2027 BMW iX5

Made in the U.S., the fifth-generation X5 now offers a choice of five powertrains, including a forthcoming V8, a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 44 miles of range, and even a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. A shared platform carries this 5-in-1 approach in essentially the same body, which is now nearly 3 inches longer with a wheelbase that stretches 2.4 inches longer. A third row is no longer offered, neither is the split tailgate due to the tapered roofline and a wider rear opening.

All the exterior changes, including a lack of traditional door handles in place of winglets mounted at the window frame, pale compared with the overhaul inside. A panoramic display stretches out vehicle info near the base of the windshield, a new slate inlay counters padded leather upholstery, and a passenger screen is offered for the first time. It adds up to a more luxurious interior than before, with enough powertrain choices to drive home its performance pedigree.

The BMW X5 competes in a crowded segment of luxury midsize SUVs that range from the Audi Q8, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Porsche Cayenne to the Volvo XC60, Genesis GV80, and so many more.

BMW exports all variants of the X5 from the U.S. to the global market, so the U.S. will not get the diesel version and it remains to be seen if the hydrogen fuel-cell version will be sold here when it arrives in 2028. The V8 version, which won’t be a full M performance model but more like the X3’s M50, is expected late in 2027 as a 2028 model.

The rest of the lineup will have a staggered roll out, starting with the 2025 BMW X5 xDrive (BMW-speak for all-wheel drive, or AWD) in October, then the cheaper rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant and battery electric vehicle early next year. The listed prices below reflect an increase of only $1,500 over the 2026 BMW X5 xDrive.

Since the X5 40d diesel won’t be sold here and the iX5 Hydrogen seems unlikely, we’ll list what we know and update accordingly.

BMW X5 40 xDrive Overview

The X5 carries a revised turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine under its sculpted hood. The new turbocharger boosts the B58 engine’s output to 394 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, which are increases of 19 hp and 45 lb-ft. That shaves a tenth of a second off its sprint to 60 mph, to 5.1 seconds.

It has a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with a starter generator motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission. Full specs have not been released, but it seems possible that it will exceed the 25 mpg combined of the 2026 X5 xDrive40i.

An adaptive suspension comes standard across the X5 line, and BMW boasts a near 50:50 weight distribution that should offset the size of the new X5. A two-axle air suspension is optional for even greater variance in ride height and ride quality.

BMW X5 50e xDrive PHEV Overview

Two versions of the X5 plug-in hybrid will be made, but the U.S. will only get the more efficient 50e model not the more powerful 60e model. Regardless, the 50e outperforms the X5 40. It takes the updated inline 6-cylinder and pairs it with a motor rated at 194 hp, which is the same as in the outgoing model. Combined, it’s rated at 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, good for a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.6 seconds.

Because it has a slight improvement in usable capacity, from 25.7 to 26.5 kWh of usable energy, and what must be a more efficient inline-6, BMW estimates overall that its 15% more efficient and will have an electric range of 44 miles, up from 38 miles on the outgoing model.

Historically, around 20% of X5 shoppers chose the X5 50e PHEV.

BMW iX5 60 xDrive Overview

The relatively high take rate for the PHEV sheds some light on BMW’s multienergy platform approach, which brings us to the first-ever iX5 60 xDrive. The iX5 uses a large 144-kWh battery pack and dual-motor AWD system that generate 570 hp and 593 lb-ft of torque. BMW quotes a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.4 seconds.

The motor on the front axle can shut down under light loads so the more powerful rear motor drives the iX5 in certain conditions. This helps it net an estimated range of 435 miles, which is exceptional for an AWD SUV.

The 800-volt architecture enables DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes, but that’s at a rate of 460 kW, which would be exceptionally hard to find in the U.S. right now. It comes with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, but the latest iterations of Tesla’s Supercharger network don’t pump out that much juice.

At home on a Level 2 charge, the iX5 can charge at up to 15.4 kW. BMW did not provide a charging time estimate, but the iX5 will have bidirectional charging to power other devices or appliances from the SUV.

The iX5 EV and 50e xDrive PHEV can be had with an optional motorized anti-sway bar at each axle. It promises to offset body roll in corners and lighten the heavier feet of the electrified versions of the X5. It’ll also make for a softer, comfier, highway cruise.

Wheel options range from 21 to 23 inches, with the latter being another X5 first.

The longer wheelbase of the X5 opens up more interior space, but instead of a third row there is a deep and wide cargo hold. Final specs weren’t released at publication time, but the second-row seats could accommodate three adults, with plenty of headroom and legroom. An available magnetized phone holder extends from the seatbacks so you don’t even have to hold your phone. Pillowed headrests and armrests further elevate the X5’s comfort.

Automatic doors: The aerodynamic winglets on the base of the window frames are to pull the doors open, but they don’t require even that much effort. Press your palm against it and it automatically opens wide. BMW borrows a bespoke page from Rolls-Royce on the inside, where a button on the touchscreen automatically opens or closes the doors and tailgate. Is it necessary? No. But it is luxurious. If something goes awry and something short circuits, mechanical handles are tucked under the armrests at all four doors.

Panoramic Display: BMW has reinvented the digital instrument cluster by moving it to a narrow band of digital info along the base of the windshield, similar to the door-to-door display in the Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator. It keeps your eyes closer to the hood and the road than being distracted by what’s behind the steering wheel or in the trapezoidal 17.9-inch touchscreen. The six widgets can be customized to show different info, or it can be put in Silent mode so it only shows the speedometer and range or fuel gauge.

Beautiful dash: The recessed cluster and climate controls integrated into the touchscreen open up BMW’s dash materials to shine on a par with Mercedes-Benz’s interior design. A new Slate surface has the granularity of wood trim but with a cool, rock-like feel. It contrasts beautifully with metallic trim and available Merino leather upholstery with padded headrests and suede-like Alcantara dash and door materials. It’s an evolutionary loop from past BMW interiors.

Another BMW first is an available 14.6-inch passenger screen.