All-New Fifth Generation X5 Hits The Ground Running With 5 Different Powertrains

The new BMW X5 opens the next chapter for the Sports Activity Vehicle that created the segment. Now in its fifth generation, the X5 brings together a powerful new design, innovations from the Neue Klasse, and the broadest range of drive systems ever offered in a BMW model.

 

Since its debut in 1999, the BMW X5 has defined the BMW X family and helped shape the future of premium SAVs. The new generation carries that leadership forward as the first BMW to launch with five drive system types (depending on market), giving customers an unprecedented level of choice.

The new BMW X5
by u/Western_Gear_5324 in BMW

 
 

The 2027 BMW X5 lineup will include internal combustion engines with 48V mild hybrid technology, a plug-in hybrid, the first all-electric BMW iX5, and, at a later stage, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen — BMW’s first hydrogen-powered production vehicle.

 

The new BMW iX5, the first battery-electric BMW X5, debuts with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology. In the BMW iX5 60 xDrive, that means an estimated 435 miles of range (preliminary estimate based on BMW AG testing following EPA testing procedures), fast charging, 800V technology, and practical bidirectional charging, enabled by new 120-millimeter cylindrical cells used in the high-voltage battery.

 

“With its imposing presence and flawless symbiosis of comfort and driving pleasure, the BMW X5 became a global bestseller,” says Dr. Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “And 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 2027 BMW X5 rollout begins in October with the market launch of the X5 40 xDrive. The rear-wheel-drive X5 40, plug-in hybrid X5 50e xDrive, and first battery-electric variant, the iX5 60 xDrive, will follow in the first quarter of 2027. Additional models, including a V8-powered M Performance variant, are scheduled to arrive later in 2027. Further ahead, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen will bring hydrogen fuel-cell technology to series production, pairing all-electric driving with quick refueling stops.

 

The 2027 BMW X5 40 will carry a base MSRP of $69,800, while the 40 xDrive will start at $72,100. The all-wheel drive X5 50e xDrive PHEV opens at $77,500, and the fully electric iX5 60 xDrive at $79,800. Each requires a destination and handling charge of $1,450.

 

Plant Spartanburg has assembled the BMW X5 since its 1999 debut, when the model founded a new market segment. Now, the Home of X reaches another milestone as the new BMW iX5 becomes the first all-electric vehicle to come from the US facility. Just down the road from the plant in Woodruff, the new sixth-generation high-voltage battery facility for the iX5 requires no fossil fuels for normal operations, underscoring BMW’s rigorous approach to reducing emissions in production.

 

Familiar X proportions meet a striking new front end, with vertically aligned BMW kidney Iconic Glow and a dynamic light signature.

 

The new BMW X5 blends the unmistakable proportions of an X model with the pioneering design language of the Neue Klasse. Across all drivetrains, it retains the commanding presence and classic SUV stance that have defined the BMW X5 for generations.

 

The upright front end is significantly taller than before, giving the new BMW X5 an imposing yet precisely proportioned appearance. Crisp surfaces, a larger matte-finish BMW badge, and precisely modeled hood lines create a clean, modern look. Front-apron design varies by powertrain: horizontal air intakes emphasize the sportiness and stability of combustion-engine models, while the BMW iX5 uses a continuous apron design for a more elegant, fully electric expression.

 

The reduced, vertically aligned BMW kidney Iconic Glow is one of the defining elements of the new design. Integrated into the daytime driving lights with the new double-X light icons, it remains illuminated day and night and forms part of the Welcome Light animation, giving the new BMW X5 an unmistakable signature.

 

Making their BMW debut, the double-X light icons combine low-beam headlights, daytime driving lights, side lights, and turn signal indicators in a single element, eliminating the need for an additional lens module. LED Headlights with cornering lights are standard, and the double-X icons can be switched off to reveal simpler diagonal icons.

 

 

New welcome and goodbye animations create a seamless, personalized experience from approach to departure. The sequence incorporates the front and rear lights, optional Ceremonial Light Carpet projectors (part of the optional Tech Package), interior lighting, BMW Winglet door handle illumination, and exterior mirrors. Inside, the driver’s seat and steering column move to ease entry, while BMW Panoramic Vision and the Central Display deliver a personalized greeting. Customers can choose animations in RELAXED, BALANCED, or EXCITED modes.

 

The optional Ceremonial Light Carpet replaces the standard static light carpet with fully dynamic greeting and goodbye animations that vary by selected mode.

 

 

From the side, the BMW X5 appears carved from a single piece. Clean, reduced surfaces form a fluid silhouette, while the gently sloping roofline adds agility and elegance. Hidden window seals create flush transitions between painted and glass surfaces.

 

The new BMW Winglet door handles, integrated into the B- and C-pillars in Black high-gloss, help create uninterrupted door surfaces and a cleaner side profile. The handles open the optional electrically powered doors with a light touch, close them with a press, and lock them by holding the front locking surface for just under a second. Soft Close is standard for smooth, refined door operation.

 

Sharp, angular wheel arches frame the large wheels and reinforce the powerful X stance, while their close-cut design supports aerodynamic efficiency. Standard matte Black side skirts add familiar SAV robustness and visually lift the body.

 

 

At the rear, the new BMW X5 shows wide shoulders and a muscular body shaped by the deeply recessed greenhouse. The design improves aerodynamics and efficiency while emphasizing the vehicle’s strong on-road stance and flared wheel arches.

