive Chassis Control adds two-axle air suspension and Integral Active Steering.
Adaptive Chassis Control Professional will be available for all fully electric and plug-in hybrid versions. It adds active roll stabilisation to improve comfort and body control.
The fully electric iX5 also uses BMW’s Heart of Joy control system. This manages the drive system, braking, steering functions and energy recovery. BMW says it helps deliver smoother stopping and more precise handling.
Driver Assistance And Safety Features
The new X5 gets a wider range of driver assistance features. BMW has added Level 2 assistance systems under the BMW Symbiotic Drive concept, which allows the driver and assistance system to work together without the system switching off at every driver input.
The optional Motorway & City Assistant supports hands-free driving on motorways at speeds of up to 130km/h in selected markets. It can also help with lane changes, motorway exits, braking, pulling away at traffic lights, roundabouts and certain city driving situations.
Standard and optional driver assistance features include:
- Driving Assistant Plus
- Active Cruise Control
- Lane control
- Emergency Brake Assistant
- Lane change warning
- Side Collision Warning
- Crossing Traffic Warning
- Exit warning function
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Optional Parking Assistant Professional
- Remote parking through the My BMW App
Parking Assistant Plus is standard and uses AI-supported parking space detection and manoeuvre planning.
Production And Market Launch
The new BMW X5 will be built at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA. This plant has produced the X5 since the first generation was launched in 1999.
BMW will start production in August 2026. Combustion-engine models are scheduled to launch on 28 November 2026. Battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models can be ordered from 8 October 2026 and will go on sale in early 2027. The UAE launch is expected to follow right after the international release.
New BMW X5
The new BMW X5 is one of the brand’s most important SUV updates in years. It is no longer just a luxury SUV with petrol, diesel and hybrid choices. With the arrival of the fully electric iX5 and the upcoming iX5 Hydrogen, the X5 now becomes a multi-powertrain platform for BMW’s next phase.
For BMW, the new X5 shows how the brand plans to move towards electrification without giving up combustion engines immediately. That could make it one of the most important premium SUVs in the coming years. Looking for a BMW X5? Here are the top picks for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s most popular auto blog for more information about the latest happenings in all of the Emirates.
BMW has revealed the fifth-generation X5, bringing one of its most important luxury SUVs into a new era of electrification, digital technology and design. The new model is the first BMW to be offered with five different drive systems, covering
