Bringing a brand new automotive to market entails years of improvement adopted by an intensive testing part to iron out any points. It’s been practically a yr since automotive paparazzi first noticed the next-generation X5, however the “G65” isn’t anticipated to debut till the second half of 2026. Within the meantime, one other closely camouflaged prototype has been caught on the transfer.
At first look, you may suppose this can be a absolutely electrical X5. In spite of everything, it’s lacking seen exhaust pipes and has a German license plate ending in an “E.” Nevertheless, these two microphones mounted on the tailgate inform a distinct story. They measure noise ranges on the twin exhaust shops. There’s additionally a charging port positioned on the entrance fender, on the motive force’s aspect. That is clearly a plug-in hybrid.
Along with being bigger than the upcoming iX3, the prototype reveals a element lacking from that smaller Neue Klasse mannequin. The fifth-generation X5 will seemingly be BMW’s first series-production car to ditch conventional door handles in favor of tiny winglets built-in into the beltline. Though the limited-run Skytop will characteristic them first, that M8-based targa is capped at simply 50 models. The X5 may also use the small, electrically operated door-release mechanism for the rear doorways.
Whereas we’ve beforehand seen spy video of the X5 PHEV, that prototype belonged to the M Efficiency line. The M60e variant will sport a quad-exhaust setup and an electrified inline-six, though a V8 might stay accessible within the U.S. markets. BMW’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter S68 is predicted to stay round in areas the place emissions requirements are much less stringent.
BMW plans to supply a broad powertrain lineup: gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and a completely electrical iX5. Moreover, the corporate’s first hydrogen-powered production vehicle, due in 2028, is anticipated to be based mostly on the brand new X5. Preliminary manufacturing for the upcoming fashions is rumored to start in August 2026. A scorching V8-powered X5 M60 will hit the meeting line in March 2027.
Whatever the powertrain, the next-gen X5 will undertake Neue Klasse design cues and in-cabin expertise. Anticipate a cleaner, extra refined exterior and a minimalist inside dominated by a big central display screen, probably measuring 17.9 inches. BMW will ditch the normal iDrive rotary knob and even the instrument cluster. As a substitute, the brand new Panoramic Vision show will stretch throughout the windshield base as a nine-tile projection. A newly developed elective 3D head-up show can be deliberate.
For these open to going electrical, the iX5 will use the identical CLAR platform however achieve superior tech from Neue Klasse fashions, together with cylindrical battery cells and updated electric motors. The incoming electrical X5 might ultimately spell the top for the polarizing iX. Nevertheless, the 2 are anticipated to coexist for a time earlier than a full transition takes place.
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