New BMW X5 revealed with petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric and hydrogen powertrains
Fifth-generation BMW X5 debuts with Neue Klasse-inspired design, a redesigned digital cabin and five powertrain options, including the first-ever all-electric iX5 and an upcoming hydrogen variant.
BMW X5 marks the beginning of a new generation
BMW has taken the wraps off the fifth-generation X5, introducing the biggest overhaul in the SUV’s 27-year history. While the model gets an all-new design inspired by BMW’s Neue Klasse philosophy and a thoroughly modernised interior, the biggest talking point is the expanded powertrain line-up. For the first time, the X5 will be available with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and, at a later stage, hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains, making it BMW’s first model to offer five propulsion technologies within a single model family.
BMW X5 adopts Neue Klasse-inspired styling
The fifth-generation BMW X5 introduces a more upright and monolithic design while retaining the proportions that have defined the SUV since its debut. Up front, the new vertical BMW kidney grille is flanked by new double-X light signatures, while cleaner body surfacing, flush BMW Winglet door handles integrated into the B- and C-pillars and wheels measuring up to 23 inches give the SUV a more modern appearance. BMW is also offering eleven exterior paint finishes, including several BMW Individual colours.
BMW X5 gets an all-new digital interior
Inside, the X5 has undergone a complete transformation. The cabin now features BMW Panoramic iDrive running the latest BMW Operating System X, with Panoramic Vision projecting key information across the base of the windscreen. A 17.9-inch central touchscreen, optional BMW Passenger Screen, 3D Head-Up Display and a redesigned multifunction steering wheel further modernise the cabin. BMW has also introduced slate as an interior trim option for the first time, alongside crystal glass accents, ambient lighting and updated sports seats with optional ventilation and massage functions.
BMW X5 offers five distinct powertrain options
The new BMW X5 line-up caters to a wide range of buyers. The X5 40 xDrive uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance, producing 400hp. Buyers looking for a diesel can opt for the X5 40d xDrive, which develops 313hp. Plug-in hybrid options include the X5 50e xDrive with 489hp and up to 102km of claimed electric-only range, while the flagship X5 M60e xDrive delivers 612hp with up to 98km of electric driving capability.
The all-electric BMW iX5 60 xDrive debuts with BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, producing 578hp and up to 845km of claimed WLTP range. Built on an 800V architecture, it supports DC fast charging of up to 460kW, allowing up to 350km of range to be added in just ten minutes under ideal conditions.
BMW X5 Hydrogen joins the line-up later
BMW has also confirmed that the X5 family will expand further with the iX5 Hydrogen, which will become the brand’s first production hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. The SUV uses a third-generation fuel-cell system co-developed with Toyota, paired with BMW’s new Hydrogen Flat Storage system and a high-voltage battery, while packaging has been designed to preserve interior space despite the addition of hydrogen tanks.
BMW X5 places greater emphasis on sustainability
Beyond new powertrains, BMW has also focused on reducing the X5’s environmental footprint. The company claims product development-related CO₂ emissions have been reduced by around 40 per cent, while production at the Spartanburg plant uses renewable electricity. Around half of the sheet steel used in the new X5 is produced using electric arc furnaces, and the Gen6 battery cells in the iX5 incorporate recycled cobalt, lithium and nickel. BMW also says the electric iX5 contains around 940kg of secondary materials, accounting for roughly one-third of the vehicle.
BMW X5 production begins in August 2026
Production of the fifth-generation BMW X5 will begin in August 2026 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina, which has built every generation of the X5 since 1999. The all-electric iX5 will enter production there from December 2026, marking the first battery-electric model to roll off the Spartanburg production line. Global deliveries are expected to commence towards the end of the year, with plug-in hybrid and electric variants following shortly after.