 

A body-color rear bumper contrasts with matte Black trim and a darker lower section, adding a precise sporting accent.

 

Slim, intricately designed rear lights echo the double-X theme at the front, emphasizing the X5’s width and premium character. Extending across nearly the full rear, they enhance visibility and give the new BMW X5 an unmistakable light signature.

 

 

The optional M Sport Package adds a more dynamic look and feel to the new BMW X5. It includes M roof rails in high-gloss Shadowline and M Sport exterior elements such as the M Aerodynamics Package, M-specific door sill plates, and M light carpet. Two horizontal lines of contour lighting give the front end a clean, sporty appearance and make the X5 look wider and more planted. Sculpted front-bumper surfaces, expressive air intakes, and body-color side skirts bring the vehicle visually closer to the road, while Adaptive M Suspension, 21-inch wheels, and M Sport brakes with Dark Blue metallic calipers support a more engaging drive. Inside, Black/Atlas Grey sports seats in Veganza/Alcantara are added to the list of available interior designs.

 

The optional M Sport Package Professional takes the athletic theme further. Building on the M Sport Package, it adds 22-inch Trigon alloy wheels in Jet Black, M Sport brakes in Red metallic with a monochrome M logo, darker BMW kidney Iconic Glow M Shadowline, exterior mirrors in Black high-gloss, an M-specific bumper with additional Black trim in the lower front apron, M-specific door sill trim, an M leather steering wheel, and M seat belts.

 

 

The new BMW X5 offers extensive exterior personalization opportunities, with eleven paint colors including five shades new to the X5: Space Silver metallic, Grey Pine metallic, Vancouver Green metallic, and, from late 2026, BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic and BMW Individual Frozen Space Silver metallic. A broad range of special-order BMW Individual paint finishes will be available to order from April 2027.

 

Customers can also choose from ten wheel designs. 21-inch light-alloy wheels are standard, with 22-inch and, for the first time on the BMW X5, 23-inch wheels are available to further emphasize its powerful road presence.

 

 

The monolithic exterior design flows into the cabin, creating a calm, sophisticated sense of space. The elevated seating position, large door trim surfaces, and redesigned instrument panel give the driver a clear, uncluttered view, while minimalist interior surfaces help keep attention focused on the road.

 

BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X brings Neue Klasse technology into the new BMW X5, expanding driver orientation and interior personalization. The redesigned instrument panel showcases the free-cut Central Display in an ideal ergonomic position near the steering wheel, while BMW Panoramic Vision spans the base of the windshield and works with the new multifunction steering wheel to create a modern, driver-focused cockpit.

 

 

Light animations play a central role in the atmosphere of the new BMW X5. Positioned directly beneath the instrument panel, the backlit accent strip with integrated ambient lighting wraps from door to door, surrounding driver and passengers with a warm, welcoming effect.

 

When inactive, the strip presents in the selected interior accent color: Dark Silver as standard or optional Silver Bronze. When active, dynamic animations turn the cabin into a personalized, multisensory space. Color and brightness adjust to the time of day and can be customized through My Modes or directly by the driver.

 

The light strip continues into the doors, visually expanding the cabin and enhancing the X5’s already generous sense of space.

 

 

The interior of the new BMW X5 combines craftsmanship, innovation, and everyday usability. BMW introduces slate as a decorative surface for the first time in the X5 through the optional BMW Individual Clear & Bold interior application. An innovative process applies a thin layer of genuine slate to the base material, allowing it to be shaped precisely to the cabin’s contours.

 

Slate is used on the center console control panel, where it adds a distinctive tactile quality. Integrated touch controls operate key functions such as the parking brake, rear-window defrost, and hazard warning lights.

 

The optional BMW Individual Clear & Bold interior application pairs slate with crystal glass elements to emphasize both robustness and elegance. The gear selector, volume controls, and seat-adjustment controls are crafted from genuine glass, adding a refined look and premium feel.

 

The center console also includes two cup holders, two USB-C ports, and an Alcantara Anthracite smartphone tray with inductive charging and a magnetic holder. Black high-gloss decorative surfaces are standard.

 

Depending on the interior design, X quilting on the door panels and instrument-panel facing adds a modern, three-dimensional seam pattern. Together with reduced seat quilting, these details create a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

 

 

Available for the first time in a BMW X5, the optional BMW Passenger Screen sits next to the free-cut Central Display and gives the front passenger access to entertainment from popular third-party apps. Passengers can stream films or join video conferences while the vehicle is moving, while the interior camera monitors for driver distraction and automatically darkens the screen distraction is detected. When parked, entertainment content is also available on the Central Display.

 

Premium comfort features include a panoramic glass sunroof, four-zone climate control, and Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos.

 

Standard equipment includes a large panoramic glass sunroof with an opening front section, bringing a bright, airy feel to the cabin. Its two glass elements cover about 28 square feet, combining an expansive interior sensation with an elegant exterior look when open.

 

The new BMW X5 also includes 2.5-zone climate control as standard, with slim front vents integrated almost invisibly into the instrument panel. The Central Display enables precise airflow control. The optional Climate Package adds four-zone climate control with a rear touchscreen, additional vents, ventilated multifunction front seats, and heating for the rear seats, steering wheel, and armrests. Battery-electric BMW iX5 variants feature a model-specific climate system with highly efficient heat pump technology.

 

The standard 280-watt HiFi System Professional uses 12 speakers to deliver clear surround sound throughout the cabin. The optional Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System raises output to as much as 775 watts, with a seven-band equalizer and up to 18 speakers with metal covers.

