BMW has unveiled the first official images of its next-generation X5, and the luxury SUV is shaping up to be one of the brand’s most versatile models yet. Codenamed G65, the upcoming X5 will offer an unprecedented range of powertrains, spanning gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, full battery electric, and even hydrogen fuel cell options.
The hydrogen derivative, co-developed with Toyota, will enter production in 2028, while the new-generation X5 itself is expected to debut as early as next year. A fully electric version is also in development, and BMW is even considering an EV variant with a range extender — a concept the company previously explored with the i3 hatchback.
Design Highlights
Despite its camouflage, the test mule reveals key design cues. The front end will feature BMW’s Neue Klasse design language, including vertical kidney grilles similar to those seen on the iX3. Unlike the X7 or XM, the new X5 will avoid split headlights, sticking with a more conventional setup.
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One striking detail is the absence of traditional door handles. Instead, flush “winglets” integrated into the beltline recall design touches from BMW’s Skytop concept and the Mustang Mach-E. At the rear, the X5 retains its split tailgate — a feature many rivals have abandoned in cost-cutting measures. Placeholder taillights are expected to give way to wide, horizontally stretched clusters resembling those on the iX3.
Interior Preview
While the interior remains under wraps, the 2027 iX3 offers a strong preview. Expect a 17.9-inch central display and BMW’s Panoramic Vision projection system, which replaces the instrument cluster with a windshield-spanning interface. The system will display fixed driver tiles alongside customizable passenger-side sections.
In line with BMW’s push toward minimalism, the iDrive rotary knob and most physical buttons are being phased out. Even basic functions like airflow direction will be managed via the touchscreen, signaling a dramatic shift in BMW’s interior philosophy.
Future of the X5 Lineup
The fifth-generation X5 is set to launch globally in 2026 as one of the first combustion models to carry Neue Klasse DNA, alongside the next-gen 3 Series sedan. While gasoline and plug-in hybrid variants will be widely available, diesels are expected to remain limited to Europe and select markets.
The iX5 Hydrogen, meanwhile, will likely be confined to regions with adequate refueling infrastructure. By late 2024, only 1,160 hydrogen stations existed worldwide, according to H2Stations.org, raising doubts about the widespread viability of hydrogen models. Still, BMW and Toyota remain firm backers of the technology, even as Stellantis steps back.
The X5’s role as a three-row SUV is still uncertain, with BMW possibly steering family buyers toward the larger X7, which will get its own EV version in 2027. Regardless of seating configurations, the X5’s broad powertrain portfolio ensures it will remain one of BMW’s most important global models in the years ahead.