 

With Dolby Atmos support, the Bowers & Wilkins system creates a three-dimensional soundscape for compatible audio formats, delivering an immersive experience for music and video streaming.

 

 

The new BMW X5 comes standard with heated sports seats, now with added cushioning in the seat and backrest areas for greater long-distance comfort. They provide strong lateral support, wide adjustment ranges, manual seat-depth and head-restraint adjustment, and lumbar support for the driver. High-quality Veganza upholstery, standard in either Black or Copper Brown, delivers a leather-like feel and refined comfort. The BMW M interior design in Black/Atlas Grey Veganza/Alcantara is available with the M Sport Package and adds M logos to the backrests. With sports seats, the instrument panel and door trims are always finished in Black Veganza.

 

Multifunction seats with ventilation and massage are available through the optional Luxury Seating Package or Climate Package. They add electric adjustment for seat depth and head-restraint height, plus dedicated ventilation in the seat cushion and backrest, and four-way lumbar support. Multifunction seats upholstered in Veganza are available in Black, Copper Brown, or Silverstone. If the M Sport Package or M Sport Package Professional package is chosen, the BMW M interior design in Black/Atlas Grey becomes available.

 

BMW Individual Merino Leather is offered exclusively with multifunction seats and is available in Black, Adelaide Grey, Smoke White, Tartufo, and Vintage Coffee, a finish with a rich, sophisticated patina. Matching Alcantara covers the instrument panel, front door trims, and Anthracite headliner. Merino Leather seat surfaces combine with Alcantara side inserts to create a refined matte-gloss contrast.

 

Rear-seat comfort also improves, with a two-degree flatter torso angle and increased knee room made possible in part by the 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Even the Isofix mounts are finished to match the selected Veganza or BMW Individual Merino Leather upholstery.

 

The 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats include a through-loading system, while the center armrest integrates two cup holders that can also serve as a smartphone tray. With BMW Individual Merino Leather, the rear seats add matching neck cushions and an Alcantara center-armrest cushion.

 

 

Automatic doors are available on the BMW X5 as part of the optional Luxury Package. A touch of the BMW Winglet door handle opens or closes each door, with additional control available from interior door buttons, the My BMW App, voice commands, or BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X. Once seated, the driver can close the door by pressing the brake pedal.

 

Standard Soft Close pulls the doors shut smoothly, reinforcing the X5’s premium feel every time occupants enter or exit. An integrated servo motor allows the doors to be opened and closed manually with minimal effort. Radar sensors in the side skirts, front end, and rear enable quick operation and precise obstacle detection, helping protect against nearby objects and approaching road users.

 

 

BMW Digital Key Plus enables compatible smartphones and smartwatches from leading manufacturers to function as the vehicle key. Ultra-wideband and Bluetooth technology allow close-range communication between device and vehicle, precisely locating the user while supporting a high level of access security certified by the Car Connectivity Consortium.

 

Customers can also share BMW Digital Key Plus easily and securely through a messaging app, assigning individual roles and permissions. Additional wallet-based functions include remote operation of the tailgate.

 

With BMW Digital Key Plus, the welcome experience begins as the driver approaches. Standard BMW Iconic Glow exterior lighting offers RELAXED, BALANCED, and EXCITED animations, while a touch of a BMW Winglet unlocks the vehicle. Inside, BMW Panoramic Vision and the Central Display continue the greeting as the driver settles in. The phone can stay in a pocket from approach to drive-off, and a goodbye light animation confirms locking when the driver walks away.

 

The new BMW X5 steering wheels combine striking design, refined materials, and improved ergonomics. The standard multifunction steering wheel uses a self-supporting structure with a slightly flattened shape and vertical spoke, eliminating horizontal spokes to create a more natural grip. Integrated into BMW Panoramic iDrive, it provides haptic feedback and follows the shy-tech principle by illuminating driver-assistance controls only when they are available.

 

The sports steering wheel is available with the BMW M Sport Package and can also be paired with the Silver Bronze interior accent. Its vertical spoke carries a BMW M badge and is finished in black Veganza with Dark Silver or Silver Bronze accents, depending on specification.

 

The BMW Individual steering wheel is finished in Smoke White with a Dark Silver accent bar and is available with the BMW Individual Smoke White Merino Leather interior.

 

Included with the M Sport Package Professional, the BMW M leather steering wheel has a sportier geometry, no vertical spoke, and a black 12-o’clock marker to support confident control during dynamic cornering.

 

 

BMW Panoramic iDrive represents the latest generation of BMW’s display and operating concept. Centered on the interaction between driver and vehicle, it links displays, controls, and software into an intuitive, ergonomic system that presents relevant information clearly and at the right time.

 

At its heart is BMW Panoramic Vision, which projects content across the full width of the lower windshield. Driving information appears on the left in the driver’s field of vision without obstructing the road ahead, while the center and right areas can be personalized and viewed by all passengers.

 

The standard BMW 3D Head-Up Display, positioned above BMW Panoramic Vision, projects selected information directly into the driver’s line of sight, including navigation guidance and driver assistance content. The two displays are precisely coordinated to create one consistent, clearly structured visual experience.

 

The 17.9-inch free-cut Central Display is the primary touch interface within BMW Panoramic iDrive. Matrix backlight technology provides crisp graphics and strong readability in varied lighting, while the free-cut shape supports ideal ergonomic placement. QuickSelect simplifies menu navigation for fast, intuitive control.

 

Widgets can be moved from the Central Display to BMW Panoramic Vision by drag and drop, with up to six arranged for quick access to frequently used functions. Additional widget content and submenus can be controlled through the new multifunction steering wheel.

 

The multifunction steering wheel employs the shy-tech philosophy, meaning its controls are only illuminated when a feature is available. The controls for driving and parking assistance are located on the left side, while those for infotainment functions, such as phone calls or the media player, can be found on the right. These functions can be operated via a specially designed control panel that provides haptic feedback, allowing the driver to control key functions safely and accurately without taking their eyes off the road.

 

BMW Panoramic iDrive is underpinned by the BMW Operating System X software. This serves as an intelligent platform for the display and operating system and is designed explicitly for a software-defined vehicle (SDV) approach. The architecture is based on the Android Open-Source Project (AOSP) and offers excellent update and upgrade capabilities. This means that the system stays up to date for a long time and allows the continuous addition of new functions and digital services. BMW Operating System X meticulously manages all interaction elements and ensures information is consistently presented in a context-sensitive manner that suits the situation at hand.

 

One of the system’s key features is its wide-ranging customizability. Content, widgets, and displays are individually configurable, allowing them to be adapted to personal preferences. Users can select colors, display schemes, and background images to create a personalized digital experience. They will also be able to set their own pictures as the background image for the Central Display using the My BMW App. The appearance of the user interface design colors across all displays automatically adjusts to the selected image. Drivers have a wealth of options for tailoring the user interface design as they wish in Personal mode, enabling even greater customization of displays, interactions, and vehicle-related settings. Further My Modes, such as SPORT, EFFICIENT and SILENT, add to the range of personal setups available to customers.

 

The BMW ID opens the door to the customizable driving experience with BMW Operating System X. Up to seven different users can sign in with their BMW ID, allowing them to enjoy every drive to the fullest with their individual settings. Before setting off, a message greeting the driver by name – together with their personal profile picture if desired – will automatically appear in the Central Display.

 

The interplay between the BMW Panoramic Vision, BMW 3D Head-Up Display, Central Display, and multifunction steering wheel – all controlled by BMW Operating System X – creates a consistent, clearly structured display and operating concept. Physical and digital controls combine to deliver a seamless user experience that is designed specifically for driver orientation and ergonomics. In the process, the “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road” principle is reinterpreted and elevated to a more advanced technological level.

 

The multimodal operating logic of BMW Panoramic iDrive combines touch, haptic and voice-based interactions. The enhanced BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant plays a key role here, enabling numerous vehicle functions, navigation destination entry, and media content to be controlled using natural language, without the need for defined voice commands.

 

The self-learning assistant turns the vehicle into an intelligent digital companion. The voice assistant can be summoned in the usual way with the prompt “Hey BMW” or the push of a button on the steering wheel’s right-hand control panel. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can help to control the windows, air conditioning, seating comfort, phone calls, in-car entertainment and far more besides. It can also be used to call up a large number of function menus or operate certain apps.

 

The addition of Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant increases the range of functions even further. The integration of Amazon Alexa+ into the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant marks a technological leap forward focused on adding value for the customer. The AI technology used is a large language model (LLM), a type of generative AI that “understands” language and can formulate its own responses. This results in more dialogue-based verbal interaction, enabling intuitive and intelligent exchanges, access to external knowledge bases, cloud-based services, and media content, as well as control of vehicle functions. Linking the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant to an Amazon account allows the user to search for and stream music, listen to the latest news and access a wide range of other content effortlessly.

 

At the driver’s request, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is also able to offer proactive suggestions based on usage patterns and other factors. BMW Operating System X further expands this intelligent capability by taking far more contexts into account, e.g., based on the driving situation, environmental analysis, or interior sensing.

 

Additional capabilities for driver support have been added to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with the “Routines” function. It is now easy for the driver to teach a routine to the assistant, thereby maximizing individual driving pleasure. For example, if the driver sets the automatic climate control to maximum cooling and switches on seat ventilation whenever the temperature exceeds 80 degrees in summer, these actions can easily be combined into a routine that is carried out automatically. This works equally well in winter with the heated steering wheel, heated seats, and defrost function. The driver can also create personalized routines based on defined personal conditions, such as situation, seat occupancy, time, and temperature.

 

 

The optional BMW Passenger Screen has been specifically designed to provide entertainment for the front passenger during a journey. The 14.6-inch full-HD display allows easy and intuitive multi-touch operation. The screen seems to merge seamlessly with the Central Display with free-cut design, giving the front passenger full access to the wide-ranging BMW Entertainment offering. The package includes video streaming and TV programs, gaming, music, and much more. The interior camera can be used for video conferencing on the go. Log-in with a BMW ID is not required. BMW Digital Premium – included for four years at no charge when the optional passenger Screen is selected – includes the necessary data allowance and is available on all the car’s displays.

 

An integrated shield function ensures the driver can stay focused on the task of driving at all times. The interior camera detects any driver distraction while on the move and automatically darkens the display.

 

If there is no front passenger in the car, the BMW Passenger Screen will automatically switch to a reduced mode and blend harmoniously into the other displays inside the BMW. Here, the display background is adjusted to suit the active My Mode and the ambient lighting.

 

BMW Operating System X offers customers a broader range of in-car entertainment than ever before. They can opt for the convenience of using the extensive app, video and gaming portfolio with the data included with the BMW Digital Premium package. Or they can provide their own connectivity by using their smartphone as a mobile hotspot or logging in to a Wi-Fi network. A single connection per car is all that is required, and this is then available to enjoy entertainment offerings on the optional BMW Passenger Screen.

 

Customers are also able to access the Video app (powered by TiVo™), which provides an ever-expanding range of content, such as news and live/on demand streaming platforms. Videos can be streamed on the Central Display and the optional BMW Passenger Screen when the vehicle is stationary. This functionality remains available to use on the BMW Passenger Screen while on the move. When the vehicle is stationary, customers can sign in with existing accounts to resume movies or series from the exact point they left off at home.

 

The AirConsole app provided by BMW Operating System X offers great entertainment for all passengers – with world-famous classics that have been specially adapted for the in-car gaming experience, such as UNO® Car Party!. Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive™? from Mattel is another highlight of the extensive AirConsole gaming library. With AirConsole, players can use their smartphones as controllers, allowing all passengers to play with or against each other.

 

Customers can obtain further games and apps for in-car entertainment from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. Selected games can now also be controlled with the Bluetooth controllers for standard games consoles. The BMW ConnectedDrive Store already features more than 60 apps worldwide. Categories include music & audio, entertainment, gaming, news, and travel & local – and the choice will continue to grow.

 

BMW Digital Premium: the flexible, complete package for entertainment, security functions, and extended navigation features.
 

The optional BMW Digital Premium includes the Security Assistant, which comprises a host of useful functions to give the customer greater peace of mind. For instance, attempted thefts and parking bumps will trigger push notifications in the My BMW App. And in the event of an accident, the BMW Drive Recorder instantly makes exterior footage of what happened available in the car, and this recording can then be exported to a mobile phone. The anti-theft and parking collision recorder also makes automatic video recordings. The Remote Inside and Remote 3D View functions additionally allow customers to take a glance inside their car and check its immediate vicinity using the My BMW App.

 

In addition, BMW Digital Premium expands the range of navigation functions within BMW Maps. Additional real-time traffic information, satellite views, 3D building models and proactive tips assist with accurate and anticipatory route planning. Information on parking facilities and points of interest is also presented in greater detail. Precise and realistic visualization of traffic lanes facilitates navigation guidance when dealing with complex road layouts in cities.

 

The data required for entertainment functions is included with BMW Digital Premium, meaning there is no need for customers to provide a data connection by using a smartphone as a hotspot or signing in to a Wi-Fi network. This connection can be used with the Central Display and the optional BMW Passenger Screen. What’s more, the 5G-ready vehicle telematics system ensures the best possible streaming speed at all times. And with BMW Digital Premium, new functions and services can be added at any time – ensuring that the digital user experience will always remain up-to-date and connected.

 

An even smarter ride with extended functions in the My BMW App.
 

Since launching in 2020, the My BMW App has become a key component of the BMW experience, with more than 16 million active users worldwide. Designed for genuine software-defined vehicles (SDV) with completely new electronic and software architecture, the Neue Klasse technology forms the basis for mobile services: real-time interaction, more in-depth access to functions for a wider range of remote services and personalization, as well as new connection options for passengers in the vehicle itself. This new quality of integration delivers new experiences in the BMW X5 and contains a high level of potential for future innovation. Highlights include:

 

Extended remote functions in real time: for operating vehicle functions remotely in real-time – including raising/lowering the windows, preconditioning the cabin with temperature adjustments and activation of seat heating, and setting charging windows for the BMW iX5 and plug-in hybrid models.

Passenger remote control: passengers are now able to connect their My BMW App with the car quickly and simply by scanning a QR code. This allows them to easily control vehicle functions, such as music playback, temperature settings, lighting, and navigation control.
 

Effortless smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Wireless use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also included as standard. Any available metadata for media titles or route guidance instructions that are active in the current mode is shown to the driver in the BMW Panoramic Vision and BMW 3D Head-Up Display in an intelligently presented form. The QuickSelect widgets remain available on the Central Display, while content projected from the smartphone is embedded alongside these so that it fits into the display’s shape. Once linked, the Apple CarPlay / Android Auto icon will be added to the menu bar, allowing the projected content to be displayed in full-screen mode.

 

Flexibility even after buying the vehicle: software updates and extended choice of BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades
 

BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades allow customers to add further digital products and services to their vehicle after they have bought it. All BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades give customers the option of activating a free trial period. Depending on the product at hand, these functions can be booked for the vehicle’s lifetime, one year or one month. They can be obtained from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store either via an internet browser, in the My BMW App or directly from the car.

 

The BMW ConnectedDrive Store serves as the main gateway for customers wishing to obtain third-party apps, download BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades or manage existing downloads.

 

Over-the-air software updates will also ensure the new BMW X5 is always kept up to date. The update capability and updating process have been carefully refined and simplified for BMW Operating System X. Updates can even be carried out automatically, if desired.

 

The first battery-electric BMW iX5.
 

The new BMW iX5 60 xDrive launches with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, combining a new electric powertrain with a completely redesigned high-voltage battery concept first introduced in the BMW iX3. Known as Gen6, the 800V system delivers significantly increased range, faster charging, and bidirectional charging capability, and a standard NACS charging port.

 

Gen6 also introduces newly developed electric motors and high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, delivering 20 percent greater energy density than the previous Gen5 prismatic battery cells.

 

New lithium-ion cylindrical cells increase energy density.

The BMW iX5 is the first model to use new 120-millimeter-high cylindrical cells in the high-voltage battery. Measuring 46 millimeters in diameter, they use the same cell chemistry as the 95-millimeter-high cells in the BMW iX3, with the increased height raising usable cell energy by almost 30 percent.

 

 

The cylindrical cells are integrated directly into the BMW iX5 high-voltage battery without modules or additional structural elements. This cell-to-pack design increases pack-level energy density while helping reduce weight and cost.

 

The Energy Master houses the high-voltage battery electronics and is positioned directly on the battery. New to Gen6 and developed in-house by BMW, it supplies power to the electric motors and onboard electrical systems while managing battery data for intelligent, efficient, and safe operation.

 

Two highly efficient electric motors with EESM and ASM technology.
 

The BMW iX5 60 xDrive uses one electric motor at each axle, producing a combined 570 hp and 593 lb-ft of torque. The rear axle, the primary drive axle, features an electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) developed for the 800V architecture. As the core of Gen6 drive technology, it produces 325 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

 

Unlike motors with permanent magnets, the EESM is based on a stator that induces a rotating magnetic field with three-phase alternating current and a rotor with electrically excited electromagnets. The design of the EESM is therefore fundamentally different from that of motors with permanent magnets, allowing the magnetic field to be adjusted to the driving situation. This reduces losses at low loads and enables strong magnetic fields under high load for high torque and consistent power delivery. An inverter manages current conversion, rotor excitation, and control functions to keep the EESM operating at high efficiency.

 

An asynchronous motor (ASM) at the front axle adds 245 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. Compact, robust, and heat-resistant, the ASM uses induction rather than magnets or electrical excitation. Because it creates no drag loss when de-energized, it can switch off at reduced loads, allowing the BMW iX5 to drive on the rear axle alone for greater efficiency.

 

The BMW iX5 60 xDrive accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 4.4 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The first-ever BMW iX5 has an estimated electric range of up to 435 miles (preliminary estimate based on BMW AG testing using EPA procedures).

 

Gen6 supports charging up to 460 kW DC and enables bidirectional charging capability.
 

The BMW iX5 enters a new era of charging speed, range, and convenience. Its Gen6 high-voltage battery supports higher charging capacity through 800V technology, while a control unit with integrated switching matrix enables charging at 400V DC stations. With charging rates of up to 460 kW, charging from 10 to 80 percent takes just 22 minutes, and customers can add an estimated 170 miles of range in just 10 minutes (preliminary estimate based on BMW AG testing using EPA test procedures). On AC power, the BMW iX5 charges at up to 15.4 kW as standard.

 

Battery preparation brings the high-voltage battery to the ideal temperature before DC charging, increasing charging capacity immediately after connection and reducing charging time. When BMW Maps is actively navigating to a DC charging station, the BMW iX5 automatically warms or cools the battery. Drivers can also activate preparation manually through the Central Display or My BMW App, where battery temperature status and remaining preparation time are always visible.

 

Charging-optimized route planning in BMW Maps makes long-distance electric driving easier. If the destination cannot be reached with the available range, the system calculates an efficient route with charging stops, based on the driver’s preferred arrival charge levels and charging station operators. Using AI from previous charging cycles, it can consider expected charging capacity, reliability, and precise station location data when selecting stops. The intelligent charging flap also recognizes when the customer intends to charge and opens or closes automatically.

 

Every new BMW iX5 also includes extensive bidirectional charging capability, allowing it to serve as an energy source in multiple ways. Vehicle-to-Load turns the BMW iX5 into a mobile power bank for electrical devices, Vehicle-to-Home allows it to provide power during an outage, and Vehicle-to-Vehicle enables connection to vehicles in need of electrical power.

 

High-efficiency internal combustion engine with 48V mild hybrid technology.
 

The BMW X5 40 and 40 xDrive are powered by the latest BMW 3.0-liter inline-six, part of the current BMW EfficientDynamics engine family. A new turbocharger raises output by 19 hp to 394 hp, while maximum torque increases from 383 to 428 lb-ft. The BMW X5 40 models accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, or 4.8 seconds with a 1-foot rollout, and reach an electronically limited top speed of up to 155 mph when properly equipped.

 

The extensively updated B58 engine uses the Miller combustion cycle to improve efficiency by shortening intake-valve opening times. Optimized intake ports and combustion chambers, an ignition system with active coils and integrated electronics, electric VANOS variable camshaft timing, and an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head further enhance performance and efficiency. Switchable exhaust-side rocker arms can interrupt gas exchange, reducing drag torque on overrun by around two thirds and allowing more braking energy to be recovered by the 48V mild hybrid system.

 

A dual injection system combines high-pressure injection with a low-pressure supply to the combustion chambers. This improves flow characteristics in the intake ports and cylinders, helping reduce particle buildup and CO2 emissions.

 

48V mild hybrid system with crankshaft-mounted starter generator in the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
 

At the heart of the 48V mild hybrid system is an electric motor integrated with the power electronics in the compact housing of the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Acting as a crankshaft-mounted starter generator, it helps the combustion engine deliver smooth, dynamic, and efficient performance.

 

Depending on the driving situation, the mild hybrid system provides up to 148 lb-ft of torque and up to 17 hp of electric boost for sharper response when pulling away or accelerating. The starter generator also makes Automatic Start/Stop operation smoother. Energy for the boost function is stored in a 48V battery beneath the luggage compartment, charged mainly through recuperation during overrun and braking. The same battery also supplies the vehicle’s 12V electrical system through a voltage transformer.

 

 

The BMW X5 50e xDrive pairs the updated six-cylinder inline engine with a synchronous electric motor rated at 194 hp. Integrated with the power electronics inside the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, the motor requires no additional installation space. It draws energy from a fifth-generation high-voltage lithium-ion battery in the underbody, with 26.5 kWh of usable energy.

 

Together, the combustion engine and electric drive produce 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of system torque, with the straight-six contributing 308 hp. The BMW X5 50e xDrive accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, can reach an electronically limited 155 mph, and can travel up to 87 mph in pure electric mode. The estimated all-electric range is up to a very practical 44 miles (preliminary estimate based on BMW AG testing using EPA test procedures), an improvement of about 15 percent from the previous generation.

 

Refined chassis technology delivers signature BMW dynamics with elevated comfort.

For the fifth-generation BMW X5, BMW has further refined the balance of dynamic capability and long-distance comfort. The double-wishbone front axle, five-link rear axle, and chassis systems are adapted to each model and drivetrain, while increased track width, standard mixed-size tires, and additional body stiffness enhance precision. New acoustically decoupled steering and a new steering gear further improve comfort and control.

 

The Heart of Joy with BMW Dynamic Performance Control opens a new dimension in the all-electric BMW iX5.
 

Advanced, highly connected driving dynamics systems help the new BMW X5 use available grip to full effect. Combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid models use tenth-generation Lateral Dynamics Management and near-actuator wheel slip limitation for fast, precise control. Lateral Dynamics Management coordinates agility-related functions, including intelligent all-wheel drive, while stabilization and engine management remain part of BMW’s proven network of specialized control units.

 

The all-electric BMW iX5 models and future BMW iX5 Hydrogen go further with Neue Klasse technology. Their additional “Superbrain,” the Heart of Joy with BMW Dynamic Performance Control, was developed fully in-house and acts up to ten times faster than previous systems. It adjusts the drive system, brakes, steering functions, charging, and recuperation in milliseconds, using the electric drive system to support performance and efficiency with unprecedented precision.

 

The result is composed, precise handling that reinterprets The Ultimate Driving Machine for the BMW iX5. The Heart of Joy reduces corrective inputs, supports consistent cornering behavior, and increases driver confidence. It also enables exceptionally smooth stopping and improves efficiency by expanding recuperation to more driving situations, including deceleration to a standstill.

 

Both driving stacks are tailored to their respective powertrains, helping deliver the precise, confidence-inspiring driving experience expected of a BMW. Future models will also benefit from high-performance driving dynamics management optimized for each powertrain variant.

Enhanced Trailer Stability Control supports confident towing.
 

Optimized trailer sway logic helps the new BMW X5 recognize trailer movement early and counteract it quickly. Depending on equipment, the system can intervene in several ways. For the first time, the all-electric BMW iX5 can use the optional rear-wheel steering to help stabilize a trailer, adding comfort and confidence while towing. If sway becomes more pronounced, all models can use braking intervention to stabilize the vehicle and trailer.

 

Standard 21-inch wheels, with 22-inch and 23-inch options available.
 

Larger wheels and tires further support the new BMW X5’s improved driving characteristics. Standard 21-inch wheels are paired with mixed-size tires measuring 255 millimeters at the front and 285 millimeters at the rear. Optional 22-inch (with either all-season or summer tires) and 23-inch wheels are also available.

 

Near 50:50 weight distribution and adaptive suspension as standard.

The new BMW X5 boasts adaptive suspension as standard, with dampers controlled electronically at each individual wheel, and weight distribution close to 50:50. Continuous adjustment of the damping can fine-tune the suspension across a wide range extending from high ride comfort to sporty, dynamic driving. Alternatively, the driver can also use the My Modes to select a basic setting for the adaptive suspension, ranging from comfort to dynamic.

 

Adjustable vehicle height can be used to improve ride comfort or increase efficiency.
 

One component of the optional adaptive two-axle air suspension is the automatic self-levelling function, which keeps the vehicle at the desired height regardless of the load. This means that the suspension’s full range of spring travel is always available to absorb any uneven surfaces and it will provide optimal ride characteristics, no matter how heavily laden the vehicle is. The adaptive two-axle air suspension also provides the option of adjusting the vehicle’s ride height automatically or manually. The driver can choose from three settings in the Air Suspension menu. With the Auto setting, the vehicle automatically adjusts to the current driving speed and the selected My Mode.

The starting level is maintained up to a speed of approximately 87 mph, at which point vehicle ride height lowers by 10 millimeters. Ride height lowers a further 10 millimeters above 124 mph or automatically if Sport or Sport + chassis settings are selected in My Modes. This lowers the center of gravity and reduces the vehicle’s air resistance. For the High setting, the vehicle is raised by 20 millimeters, increasing the ground clearance when not on paved roads, or when driving over obstacles or using garage exit ramps, for example. The Low setting lowers the BMW X5 by 40 millimeters when parked, making loading more comfortable and ensuring that it is easier to get in and out of the vehicle. The lowering option can now be selected while the vehicle is moving, which was not possible before. The vehicle is then lowered automatically when it comes to a stop. When restarted, the BMW X5 automatically returns to the Auto setting.

 

Adaptive Chassis Control Professional with roll stabilization for BEV and PHEV for the ultimate in signature BMW driving dynamics combined with maximum ride comfort.
 

Adaptive Chassis Control Professional is available as an optional extra to maximize the dynamic prowess of the all-electric BMW iX5 and the X5 50e xDrive. It features active roll stabilization that uses a 48V electric motor positioned in the center of each axle and active anti-roll bars to ensure fast and precise compensation of the lateral forces inducing body roll when driving through corners. Adaptive Chassis Control Professional improves agility, directional accuracy, and driving precision, while also enabling highly dynamic steering response thanks to its ability to stabilize body roll more effectively. As a result, the driver enjoys extremely precise reactions from the steering and impressive agility.

 

Active roll stabilization also increases comfort when driving in a straight line by decoupling the fixed connection between each axle’s wheels provided by a conventional anti-roll bar. As a result, suppression of body vibrations is also improved when driving straight ahead or at low levels of lateral acceleration: since the adaptive two-axle air suspension with self-levelling function maintains the full range of spring travel even when the vehicle is heavily laden, the addition of active roll stabilization makes it possible to activate a softer air spring setting and increase ride comfort. The amount of body roll caused by surface imperfections on one side of the vehicle when driving in a straight line is reduced thanks to the decoupled anti-roll bars. This has the effect of decreasing the lateral acceleration forces and the obtrusive side-to-side head movements that these can cause. As well as reducing rolling movements caused by bumps in the road on one side of the car, the Active Roll Comfort function goes further still by actively adjusting the body height on the corresponding side of the vehicle at the same time.

 

Integral Active Steering makes even lighter work of maneuvering with an improved turning circle, increases agility at low and moderate speeds, and optimizes poise and assurance when changing lanes at high speed. To this end, the rear wheels are turned in either the same or the opposite direction to the front wheels – depending on road speed – by up to 3.2 degrees. Steering the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds reduces the turning circle of the BMW X5 by around 2.5 feet.

 

BMW Symbiotic Drive keeps the driver engaged in the interaction between human and artificial intelligence.
 

BMW’s advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems are designed for seamless cooperation between driver and vehicle. Rather than pursuing the highest possible automation in every situation, BMW focuses on assistance that is useful, controllable, and confidence inspiring. Even when assistance is active, the driver can accelerate, steer, or brake without deactivating the system. Clear displays and operating logic in BMW Panoramic iDrive help make assisted driving intuitive while supporting safe use of the highest SAE Level 2 automation.

BMW Symbiotic Drive also shapes the behavior of active safety systems such as Lane Keeping Assistant.

Operating unobtrusively in the background, these systems interpret steering behavior and driver gaze to help determine intent, intervening with warnings or steering support only when unintentional lane departure or a potential collision is detected.

 

Optional Highway Assistant enables hands-free driving on suitable highways at speeds up to 85 mph.
 

Highway Assistant allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel for extended periods on suitable limited-access highways at speeds up to 85 mph, when weather and traffic conditions permit. The driver must remain attentive and ready to intervene. Enhanced with Active Lane Change with Eye Activation, the system can recommend a lane change when the X5 approaches slower traffic. A glance toward the appropriate exterior mirror confirms the maneuver, and the vehicle signals and changes lanes when it is safe to do so.

 

Standard Driving Assistant Plus supports steering, braking, and speed control.
 

Driving Assistant Plus comes standard on the BMW X5 and can help control speed, maintain distance from the vehicle ahead, and keep the X5 centered in its lane at the driver’s request. The system can also adjust speed to detected limits and for upcoming corners, roundabouts, and turns. As with all driver assistance systems, the driver must remain alert and ready to take over at any time.

 

BMW Symbiotic Drive with BMW Soft Stop supports smooth recuperative braking to a standstill.
 

In the BMW iX5 and upcoming BMW iX5 Hydrogen, the Heart of Joy works with BMW Dynamic Performance Control to manage drive, braking, steering subfunctions, charging, and recuperation. In all-electric BMW iX5 variants with driver assistance activated, the Superbrain of Automated Driving enables BMW Soft Stop, using precise electric-motor control to bring the vehicle to an exceptionally smooth stop without jerking or brake noise. In everyday driving, recuperation handles nearly all braking; conventional brakes are reserved for enthusiastic driving or emergency braking.

An expanded suite of standard active safety functions builds on the outgoing model.
 

BMW Symbiotic Drive helps active safety functions intervene only when a risk is detected, and the driver is distracted or not fully in control. Standard features include Lane Keeping Assistant, Active Blind Spot Detection, Side Collision Protection, and Crossing Traffic Warning with Brake Intervention when turning into a road or leaving a parking space. Emergency Brake Assistant with Evasion Assistant helps prevent frontal collisions with maximum braking when needed and can now respond to wildlife crossing the road. Exit warning can also delay door opening when, for example, a cyclist is approaching.

 

Parking Assistant Plus adds AI-supported parking space detection and maneuver planning.
 

Optional Parking Assistant Plus on the new BMW X5 supports swift, smooth semi-automated parking. A redesigned surround visualization makes detected spaces easier to select, while the system provides 360-degree views with curb, 3D, and car wash perspectives. Maneuver Assistant can record and repeat recurring maneuvers up to 600 feet. The optional Parking Assistant Professional adds Remote Control Parking and stored-maneuver control from up to 15 feet away using the My BMW App. Driving and parking assistance functions can also be activated later through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.